Tuesday & Wednesday, January 20-21, 2026
Rivers Edge Convention Center & Best Western Kelly Inn Plus
10 - 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Join us for the BizCon North in St. Cloud, MN! See below for registration pricing, exhibitor booth information and hotel info. Jump to the Sessions & Seminars section to read about the different activities happening at BizCon North!
BizCon Attendee Pricing is Ala Carte - When selecting sessions during registration, the price of each session will be added to your registration total.
Please login to your BLD Connection account to receive member pricing on your registration fee.
Invite your contractor customers to the BizCon to walk the trade show floor and explore the products and services hands-on during the trade show. Contractors can receive FREE entrance into the trade show if they are invited by a member retail dealer ($100 savings).
Retail dealers can register their contractors online at the same time as they register their employees OR they may hand out a paper contractor pass to their contractors to submit at the onsite registration desk. Each contractor will be identifiable by a “BUILDER” badge onsite.
Need help signing in? Please reach out to Tony via email at tony@bldconnection.org or by phone at (763) 595-4057 for registration assistance!
| RETAIL DEALER & GUEST
MEMBER / NON-MEMBER PRICING |
CONTRACTOR PRICING (Pass = member pricing) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Mixer for Early Arrivals | FREE | FREE |
| Trade Show (Either / Both Days) | $0.00 / $100.00 | $0.00 / $100.00* |
| Sales Seminar | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Membership Luncheon | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Brews & Bites Reception | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Operational Efficiency Seminar | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Communications Seminar | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Meal on Exhibit Floor | FREE | FREE |
*contractors/builders receive member pricing if invited by a member retail dealer or if they present paper contractor pass
EXHIBITOR PRICING
Exhibitors can register for unlimited badges for booth representatives (a.k.a., company employees) to work the booth at the trade show portion, only. Other functions (meals, receptions, seminars) must be purchased separately via ticketed registration.
- If bringing in a manufacturing rep that does not directly work for your company only, badges will be $100 each.
- Badges can be made onsite, but you can save time by ordering them in advance. If attending any functions other than trade show, those MUST be registered for in advance!
Exhibitor Standard Booth: $1500 Member / $2000 Non-Member
Exhibitor Prime Booth: $1750 - Members ONLY
- Prime booths are placed in highest traffic areas.
SPONSOR PRICING
Standard Sponsor - $1000
Sponsors at the STANDARD LEVEL will receive the following benefits:
These funds will be used at BLD 's discretion towards various BizCon administrative costs.
- Exposure on event webpages, social media, and onsite show program
- Sponsor signage onsite at event including bright signage on exhibit booth to help your booth stand out
- Badge ribbons on booth representative badges to identify them as sponsors
- Exclusive access into the Early Arrival Welcome Mixer (non-sponsoring exhibitors are not invited) with BLD staff, board members and dealers arriving the day prior to the event.
- Verbal acknowledgement during Opening Membership Luncheon
- Participation in the onsite Sponsor-Only Duckie Scavenger Hunt Game
Dealers and guests will be sent to all sponsor booths to search for a specific rubber duckie (each one is different). Once they complete their game card by visiting all sponsors, they may enter it into a drawing for a $250 prize held at the end of the event. These games help drive guaranteed traffic to sponsor booths!
Premium Sponsor - $1750 Members ONLY
Sponsors at the PREMIUM LEVEL will receive the following benefits:
These funds will be used towards the BizCon function of your choice.
- All benefits listed under Standard Sponsor (including participation in the Sponsor-Only Scavenger Hunt Game)
– PLUS –
- Ability to sponsor a specific function at the event rather than BLD assigning dollars to behind-the-scenes expenses (options below). This ensures you will receive individual sponsor signage at that function highlighting your company (rather than just be listed on the ‘all sponsor” sign.)
- Premium sponsors earn an additional free Dealers Reference Manual outside of the one they already get with their booth (mailed out in May – available to Members ONLY)
- Increased interaction between dealers and PREMIUM SPONSORS! Lumber dealers must not only identify which duckie is in your booth, they must ALSO collect a special sticker/signature from a booth representative, ensuring they stay longer at your booth and interact. If they do this, they have the chance to double their winnings!
