The 50+ market, with boomers leading the way, is the fastest-growing segment of the housing industry. In fact, consumers 50 and older will account for more than a quarter of the 1.267 million new home purchases this year.

Find out about this burgeoning market at the 2006 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. next month. The 50+ Housing Council will present more than 35 seminars and education sessions, networking opportunities and special events — including a bus tour of three of Central Florida’s best-selling active adult communities — for builders, developers and other industry professionals interested in knowing more about the 50+ market. "Aside from the council's Building for Boomers and Beyond symposium, the International Builders' Show is the biggest event for the 50+ housing industry," said Randy Rhinehart,CGR, CAPS, chairman of the 50+ Housing Council and a custom builder from Charlottesville, Va. "At IBS, we will offer plenty of opportunities for those in the housing industry to increase their knowledge about the 50+ market, design better products and market to these unique customers."

Featured events include:

Best of Seniors Housing Awards Luncheon Noon-3:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 Rosen Plaza Hotel, Ballrooms A/B See the hottest new design trends and marketing concepts at the Best of Seniors Housing Awards Luncheon — the premier design and marketing competition for the 50-plus housing industry.

The best of the best in active adult communities, apartments, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and assisted living communities will be showcased, as well as the best marketing materials produced promoting these communities.

For information or to purchase tickets, click here.  

Inside the Mind of the Active Adult Home Buyer ― Marketing Breakfast 7:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 Orange County Convention Center West 224D, Level III Learn the results of the 50+ Housing Council’s just-completed nationwide survey of prospective 50+ home buyers in the active adult market and discover what they want, need, don’t want and desire. Three builders in the active adult market will also discuss how the survey results compare with what’s on the minds of buyers in their markets. Cost: $35 per person. Pre-registration is required.

50+ Housing Council Active Adult Community Bus Tour 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 Tracy Lux, of Trace Marketing, Inc. in Sarasota, one of Florida’s leading active adult housing experts, will start the tour with a market overview of Florida’s burgeoning active adult market. The tour will include: Avatar Properties' award-winning Solivita, one of Florida’s best-selling retirement communities for ages 55 and better Royal Harbor, a waterfront retirement community by Pringle Development Legacy at Leesburg, an age-qualified community, also by Pringle Development

Cost: $75 per person, which includes refreshments and lunch. Space is limited. Register online by Dec. 30 to guarantee a spot on the tour. Click here to register and purchase tickets for the bus tour. Visit www.nahb.org/50plusevents for a complete list and schedule of 50+ Housing Council activities at the show.

Learn More About 50+ Housing Through the 50+ Housing Council To learn more about 50+ housing, join the NAHB 50+ Housing Council. The council provides information, education, networking and recognition opportunities for its members and represents NAHB on seniors housing issues. For more details, e-mail Jeff Jenkins or call him at 800-368-5242 x8292.

NAHB Members: Subscribe to 50+ Housing e/Source 50+ Housing e/Source, the regular e-newsletter of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council, is a builder's guide to the emerging, evolving 50+ housing market, offering industry updates as well as important NAHB and council news. Distributed once a month, 50+ Housing e/Source details information, products and services within the 50+ housing market that will enhance your bottom line. Go to the NAHB Web site to subscribe.

50+ Housing Publication Set Available at BuilderBooks.com Save 15% when you purchase the 50+ housing publication set through BuilderBooks.com. Receive one copy of “Boomers on the Horizon: Housing Preferences of the 55+ Market,” “Marketing Seniors Housing” and the “Best of Seniors’ Housing News.” This publication set is a must-have for anyone serving the active adult market. To view or purchase this publication set online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

Learn More Before IBS Attend one of these pre-show courses to learn more about the emerging 50+ market. "Working With and Marketing to Older Adults" will be held on Jan. 8 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. "Designing for the Active Adult" will be offered twice — Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.buildersshow.com.