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Returning for its second year in its Anaheim, California, location, this year’s Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) will combine all things housing art, science, and business into four days of experiences. PCBC, which is produced by the California Building Industry Association in partnership with Leading Builders of America (LBA), will be held June 19 and 20 at the Anaheim Convention Center, with pre-conference events on June 17 and 18 at the Westin Anaheim Resort.

To learn more about what’s fresh at PCBC 2024, BUILDER asked Kim DeWeese, vice president of events and operations at PCBC, for details.

How do you think the new location boosted the event last year?
A change of scenery is sometimes what’s needed, and Southern California was the perfect choice. Beautiful weather, palm tree-lined entrances, a great plaza for outdoor displays and receptions—the Anaheim Convention Center welcomed PCBC with open arms. It’s conveniently located across the street from Disneyland, so attendees were able to conduct business during the day and have family fun in the evening. In addition, the PCBC host hotels were all within steps of the Convention Center, allowing for more time to attend education, exhibits, and networking events.

What’s new this year for PCBC?
We have several new additions to PCBC this year, including:

  • Live Burn Demo. The IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Demonstration will show how two homes play out in real time in a burn demonstration where the home built to mitigate wildfire survives, and the other does not. We’re excited to partner with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and The Donald Chaiken Building Industry Technology Academy to present the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home live burn demonstration. (Attendees may sign up for the Max Pass to attend the Wildfire Resiliency education track and the live burn. Transportation to the live burn is provided.)
  • The Innovation Hub and Stage will feature dynamic presentations by experts on new technologies, materials, building systems, and responsive design.
  • Spotlight Kiosks. New this year, a dedicated area spotlighting innovative startup companies breaking into the home building industry.
  • Wildfire Resiliency Solutions. In conjunction with the burn demonstration and wildfire education, we have worked hard to curate Chapter 7a approved noncombustible products and services that support the builder’s home hardening needs.
  • PCBC Pavilion. Located on the second floor, attendees will have several opportunities to connect with industry colleagues as well as enjoy a café & bookstore and “paws” for a purpose—spend as much time as you’d like playing with adoptable puppies in the PCBC Puppy Park.
  • Social events throughout the two days, including Rock the Block and a closing night party inside Disney.

What can attendees expect to be different this year in terms of programs and exhibits?
The framework of PCBC is the same, but every year the content is shaped around the most current and pressing issues facing the home building industry. This year includes a dedicated track to wildfire resiliency efforts, the latest research on consumer attitudes and behavior, and midyear updates on housing market fundamentals and interest rates, just to name a few.

How many exhibitors are anticipated this year?
PCBC 2024 will welcome over 200 exhibitors highlighting leading-edge products, services, technologies, and more.

Is there a particular session that you’re personally excited about?
I find it too hard to choose just one, because I like them all. Each education track has its own benefits and takeaways; however, I am proud of our collaborative efforts in designing unique presentations with industry partners such as LBA, the California State Fire Marshal, Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and, most recently, the NAHB.

Are there any special events PCBC-goers should be sure to attend?
Yes! We’re excited to present two evening events promised to be memorable:

  • PCBC’s Rock the Block on Wednesday, June 19. It’s not your typical happy hour as we gather outside at the PCBC Plaza for good company, drinks, and entertainment by world-renowned performance painter David Garibaldi.
  • PCBC Closing Night Party at Disney California Adventure Park on Thursday, June 20. Grab your ears as we celebrate 65 years of PCBC and experience the magic like never before at this private, closing night reception with full access to the park and a reserved viewing of World of Color.

What do you think attendees can learn from this year’s keynote speakers, Bakari Sellers and Dr. Sahar Yousef?
As always, the keynotes are available to everyone registered with an Exhibit Floor Pass or Max Pass. This year’s presenters are outstanding, and here’s a sneak peak of what to expect:

  • Sellers, attorney, activist, CNN political analyst, two-time bestselling author, and podcast host, will take us on an eye-opening journey through America’s past, present, and future and inspire us to tackle society’s challenges head on.
  • Yousef, cognitive neuroscientist and UC Berkeley faculty member, will share productivity and performance mistakes, simple tools to increase output without working more, and daily practices to boost focus, memory, energy, health, and creativity.

Is there anything you think readers must know about PCBC 2024?
As we look back on our 65 years of the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, we are reminded what once started as a small educational conference has grown into a powerful, four-day experience with exhibits showcase, curated conference offerings, targeted buyer and seller programs, prestigious award ceremonies, and innovative product launches. In addition, as the official annual conference and tradeshow for the CBIA and the LBA, we are reminded of the awesome strength we continue to build at the state and national level, when we bring together the professional leaders of the industry who share a common vision for excellence and innovation.