With the lightning speed pace of technology releases in the consumer market, and the rush to adopt new technology into virtually everything we do, it is tempting to assume that builders must know a lot about technology. Well, many do. Some builders know quite a lot about home technology, whether it is advanced wiring needs, home network demands, or whole-house audio enhancements.
In addition, the number of builders using technology to run their business is on the rise. Consider the results of the recent Computer Usage Survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), discussed in the Industry News section of this issue (page 12). The NAHB has found that more builders are using computers in their businesses, are using the Internet more, and are investing more in software to help them run their operations.
The builders that are the most tech-savvy tend to be those at large companies, and those building at the high-end of the price scale.
But many homebuilders in the moderate and lower priced housing markets still think of home tech as "nice-to-have" wish items, rather than "need-to-have" features. That is unfortunate, since a basic home tech package does not have to be an expensive proposition for either the builder or customer. Many of the same builders are also slow to incorporate technology in their businesses themselves. They buy only off-the-shelf software, not much of it, and don’t tweak software applications to fit their unique needs or processes.
All of this makes homebuilders ripe for a new event targeted at getting educated on the latest advancements in technologies—both for in the home and for running the business. In response, TecHome Builder has launched a new annual event called the TecHome Builder Conference and Expo, to be held May 18–20, 2005, in Phoenix. The event will combine an educational conference (May 18–20) with a trade show expo (May 19-20).
The event will feature three educational tracks covering TecHomes & Communities, Tech Sales & Marketing Solutions, and Tech Management Solutions. They will offer builders a wealth of advice on how to incorporate technology into new homes and communities to increase sales and profits, how to use information technology to sell and market new homes more effectively, and how to use information technology to improve field and back office productivity.
Two keynote sessions, forty education seminars and dozens of manufacturer training sessions are in the works for the event. While general builder shows feature a handful of educational sessions that discuss home technologies, it is the intent of TecHome Expo to offer builders insightful, actionable advice on the full spectrum of home technology products and issues, so that you can immediately put the best practices to work in your business.