Annual Events

Home Show

The BIA's annual Home Show is the highlight of springtime for area homeowners and homebuyers. Over 10,000 square feet of building, remodeling and decorating products and services are on display from a wide variety of local and regional businesses. In addition to the exhibits, the Home Show offers a comprehensive schedule of how-to seminars. Definitely one of the most popular features of the Home Show, the seminars offer consumers the opportunity to obtain detailed information from industry experts in a classroom environment. The seminars are presented by participating Home Show vendors.

The Show is promoted to over 50,000 area residents to peak their interest in new home construction, remodeling and home improvement products. The BIA's Home Show promotion turns out thousands of qualified prospects for the two-day event. To generate additional excitement, the BIA brings in a variety of community service organizations to provide demonstrations and presentations. For the exhibitors, the Home Show turns into new business opportunities that can last throughout the coming year.

Members receive substantial discounts on display space. Reservations are first offered to the previous year's exhibitors, then to BIA members, and finally, space is offered to the general business community. Booths sell fast and are available on a first come - first served basis. For more information, call 863-5107.

Parade of Homes

It's no secret - the annual Parade of Homes is the single largest and most important showcase of new homes during the year. The Parade of Homes gives the talented craftspeople of our community the opportunity to create masterpieces in new home design and construction.

Subcontractors, suppliers and service companies turn out their best efforts as well in this showcase of housing excellence. Homes ranging from affordable starters to million-dollar luxury estates are exhibited in the annual Parade, each featuring the latest in building technology and the hottest trends in interior design.

Recently, the BIA took the Parade of Homes to an exciting new level. In addition to the traditional, scattered-site homes, the Parade features specific developments in the two-county area, each with a cluster of entries within easy walking distance.

The BIA, in cooperation with Parade Sponsors such as public utility companies, launches an impressive regional marketing campaign to promote the event. And it works -- more than 10,000 consumers attend the nine-day event each year.

But the Parade of Homes is more than just a new home showcase. It benefits the community as well, by providing for scholarships. A portion of the proceeds derived from various fund-raising activities associated with the Parade go to help deserving area students further their education in industry-related fields. Everyone is a winner with the BIA's Parade of Homes. For more information, call 863-5107.

APEX Awards

Each year, the BIA holds it's prestigious APEX Awards. APEX stands for Achievement in Professional Excellence. At this event, BIA members compete in different categories; Kitchen, Bath, Special Purpose Room, New Construction (Residential and Commercial), Architecture, Outdoor Living/Landscaping, Home Design Elements, Interior Design, Remodeling, Energy Efficiency, Community Design and Marketing.

Nail Drivers Golf Tournament

Each year, the BIA has its Nail Drivers Charity Golf Tournament. This tournament is played at a different area course and a portion of the net proceeds are given to a local charity. To make sure that money is distributed to all of those in need, the charity is different each year.

Charity Fishing Tournament

Since 2006, the BIA has held an annual Charity Fishing Tournament in the spring. This tournament is open to the public. The categories are Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and Red Snapper. Over $6000 is awarded each year. A portion of the net proceeds go to the Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation. This foundation allows foster children from around the southeast United States to come to Destin for a weekend of fishing and friendship.

BIA Scholarships

Each year, the BIA gives scholarships in memory of 1995 Association President William “Mac” McClarrie. Those $1,000 grants are given to college and college-bound students to help offset the costs of education at any chosen institution, in conjenction with the Parade of Homes. Priority is given to students taking courses associated with the construction industry.

Priority also is given to families and employees of BIA member companies. Interested students may get scholarship application forms from guidance counselors at local high schools or by calling the BIA office at (850) 863-5107.