The 21st Century Building Expo & Conference (21CBEC) was created so members of NCHBA and the home building industry in general could attend and participate in an Expo and educational conference of the same quality as the NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS), but not have to travel to a remote location.

Over the last five years, the 21CBEC has become the fastest growing trade show in the Southeast. Due to its overwhelming success, the 21CBEC floor plan has been expanded to two show floors to accommodate additional exhibitors including systems built home sites.

More than eight homes and 400 exhibitor booths will be on display, where you will be able to talk face-to-face with company representatives showcasing the latest cutting edge products and services in our industry. The expo floor will open on Thursday and Friday September 11-12, 2008.

The quality of services and products is the same as can be seen at the IBS. The educational seminars feature many of the same instructors and all of the same hot topics. Over 35 educational programs have been chosen and structured so that there is something for everyone. NC Builder Institute (NCBI) and NAHB courses will be offered and their completion will count toward certified designations.

Specific seminars are targeted to specialized fields – some will appeal directly to builders, while others will address specialty contractors and remodelers. Other programs will interest those engaged in sales and marketing activities. Some of the dynamic seminars will include: topics of legal issues, accounting, building technology, OSHA, internet and e-commerce, housing trends, time management, green building, lead carpenter training, and much more.

Conference attendees will be able to obtain continuing education credit from the North Carolina Builder Institute and National Association of Home Builders in the following designations: NCBI’s Accredited Builder (AB), Accredited Master Builder (AMB) and the new Accredited Associate (AA); the NAHB’s Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS) designations.

Build-Smart Demonstration clinics are Expo floor demonstrations by experts in the field. There is no charge to visit the expo floor & participate in this program if you pre-register.

There will also be fun events throughout the week including the annual golf tournament, the STARS awards banquet which focuses on the outstanding achievements of the industry's professionals, and of course, the many prize give-a-ways on the Expo floor – ranging from many weekend “get-a-ways” up to and including the Grand prize of two separate drawings of $10,000 cash!

Mark your calendars NOW for the 21CBEC and do plan to attend!

Educational Conference: September 10-12, 2008
Exposition: September 11-12, 2008
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, NC

For more information go to the 21CBEC website at http://www.21buildingexpo.com