IBS Live is the latest addition to the annual International Builders' Show, featuring education sessions, displays and special events set to attract more than 50,000 members of the home building industry to Orlando, Fla., Feb. 8-11.

IBS Live features a theater airing short mini-education sessions on a wide range of topics, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Finance Pavilion, where attendees can meet individually with a variety of capital sources and financing advisors, and a lounge for relaxing with fellow attendees - all in the middle of the Orange County Convention Center.

It kicks off on Wednesday at noon when Bob Vila, former host ofThis Old House,will talk about the trend toward a more compact, energy-efficient home and the new luxury details that consumers want.  

J.R. Martinez, who was severely injured in Iraq before becoming TV's Dancing with the Stars champion, will talk about his work with Operation Finally Home, a national charitable program providing new homes for injured soldiers. Martinez will be available for autographs and photos after the presentation.  

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition personalities Tracy Hutson and Paul Dimeo will share the secrets, tips and behind-the-scenes antics of the reality TV show.

Representatives fromBetter Homes & Gardenswill discuss top consumer trends around the country. McGraw Hill Construction Analytics will discuss the results of the latest in a series of green building preferences andProfessional Buildereditors will discuss new home building and remodeling smart phone and tablet apps.

IBS Live will also host sessions including "How Builders Should Work with Appraisers" and "Capital Markets - What All Builders and Developers Seeking Capital Should Know."
,br>"We developed the IBS Live concept based on feedback we had from past attendees that wanted more education and networking opportunities on the floor," said Mark Pursell, NAHB senior vice president of exhibitions, marketing and sales. "We think the area will be a big draw and add an energy that will benefit both the attendees and exhibitors alike."

A full schedule of IBS Live events is available atwww.buildersshow.com/live.Early bird registration runs through Feb. 5 atwww.buildersshow.com/register.