Legendary entertainment industry leader, Michael Eisner was announced recently as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NAHB International Builders Show (IBS), the housing industry's largest annual trade show and exhibition. The show, held Jan. 22-24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center will play host to professionals representing all facets of the housing industry from around the world. Eisner will address attendees on Jan. 22, during the IBS Opening Ceremonies.

"The Opening Ceremonies always provides an impressive lineup of speakers and entertainment, and this year is no exception," said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. "We look forward to hearing the inspirational words of former Disney leader Michael Eisner, followed by a comedic performance of the Capitol Steps."

Eisner, who served as the Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company for twenty-one years, is recognized for having revitalized and reinvented the company into a full spectrum entertainment enterprise. Under his leadership, the company began implementation of a continuing series of creative growth strategies that resulted in its annual revenues rising from $1.7 billion to more than $30 billion. Michael Eisner continues to be an entertainment innovator to this day. His investment company Tornante launched Vuguru, a studio producing original programming for the Internet, portable media devices and cell phones.

Drawing from his vast experience as both a Fortune 500 CEO and an entrepreneur, his remarks will motivate corporate innovation and teamwork. 

Closing out the Opening Ceremonies will be a performance by famed political satire group, the Capitol Steps. Created in December 1981, the Steps began as a group of senate staffers who used the headlines of the day to create song parodies and skits that conveyed a special brand of satirical humor.

Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded more than 30 albums and have been featured on numerous major television networks. Although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices, and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.

The IBS Opening Ceremonies is open to all registered attendees. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and limited general seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

The 2013 NAHB International Builders' Show is not open to the general public. Building industry professionals and their affiliates throughout the housing trades may register by visiting the show's Web Site at www.BuildersShow.com.