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What Happens In Vegas… Sometimes Sparks Your Next Renovation Idea!
At the end of February, we headed to Las Vegas for the International Builders’ Show (IBS)—one of the biggest events in construction and design. With over 81,000 attendees and nearly 730,000 sq ft of exhibits, it wasn’t just a conference—it was an eye-opening look at where the industry is heading.
Every turn was another opportunity to see something new – booth after booth showcased new building tech, materials, and smarter, safer and more sustainable ways of doing things.
One thing’s for sure, our trip to Vegas wasn’t just about nabbing a few free koozies (though, who doesn’t love a good freebie with a side of pronunciation debate?). It was a reminder of why we’re so passionate about what we do. We brought back a renewed sense of excitement for the projects we’ve got lined up and a whole bunch of new ideas we can’t wait to share with you. Here are a few that stood out:
Zook Cabins
We’ve got a soft spot for smart, efficient living—fun fact: one of our owners lives off-grid most of the year in a space that’s less than 100 sq ft. So, when we came across Zook Cabins at the show, we were immediately intrigued.
These modular homes aren’t quite that small, but they’re a great example of how thoughtful design and functionality can go hand in hand. The setup is incredibly smooth, and one of the coolest things? Watching a video showing how the A-frame unit we were standing in had unfolded into place. Seeing that transformation happen really drove home why modular builds are gaining traction: fast to set up, flexible in use, and great for everything from weekend getaways to rental properties. We walked away totally inspired.
Ombra
Speaking of modular dwellings, Ombra’s high-tech, solar-powered pergolas were built for outdoor comfort—even in the blazing Vegas heat, their booth stayed cool with off-grid A/C.
It got us thinking: in Saskatchewan, summer may be short, but it’s intense. These structures could easily be adapted into private gyms, backyard offices, or mosquito-free hangout zones with heating and insulation for use beyond July and August.
Dekko
This Canadian company is doing cool things with lightweight concrete cladding—for interiors and exteriors. It looks modern and clean AND can handle our extreme Canadian temperature swings
Bonus? You can inlay logos or custom textures directly into the concrete. We’re already picturing it as a feature wall in one of our upcoming commercial renos. And their fireplaces are a backyard anchor if we’ve ever seen one. We love the look—and as big fans of fellow homegrown companies and summer fires with friends, Dekko’s definitely on our radar.
Viewrail
One booth that really stood out was Viewrail. Based out of California, this crew has a serious talent for turning stairs and railings into sculptural statement pieces.
Their double-decker display felt more like a showroom than a trade show booth—like a full-on architectural gallery built inside the expo hall, designed with intention from top to bottom. You could tell these folks don’t just build stairs—they craft experiences.
But the part that really made our branding brain light up? The Viewmasters. Remember, the classic red ones from the 60’s. Only this time, instead of dinosaurs or cartoons, you flipped through a curated portfolio of their work. And it wasn’t until later that we realized the genius behind it: “VIEWmasters” for “VIEWrail.” Smart, right?
To us, that kind of detail says a lot. It shows how much care and strategy they pour into every piece of their customer journey. Every inch of that booth felt considered—and that’s the kind of energy we love to see (and bring to our own projects, too).
Monogram
Walking into the Monogram booth felt a bit like falling down Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole—one moment we were weaving through the trade show buzz, and the next, we were stepping into a fully realized dream home – complete with scent, mood and food styling (even the bread on the cutting board was real!). Every detail had been thought through! It didn’t just look like a home—it felt like one.
And just when we thought we’d seen it all, we turned the corner, and there it was, the grand finale: a shiny Lexus doubling as a backyard hangout, complete with a pizza oven in the back (Because, why not?) and wine glasses ready for a toast. Casual ;)
That’s what we appreciated most—Monogram clearly understands that a home isn’t just about appliances. It’s about how it makes you feel, how it invites you in. That attention to experience is something we talk about all the time at Collab. Because we’re not just here to build walls and roofs—we’re here to create places that feel like yours, down to the last detail.
CNC Cabinetry
CNC Cabinetry knows how to build curiosity. Inside a small room at their booth was a private showcase—an exclusive look at something they’re quietly gearing up to launch: their new LED-faced cabinet panels.
These panels don’t just light up a room—they are the light. Imagine a sleek, cabinet face that looks like a Samsung Frame TV, illuminating in any colour you choose – totally programmable.
They’re launching for interiors first, but we hear an exterior version is in the works. We always appreciate it when companies think out of the box, and CNC is doing just that! Picture an outdoor kitchen glowing under the stars…we’re into it.
Meeting Up with Some Familiar Faces
One of the highlights of the show? Finally getting to spend time in person with the BuilderTrend crew—Kevin, Sagar, and John. We’ve used BuilderTrend for years now, and it’s a huge part of what we feel sets us apart as general contractors. It gives our clients full visibility into the renovation process, and gives our team one streamlined place to manage everything.
We’ve always appreciated how BuilderTrend stays ahead of the curve, but what really stood out is how they’re approaching the future—particularly with AI. Instead of guessing what contractors need, they’re actually asking. We’ve had the opportunity to be part of their brainstorming sessions via Zoom, but this was our first chance to meet the team in person—and it did not disappoint.
John, their new CTO, went out of his way to learn more about our real-world experience using the platform. He even brought up a long-standing issue that’s affected Canadian users and shared how it’s on their radar, on the roadmap, and being shaped around a real understanding of what builders like us need. (Fun fact: they even created a Canadian user avatar named Trevor so the team could advocate for our market during dev meetings. Now that’s commitment.)
Meanwhile, over at the Association of Professional Builders (APB), we were just as excited to meet some familiar voices and finally take the leap into their high-level coaching program (more on that coming soon, it’s a big one for us!). It was a treat to catch Will (host of Builders Secrets, one of our favorite podcasts) recording live on the show floor and see cofounder Russ present this year’s SORCI report—an annual benchmarking survey that we use to see how we’re stacking up compared to the best in the industry. We definitely left feeling energized and excited about what’s ahead.
One Of Our Own Is NKBA’s Thirty Under 30
Before we wrap, we want to give a big shoutout to someone doing incredible things right here at home. Congratulations to local Regina designer Payton Patterson on being named one of NKBA’s 30 Under 30! Payton’s creative eye and passion for smart, stylish spaces has always stood out, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her recognized on the national stage. (You can check her out at Payton’s Place Designs—she’s one to watch!)
Wrapping Up A Big Week
So, as the glitter of Vegas fades in the rearview, we’re coming home with more than just brochures and booth buzz. We’re bringing back new ideas, fresh inspiration, and a deepened excitement for the work ahead. At Collaborative Construction, it’s never just about the project—it’s about the people we meet, the ideas we share, and the spaces we get to help create.
