Two new features added this year include a panel of professional remodelers from NAHB's Remodelor's Council discussing what they would like to see from manufacturers, distributors and retailers, as well as a session on how Wall Street investors view the home improvement industry by HIRI member Morgan Stanley.

The conference's annual highlight is a presentation of findings from HIRI's proprietary studies, including data not yet available for non-members. This year's conference features findings from HIRI's 2004 biennial Product Purchase Tracking Study (PPTS) of consumer purchase behavior for 223 products, 34 projects, and 21 home services. The PPTS, which began in 1998, forms the basis for a session that segments home improvement consumers and illustrates strategies and tactics for increasing sales among each subgroup.

Yankelovich, Inc. will present the results of a study completed with HIRI-member Meredith Corporation on behalf of its Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications. The research identifies areas of the home where consumers are most willing to invest time, energy, and dollars. A session on retailing trends will be presented by Margaret Gilliam, CFA, a consultant with more than 30 years experience as a retailing securities analyst. Roper ASW will share its findings on how consumers are being driven by high levels of stress and rapid change, and the implication for marketers.

The conference concludes with a session hosted by "The Money Pit"