Just in time to chase away the winter blahs, the Metropolitan Builders Association’s Building Lifestyles: Home Building Remodeling Show will take place at the Wisconsin Center, Jan. 10 to 12, 2014. “We all have been focused on family and the holidays in the past months,” said Kristine Hillmer, MBA executive director. “This show is a great way to look forward to spring and summer. We are proud to present the first home show of the year.” Thinking about building, remodeling or just making some improvements in the home? “The earlier you plan; the earlier it gets done,” Hillmer said.
This year’s show, presented by Nonn’s Design Showplace, combines elements that attendees love and new things that are cannot-miss. This includes nearly everything from choosing a lot, a builder or remodeler, to designing, financing a project and food.
New this year, is the Product Innovation Pavilion. The building industry continually works to try to bring the latest designs to its customers. “The Product Innovation Pavilion showcases what’s new on the horizon from power, technology, and kitchen and bath designs. We are really excited about this new feature of the event,” Hillmer said.
The show’s theme focuses on how people live in their homes. The Seminar Stage will feature industry experts in design, building, remodeling, landscaping and decorating who will provide tips and tools to make a home fit homeowners’ lifestyles.
“Don’t miss home improvement expert Lou Manfredini,” Hillmer said. The host of HouseSmarts TV will talk about innovative home designs on the Building Discovery Cooking Stage, Friday, Jan. 10, 2 to 3 p.m. The Building Discovery Cooking stage also will offer cooking demonstrations, tastings and recipe sharing.
The MBA is intentional about keeping the building and remodeling industry vibrant. To that end, the show has a great new resource, Construction Career Center, for those interested in the trades. There will be information on scholarships, employment and educational opportunities for those interested in skill trades from rough and finish carpentry to plumbing. “There are excellent careers in the construction industry,” Hillmer said. “These careers are stable and family supporting.”
The Marketplace Pavilions are always popular areas, Hillmer said. “Our attendees love to see what’s new in the food and beverage industries where they have opportunities to sample while getting great ideas for entertaining,” she said. Wines, ales, teas, spices, sauces and dips will be available. Usinger’s will be there as well as Leinie’s Lodge. Those 21 or older can sample Wisconsin’s fine craft beers.
The Subdivision Lot Finder is another popular feature with attendees. Visitors can search for subdivision lots to build a home. Hillmer said the show also gives attendees a sneak peek at the 2014 Parade of Homes sites. “There are three sites in 2014 and we already have 20 homes,” she said.
The exposition booths will be busy. Vendors love to speak with attendees, to answer questions and to give expert advice on everything about house and home, from landscaping to lighting and carpeting to construction.
Landscape Park shows attendees the latest in landscape trends; and the ever-popular Kids Zone gives kids hands-on opportunities to build and engage in games.
“Of course we will have our Food House,” Hillmer said of the house replica that will be filled with donated food benefiting The Hunger Task Force. Donate a minimum of two nonperishable food items and receive $2 off an admission ticket to the show.
Want more information? Attend the show!
Hours
Friday, Jan. 10
Noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 12
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission
$10 for adults at the gate
$7 for seniors at the gate
Children 12 and under, are free.
For more information, visit mbaonline.org and take a look at the Building Lifestyles magazine in Sunday’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper!
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