WASHINGTON – HUD today kicked off its sixth Innovative Housing Showcase with Trades Day, connecting students and young adults with skilled trades professionals and hands-on opportunities in the housing and construction industries.  

“America cannot build more homes without the skilled men and women who build them,” said Secretary Turner. “Trades Day is about showing the next generation that they can build a great career, provide for a family, and play a direct role in expanding housing supply across the country. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are celebrating American workers, American innovation, and the people who are building the future of American housing.” 

Designed to equip the next generation of American workers, Trades Day offered live hands-on demonstrations, educational activities, and opportunities for students to learn directly from industry professionals. Trades Day presenters included: Housing Innovation Alliance, Home Builders Institute, and Meritage Homes.  

“Housing is a career, not a gig. That's the message we want visitors on the National Mall to hear today. Our role is to make sure our industry isn't just training people for the work of today but preparing them for the careers of tomorrow. That means looking ahead - where construction technology is headed, where the trades are headed, and making sure young people have a clear path into that future, not just the one that exists right now. We built our Training and Development Map to be that path, a one-stop shop for apprenticeships, sponsored training, and degree programs aligned with our network's shared vision for the future of the industry. Trades Day is where that work becomes real, standing shoulder to shoulder with students and showing them where this industry is going,” said Dennis Steigerwalt, President, Housing Innovation Alliance. 

“Being part of HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase today reinforced a critical truth: our ability to build homes faster, smarter and at scale depends on the strength of the skilled-trades talent pipeline. HBI is training the next generation of skilled-trades professionals, and during Trades Day, our students shared their personal experiences and journeys toward careers in the trades. Their stories brought the conversation to life and reminded us that solving the workforce shortage requires more than new technology and innovative building methods—it requires investing in people. Through collaboration across workforce development, home building and building products, we can equip more individuals with the skills, support and opportunities they need to build our nation’s future,” said Ed Brady, President and CEO, HBI. 

“America's skilled trades workforce plays a vital role not only in building homes, but in supporting economic growth. As an industry, we must continue to champion careers in the trades and ensure that individuals have access to training, mentorship and advancement opportunities. At Meritage, we are committed to supporting workforce development efforts that help cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals. Recognizing Trades Day highlights the importance of these careers and the tremendous impact tradespeople have on our communities every day,” said Ian Hughes, VP of Environmental and Government Affairs, Meritage Homes. 

Innovative Housing Showcase Exhibitors who hosted Trades Day activities and highlighted career opportunities in the industry included: Structural Building Components Association, Champion Homes, Cavco Homes and UMH Properties, Azure Printed Homes, Oak Ridge National Lab/National Lab of the Rockies, Housing Innovation Alliance and Housing Innovation Challenge, Civic Saint, and Verustruct. 

This year’s Innovative Housing Showcase is themed “Made in America,” bringing together modern technologies and creative housing solutions from American builders, manufacturers, and innovators that are expanding housing supply, lowering construction costs, and putting affordable homeownership back in reach for hardworking Americans. The showcase features a variety of full-scale housing models including manufactured, 3D printed, and modular homes built by American companies from across the nation. 

About the 2026 Innovative Housing Showcase: 

The Innovative Housing Showcase is sponsored by International Code Council (ICC), Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Rocket, and Structural Building Components Association (SBCA).  

HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase is a free, family-friendly event open to the public on the National Mall. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including Members of Congress, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits and attend expert-led panel discussions highlighting the latest innovations in housing. Panel discussions are open to the public both in-person and virtually. 

Visit the Showcase: 7th-12th Streets, The National Mall 

• Tuesday, September 22: Exhibits open to the public 12:00-6:00pm   
• Wednesday, September 23: Exhibits open to the public 12:00-6:00pm  
  • Opening Ceremony: 3:00pm
• Thursday, September 24: Exhibits open to the public 12:00-4:00pm  

Attend Educational Panels: Registration is required. 

• Wednesday, September 23: 12:00pm-3:00pm 
• Thursday, September 24: 12:00pm-3:00pm 

Members of the press must register here. All media inquiries must be directed to [email protected]. 

To view photos from past showcases, please visit IHS Past Showcases. For more information, please visit Innovative Housing Showcase. 

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