The 2025 Mid-America Connection Conference, held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Olathe, Kansas, and the 2025 Nebraska Connection Conference, held Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, Nebraska, were both great successes. The conferences created an environment where vendors had very direct conversations that are not typically possible at larger shows, allowing for more meaningful connections with dealer partners.

The sales classes led by Zach Arend and Paul Burke were well attended, with attendees taking home key tips and tricks to elevate themselves and their books of business in 2026. Owners and managers came together at both conferences for roundtable conversations that focused on 2025, the year to come, and all the excitement within the LBM industry. Key topics included the farm and ag economy, employee relations, dealer-to-vendor and vendor-to-dealer relationships, and much more.

With the Kansas City Chiefs on the brink of playoff elimination, the Voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus, captivated the crowd at the Mid-America Connection Conference with stories from his life behind the scenes with the Chiefs, along with a valuable message about leading and living with intent and positivity.

At the Nebraska Connection Conference, former Nebraska Cornhusker football star Aaron Davis fired up the luncheon crowd with his message about living with a positive mindset, always. Tapping into stories from his success on the gridiron and in business, while also sharing his own experiences with stress, anxiety, and loss, Davis left the Nebraska Connection Conference crowd motivated for 2026 and, as always, excited for another year of Husker athletics.