60th Annual Atlantic Builders Convention Draws 10,000 Attendees, 600 Exhibits, Industry Experts to Atlantic City, April 22-24th

Robbinsville, NJ – April 14, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC) – the Northeast’s largest building industry trade show – convenes April 22-24, 2009 in Atlantic City, NJ at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The 60th annual event hosted by the New Jersey Builders Association is expected to attract 10,000 attendees and 600 exhibits, along with a distinguished list of guests and presenters for a variety of educational and informational programs, demonstration clinics, celebrations, events and awards.

This year’s emphasis is on green building products and services, reflecting both industry and consumer trends, as well as business and economic tools to survive these difficult times and be best-positioned to thrive, moving forward. In addition, the ABC is launching its first-ever 3-D virtual exhibit hall to provide a cost-effective and useful tool through which to market and purchase products and services.

“This year’s convention takes place at a critical point in our industry and our economy. Despite recent reports which seem to indicate that we may be approaching bottom, there remains a general sense of uncertainty which continues to affect the housing market and the homebuilding industry, “said NJBA President, Stephen A. Patron. “The ripple effects of a downturn within the homebuilding industry impact virtually everyone from Wall Street to Main Street, as well as the greater economy. However, the need for housing remains, as does our desire to be able to provide it.”

According to ABC Committee Chair, Jeanne Tomlinson, “These circumstances present unique challenges and opportunities for builders and associated professionals alike. ABC 2009 offers building professionals the tools needed to respond to these challenges and to be proactive in preparation for the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Patron continued, “Now more than ever, I strongly encourage builders and associated professionals to be active and engaged in the Atlantic Builders Convention – where the opportunities are without limit and where your investment of time and resources can produce real and tangible benefits”

Convention highlights include:

• Virtual Exhibit Hall – this 3-D, fully interactive, real time, virtual exhibit hall provides cost-effective marketing opportunities for exhibitors along with exciting and practical ways for virtual attendees to conduct business with suppliers: http://www.abconvention.com/virtualabc/#1

• Green Building programs, demonstrations and accredited courses are being offered on topics including how to build green homes offering lower energy costs and higher values; strategies for incorporating green building principles without driving up the cost of construction; the benefits and obstacles of green building; and advancements in green building products. For a list of “green” vendors, go to: http://www.abconvention.com/greenvendors.html

• Economic Outlook: 2009 and Beyond – this highly-anticipated program features an esteemed panel of experts including Joseph J. Seneca, Ph.D. of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, and Jeffrey G. Otteau of the Otteau Valuation Group who will discuss what’s in store for the economy in the coming year; how economic conditions and demographic trends will shape the demand for housing; and what lies ahead for homebuilding in New Jersey

• Accredited Courses on Green Building, Trends in Land Use Law, Annual Environmental Review & Trends in Environmental Law, Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment, Residential Structural Framing, COAH’s 3rd Round Rules, ENERGY STAR Homes, and many others featuring the opportunity to earn AIA, AICP CM, CEU, PA CLE, and LU HSW credits: http://www.abconvention.com/AccreditedCourses.asp

• Future of Housing in New Jersey – NJN Senior Political Correspondent Michael Aron moderates a panel of the State’s leading policy makers as they discuss plans to revive the housing industry and accelerate New Jersey’s economic growth. Confirmed guests include: Chief of the Office of Economic Growth, Jerold L. Zaro; Senator Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (R-21), Senate Minority Leader; Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-36), Senate Deputy Majority Leader;
  Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-22), Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore; Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-6), Assembly Budget Committee Chair; and Assemblyman Joseph R. Malone (R-30), Assembly Republican Budget Officer: http://www.abconvention.com/future_of_housing.php

• 22nd Annual SAM Awards Banquet honoring sales and marketing achievement – a tremendous networking event: http://www.abconvention.com/SAMBanquet.html

• NJBA Annual Industry Awards Luncheon recognizing those who are pillars within the building industry, and featuring a presentation by Bryan J. Dodge – a professional speaker, author and radio personality: http://www.abconvention.com/IndustrAwardsLuncheon.html

• 60th Annual Installation Banquet for the induction of NJBA’s 2009-2010 slate of officers: http://www.abconvention.com/Installation.html

• Legend of Housing – the NJBA’s highest honor and most prestigious designation – being presented this year to Robert H. “Bob” Karen for his substantial, measurable and lasting impact on housing New Jersey families: http://www.abconvention.com/pressReleases/09.03.26_LegendofHousing.asp

• SAM Million Dollar Club Awards Luncheon featuring presentations by Tom Richey entitled “25 Tough Market Home Selling Secrets” plus “The All Inclusive Closing Workshop” – what you need to know if you want to not only survive but thrive in this tough market: http://www.abconvention.com/SAMLuncheon.html

• Exhibits featuring state-of-the art products, technologies and services, plus hands-on demonstrations: http://www.abconvention.com/FloorPlan_attend.html

• Rock Band II and Wii Competition – hosted by ABC Superstar Games to benefit the Industry Defense Fund: http://www.abconvention.com/gameroom.asp

Additional information is available online, at http://www.abconvention.com. Visit “Show at a Glance” at http://www.abconvention.com/Show_at_a_Glance.html for an overview of all ABC-related events.

About the Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC)
Now in its 60th year, the ABC is the largest building industry trade show in the Northeast, drawing more than 10,000 participants from a six-state region, including residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers and subcontractors, plus a variety of consulting professionals. The three-day convention features 600 exhibits showcasing the latest products and services to a large and diverse audience of decision makers. Attendees gain up-to-date information about the latest market trends, government policies and technical developments at educational seminars. Additional information is available online, at www.abconvention.com.

About the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA)
The New Jersey Builders Association is a housing industry trade association of 2,000 member firms including builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, consultants and other professionals dedicated to meeting the housing needs of all New Jersey residents and facilitating their realization of the American Dream. NJBA serves as a resource for its members through continuing education and advocacy. The NJBA and its members strive for a better, greener, more affordable New Jersey. Additional information is available at www.njba.org.

Contact:

Amy Whilldin
Director of Communications
(609) 587-5577, ext. 204
awhilldin (at) njba (dot) org