NEW FOR 2025! The Mid-America BLD Connection Conference is a one-day event uniting industry professionals with a unique blend of education, networking, and fun.
Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned owner/manager, this conference offers the opportunity to connect with others from the industry to network and learn from each other along with professional instructors who delve into the “must haves” for our evolving industry and workplaces.
Enjoy a day of education and networking and an evening of fun with new friends and valued colleagues!
Welcome Address & Inspiring Leaders Panel This panel, moderated by Brett Thorne, will feature inspiring leaders in the lumber and building materials industry
9:00 am – 11:15 am
Tabletop Set-Up for Sponsors in Ballroom
9:15am – 11:15 am
Owner/Managers Roundtable - Tap Into the Power of Peer Insight
9:15am – 11:15 am
Sales Seminar – Luck of the Draw: The Myth of Sales Success
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Membership Lunch & Keynote Enjoy a delicious meal and receive annual BLD Connection updates before listening to an inspiring keynote address.
1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Sponsor Tabletop Display Session
Bar service and snacks provided
Grand Prize Drawing @ 5:25 pm
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Evening Reception - On Site
Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively entertainment - all designed to help you unwind, celebrate, and deepen connections with fellow attendees.
Dealer/Contractor Pricing
Dealer, Contractor & Guest Pricing
All Day Pass Includes EVERYTHING
Includes entire conference and evening event.
Dealer/Guest/Contractor (Member)
$200 per person
Dealer/Guest/Contractor (Non-Member)
$300 per person
Sponsor/Supplier Pricing
$1350 per member / $1850 per non-member
Includes full conference registration (welcome address, education session, lunch, table-top session and evening reception) for up to two (2) people. Must register in advance.
Sponsors may bring an unlimitednumber of representatives to the table-top reception from 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Advance registration is appreciated.
Sponsors may purchase a full registration pass for additional people (beyond their two free) – cost is $200 per person.
Hotel Information
A small block of rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites Olathe for Monday, December 8th and Tuesday, December 9th. Information is below:
Embassy Suites Olathe
10401 S. Ridgeview Road
Olathe, KS 66061
Group Room Rate:
$169 plus tax (rate includes made-to-order hotel breakfast and complimentary evening hotel reception)
Reservation Cut Off Date:
Saturday, November 15, 2025 (after this date, rates may differ and availability is not guaranteed)
Mitch Holthus is in his 29th season as the play-by-play Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs.
A native of Smith Center, Kansas, Mitch has continued the work ethic he learned growing up on the farm in his career as a play-by-play sportscaster, entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
Listeners throughout the Chiefs Kingdom join in with Holthus when he makes his signature call “Touchdown Kan – zzzz City”. Mitch also hosts the Hy-Vee “Chiefs Insider” television show and various Chiefs website programming and emcees many Chiefs functions throughout the year.
As an entrepreneur, Mitch writes, produces, and sells the “Minute With Mitch” radio and television shows that air in-season throughout the Chiefs Kingdom.
During basketball season, Mitch can be seen and heard doing play-by-play talent for Fox Sports and ESPN. Mitch has called Big 12, Big 10, SEC and Missouri Valley Conference games, as well as post-season NIT games.
Mitch is well-respected as a motivational speaker. His inspirational messages are always tailored to fit the personality and needs of the group he is addressing.
Get ready for a captivating session that goes beyond the football field and into the heart of what makes a team thrive under pressure. Discover the “secret sauce” behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ historic 11-year run of success—breaking records, dominating one of the most competitive arenas in professional sports, and doing it all from the fifth smallest market in the NFL.
This high-impact presentation dives into the bold strategies and culture-building moves that have propelled the Chiefs to the top—lessons that apply to any business, organization, or leadership team. Whether you're a football fanatic or not, you’ll walk away with practical approaches that reveal the energy and power that comes from sources that are always available but rarely resourced.
Don't miss this motivating look at what it really takes to win—and keep winning—in any environment.
Zach Arend, Create Purpose LLC
Zach's journey from the rodeo arena to the boardroom is packed with grit, growth, and the kind of no BS leadership wisdom we all need more of. He’s spent the last 20 years helping entrepreneurs, executives, and sales pros "Saddle Their Own Horse" a modern leadership mindset built on clarity, confidence, and purpose. If you’re ready for fresh ideas, real connection, and the kind of energy that’ll fuel your next big move, you’re going to love Zach!
Luck of the Draw: The Myth of Sales Success
Top salespeople don’t just hustle—they learn how to think, adapt, and perform under pressure.
In this powerful and engaging session, Zach Arend helps sales professionals shift from simply grinding out deals to growing into true pros who own their mindset, conversations, and results. Drawing from his Saddle Your Own Horse™ playbook, Zach equips sales execs with practical tools to stay sharp, confident, and resilient in any sales environment.
Coach Yourself to Win: Learn simple mental techniques to stay focused and keep moving forward—especially when deals stall or pressure’s high.
Conversations That Connect: Deliver honest, impactful messages that move clients to action—without sounding scripted or salesy.
Perform Through the Tough Stuff: Show up strong and centered even when rejection hits or the stakes feel huge.
Inspiring Leaders Panel
Join us for an engaging panel discussion to kick off our 2025 Connection Conference. This panel, moderated by Brett Thorne, will feature inspiring leaders in the lumber and building materials industry. These professionals are shaping the future of the industry—introducing new ideas, embracing technology, and redefining workplace culture while honoring time-tested traditions. Panelists will share insights into the challenges and opportunities they face. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the bold ideas these leaders are using in their businesses and real-world strategies that are driving the next era of growth in our industry.
Tap Into the Power of Peer Insight: Owner & Manager Roundtable
Step away from the day-to-day and join fellow business owners and managers for a dynamic roundtable discussion designed to spark ideas, share solutions, and tackle challenges head-on. This is your chance to connect with peers who are navigating the same shifting landscape and are ready to trade real-world strategies that work.
Bring your questions, your experience, and your curiosity. It’s not a lecture—it’s a conversation that could change the way you do business.
Dealer and Guest cancellations must be received in the BLD Connection office no later than 10days prior to the first day of the Conference in order to receive a refund. Cancellations after this date or no-shows will not receive a refund.
Sponsorship cancellations must be received in writing at the BLD Connection office no later than 30 days prior to the conference. Cancellations at least 30 days prior are subject to a $250 cancellation fee and the remainder will be refunded. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the event will forfeit 100% of the sponsorship. This applies to sponsorships paid in full or yet to be paid.
