Las Vegas, NV–For the third consecutive year, Fine Homebuilding hosted its renowned #KeepCraftAlive event during the International Builders’ Show® in Las Vegas. This year’s 2020 #KeepCraftAlive Networking Event was sold out, and brought together builders, designers and industry professionals from across North America to connect and unite in their commitment to support each other and those passionate about pursuing careers in the trades.
Hosted by Justin Fink, Editorial Director of Fine Homebuilding, and the editorial staff of Fine Homebuilding, attendees included FHB brand ambassadors Nick Schiffer, Steve Baczek, Mike Guertin, and Elly Hart (among others). Of the event, Fink states, “Building houses is a communal pursuit, and that community can’t be synthesized through social media alone. I think that’s why this event has become such a pilgrimage for tradespeople young and old. Here, builders from all across the country can meet face to face, share their struggles and successes, rally around their shared passion for the craft, and, when it’s time to go back home to their job sites, they can do so feeling like one unified tribe.”
“They come to connect with like-minded professionals, to learn, to challenge the status quo, to be inspired, and to give back by raising funds that help fuel the training of the next generation.” – Rob Yagid
Rob Yagid, Executive Director of #KeepCraftAlive, recognizes the passion home builders have for their craft and the degree of enthusiasm and positive energy surrounding the annual #KeepCraftAlive event. He notes, “Every year, tradesmen and women from across the country come together to renew their commitment to #KeepCraftAlive. They come to connect with like-minded professionals, to learn, to challenge the status quo, to be inspired, and to give back by raising funds that help fuel the training of the next generation. Fine Homebuilding has always been a beacon to those most passionate about their life’s work, and that is no more apparent than when witnessing the energy coursing through the #KeepCraftAlive event at the International Builders’ Show.”
To help support the next generation of craftsmen and women, 100% of event ticket sale net profits will go to the #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship Fund in a partnership with SkillsUSA.® Each year, Fine Homebuilding and its partners—2020 supporters include Pella, CertainTeed, Benjamin Moore, SkillsUSA, thedryerbox and DryerWallVent—provide nearly two dozen highly sought after scholarships to students looking to continue their education and training in the trades.
In addition to funding its scholarship, Fine Homebuilding has committed to nurturing the development of #KeepCraftAlive communities across North America in an effort to establish boots-on-the-ground advocates for the building trades. 2019 brought more than half a dozen gatherings across the country. These communities are designed to bring together like-minded professionals to create locally focused solutions to regional skill-trade issues. With the backing of Fine Homebuilding, it’s an example of contractors helping contractors in an effort to recruit new talent to the industry, but to also uphold the values of true craftsmanship on a regional level.
Those not able to attend IBS, or who couldn’t make it to this fun event, can still donate to the cause and scholarship fund directly. Click here to make a donation.
To learn how you can help develop a #KeepCraftAlive community in your area send an e-mail to info@keepcraftalive.org.
