Attendance was off by nearly a third at this year's International Builders’ Show.

Attendance was off by nearly a third at this year's International Builders’ Show, as the slow economy has hit the nation’s housing market especially hard.

Sponsors the National Association of Home Builders pegged the attendance at just over 60,000 for the Jan. 20-23 show in Las Vegas -- 30,000 fewer than the 2008 Orlando, Fla., event.

Still, NAHB officials pointed out that 1,600 companies exhibited their latest products and services, and interest in trends such as green building remained strong among those who did attend.

"We're in the midst of an industry crisis, yet our members are still busy gaining knowledge about new products and techniques, and networking and learning from each other," said newly elected association Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder in Tulsa, Okla. “This attendance speaks to the optimism of our members and the nature of home builders to always anticipate the ‘next big thing.’

“We continue to advocate for an economic stimulus package that recognizes how important the home building industry is to helping the nation get back on track -- and when it does, we will be ready.”

Next year’s show will take place Jan. 19-22, again in Las Vegas.