IBC

Like the World Series, the IBC is largely an American institution, with updates to construction standards discussed among members at regular meetings, culminating in a new set of codes every three years.

At the same time, Eriksen says, the IBC process typically displays a “general lack of evidence-based research on the costs and benefits of proposed revisions.”

On the one hand, this creates an opportunity for reform: The pressure of so many cities and states drafting their own single-stair requirements, subverting the International Building Code’s expertise, has helped Smith make the case for a change in the new IBC that would allow most four-story buildings to have just one staircase anywhere in America that uses the model code.

IBC has apologised that some visitors had "a less than perfect experience".

A spokesperson for the IBC festival said the event was "our first festival" and "there will be learnings".