Hotel Near OCCC for IBS 2026

Hotel Near OCCC for IBS 2026

Where to Stay for the International Builders’ Show 2026

If you’re heading to Orlando for the International Builders’ Show 2026, choosing the right hotel isn’t just about finding a place to sleep. IBS is intense. It covers a massive footprint at the Orange County Convention Center, brings in tens of thousands of industry professionals, and fills Orlando with builders, remodelers, designers, suppliers, and construction experts from around the United States and abroad.

 

This means two things.
First, you want to stay close. Second, you want a hotel that keeps you comfortable, grounded, and ready for long days.

 

As a hotel near the Orange County Convention Center, CoCo Key Hotel & Water Park provides a practical and affordable home base for IBS attendees. You’ll get quick access to the show, reliable rooms, and resort style amenities that help you unwind between sessions, demos, and networking events.

 

This blog breaks down why CoCo Key is a smart choice for the International Builders’ Show, what you can expect from IBS 2026, and how staying close to the OCCC can transform your overall experience.

 

What Is the International Builders’ Show? A Look at IBS 2026

The NAHB International Builders’ Show is one of the largest and most influential events in the entire residential construction industry. Organized by the National Association of Home Builders, IBS is known worldwide as the largest annual light construction show and a central meeting place for designers, builders, remodelers, architects, vendors, and product manufacturers.

 

IBS 2026 takes place February 17 through February 19, 2026 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. It runs alongside Design and Construction Week, which includes the Bath Industry Show and the Kitchen and Bath event. The combined traffic creates a high energy, fast moving atmosphere filled with hands on demos, new product launches, training, and endless networking.

 

If you’ve never been to IBS, picture a massive three day event filled with:

• The latest products and building materials
• New product launches and live demonstrations
• Full scale outdoor exhibits
• A huge floor of trade show displays
• Education sessions and panel discussions
• Industry insights, economics insights, and data presentations
• Artificial intelligence solutions for the building world
• Training on construction techniques
• Access to top manufacturers and the biggest brands in the industry

IBS brings the entire industry under one roof.

Whether you are a builder, trade contractor, remodeler, manufacturer, or design professional, IBS gives you unmatched access to the people, the tools, and the ideas shaping the next year of home building.

 

Why Staying Near the Orange County Convention Center Matters for IBS

With so many IBS attendees in one place, Orlando gets busy quickly. The OCCC spans millions of net square feet of exhibit space, and traffic on International Drive and Universal Blvd becomes noticeably heavier during Construction Week.

Being close to the venue can change your experience. You save time, avoid long transportation lines, and stay focused on what matters.

A hotel near the OCCC helps you:

• Get to early morning education sessions without rushing
• Return easily between panel discussions or meetings
• Avoid parking challenges during peak hours
• Save energy for the show instead of spending it in traffic
• Make it to evening networking events and IBS house parties
• Move freely from indoor exhibits to outdoor exhibits
• Maximize your time on the trade show floor

When you’re juggling sessions, exhibits, demonstrations, and meetings, proximity becomes a major advantage.

 

What IBS 2026 Attendees Can Expect This Year

Every year’s show is different, but certain elements make IBS one of the most exciting events in construction.

1. Latest Products and New Product Launches

Manufacturers use IBS as a platform to debut new tools, software, building materials, and innovations. You get to see these products first, long before they roll out to retail.

2. Live Demonstrations and Construction Demos

From carpentry to framing to smart home systems, IBS offers real time, hands on instruction. These demos allow you to compare building techniques, test equipment, and engage with experts.

3. Dozens of Education Sessions

Sessions cover business contracts, best practices, building science, economics, marketing strategies, and the latest trends in homebuilding. Many attendees buy an education pass to get full access.

 

4. Networking with Industry Leaders

IBS brings together industry professionals from every corner of the housing market. You get direct access to builders, suppliers, designers, remodelers, and construction experts.

 

5. Outdoor Exhibits and Full Size Builds

The outdoor exhibits often feature fully built structures, construction techniques, and large equipment demos. There are few places in the world where you can walk through this much real scale content in one place.

 

6. Pro Builder Show Village

This section highlights cutting edge homes, modular builds, and design concepts. Many visitors consider it a must see.

 

7. NAHB Events and Experiences

These events include the IBS young pro party, the IBS house party, the people awards, and the outlook breakfast. They bring together the community in a fun, casual setting.

IBS is also known for connecting attendees with features like the mobile app, which helps plan schedules, track sessions, and explore exhibitor lists.

 

Why CoCo Key Hotel Is a Great Fit for IBS Attendees

Attending a major show like IBS requires energy and organization. You need a hotel that supports that. CoCo Key offers a balanced experience that blends practicality and comfort.

 

1. A Good Location for Fast Convention Center Access

CoCo Key is located on International Drive, just minutes from the OCCC. This helps you avoid long commutes and gives you more time to explore the show floor.

 

2. Rooms Designed for Rest and Work

Our hotel rooms include reliable WiFi, comfortable bedding, a workspace, a mini fridge, a microwave, and essential amenities. They give you everything you need without unnecessary complexity.

 

3. A Comfortable Atmosphere After Long Days

IBS days are long. Having an outdoor pool, water park, restaurants, and relaxation areas gives you options to refresh your mind and body.

 

4. Reasonable Pricing Without Extra Fees

Many hotels raise prices significantly during major trade shows. CoCo Key remains reasonably priced and includes free parking and WiFi for all guests.

 

5. Good for Teams and Groups

Smaller companies and visiting crews often travel together. CoCo Key offers room types that can support teams attending the show together.

 

IBS 2026 Tips: Make the Most of Your Trip

Here are practical ways to maximize your IBS experience.

Review the Schedule in Advance

Event schedules fill quickly. Plan your day so you can hit the sessions and speaker panels that matter most.

 

Explore the Exhibit Floors in Sections

The IBS exhibit floors are huge. Splitting them into zones makes the experience manageable.

 

Use the NAHB Mobile App

The app helps you organize sessions, discover new products, and navigate the OCCC more easily.

 

Pack Light but Smart

Comfortable shoes, business cards, and a simple bag for brochures or samples will make your day easier.

 

Allow Time for Outdoor Exhibits

These areas show live construction, framing, roofing, siding, and other techniques you cannot see anywhere else.

 

Break Up the Day

With a nearby hotel, you can easily return for a quick break before heading back to the show or evening events.

 

Why Staying Close Matters More During Construction Week

Construction Week brings in not only IBS but also the Bath Industry Show, the Kitchen and Bath association events, and many related trade shows. This means:

• Heavy traffic
• Full parking garages
• Busy restaurants
• Longer wait times
• Increased demand for hotel rooms

Staying near the Convention Center reduces stress, saves time, and keeps your energy focused on the event.

 

Enjoy Orlando While You’re Here

If you want to get outside the show environment, Orlando offers plenty. International Drive gives you quick access to ICON Park, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and plenty of restaurants and entertainment.

You are close to everything, whether you want a quick meal, a relaxing evening, or a place to unwind after a full day at the show.

 

Make IBS 2026 Count with the Right Hotel Stay

IBS 2026 will be one of the most impactful events of the year for builders, remodelers, and residential construction professionals. Whether you are attending education sessions, exploring industry trends, watching live demonstrations, or networking with leaders from across the United States, choosing the right hotel improves your experience.

A hotel near the Orange County Convention Center gives you more control over your time, your schedule, and your comfort. At CoCo Key Hotel & Water Park, we offer a convenient location, practical rooms, and an enjoyable place to recharge.