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DAY 1 - PREMIUM SPONSOR OPTIONS
A. Sales Seminar (one available) B. Break Service in Exhibit Hall – Snacks & Beverages (one available) C. Exhibit Hall Happy Hour (two available) D. Brews & Bites Reception o Food/Beverage Stations (two available) o Entertainment (one available) |
DAY 2 - PREMIUM SPONSOR OPTIONS
E. Operations Seminars o Seminar Speakers (two available) o Shared Seminar Break Service (one available) F. Break Service in Exhibit Hall – Light Breakfast Items & Beverages (one available) G. Wrap Up Lunch on the Exhibit Floor o Food Station (two available) |
Have another idea of something you’d like to sponsor at the BizCon? Let’s chat!
USE THE REGISTRATION LINK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO SECURE YOUR SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT.
🚨 Attendee List Scam Alert
Third-party vendors may reach out and fraudulently offer to sell our event's attendee list. This is a very common scam in the events industry. Please note that we do not sell or share our attendee information with any outside parties. If you receive unsolicited communications offering such lists, do not respond. Engaging with these messages may lead to further unwanted solicitations.
Exhibitors/Suppliers – Read more about booth and exhibit hall details, regulations, sponsorship options and more. Then click on the button below to move forward with your registration.
BizCons provide a unique platform for lumber & building product suppliers to increase brand awareness and success through engagement and meaningful interactions. Take advantage of this face-to-face opportunity by securing your booth today. Consider additional company exposure by supporting the event with a sponsorship or joining the Exhibitor Speed Showcase as well.
Suppliers must exhibit in order to attend the BizCons. Companies do not need to be members to exhibit, however, members will receive discounted pricing.
EXHIBIT HOURS - NORTH
BOOTH PRICING - NORTH8’ x 10’ Prime Booths (Highest Traffic Areas)
8’ x 10’ Standard Booths
Haven’t exhibited since 2022 or prior? Reach out to BLD to find out about our “debut booth” options! BOOTH INCLUSIONS
PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORMS
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IMPORTANT LINKS
10 – 4th Avenue South Name of the Company/Recipient Shipments can be received 24 hours prior to move-in. Packages being shipped out after show must have arrangements completed with the carrier prior to pick up. Leave packages in the care of Rivers Edge Convention Center personnel. Have larger pallets/items or just don’t want to handle any freight needs? Consider using the Exhibitor Services Provider, Cenaiko Expo Inc. Refer to information below under Exhibitor Services.
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A block of rooms has been reserved at the Best Western Kelly Inn for Monday, January 19th and Tuesday, January 20th.
Best Western Kelly Inn | 100 - 4th AVENUE SOUTH, ST. CLOUD, MN 56301 | (320) 253-0606
Rate: $119.00 plus tax
Cut Off Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Check In Time: 3:00 pm
Check Out Time: 11:00 am
Parking Charge: Free Parking at Best Western for overnight guests. Additional parking (fee) available in nearby lots and parking garages.
Breakfast: Breakfast is not included with room rate but is available in the onsite Green Mill restaurant
Booking Info
- Call: (320) 253-0606
- Online: Best Western Plus Kelly Inn |Saint Cloud MN Hotel Rooms
- Group Code: No code required. Above link is a direct link to the BLD block.
Sessions & Seminars
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026
North
Date: Monday, January 19
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Congress/Senate Room at Best Western Hotel
Kick off BizCon early!
Arriving ahead of the crowd? Join us for the Early Arrival Welcome Mixer—a relaxed, informal gathering designed for early birds looking to connect before the official start of the BizCon. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light fare while mingling with fellow attendees in a casual, welcoming setting.
Whether you’re here to catch up with colleagues, make new connections, or simply unwind after your travels, the Early Arrival Welcome Mixer is the perfect way to get a head start on all that the BizCon has to offer.
Cost: FREE
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open exclusively to BLD staff, board members, lumber dealers (and their guests), and sponsoring exhibitors. Please note: non-sponsoring exhibitors are not eligible to attend. Advance registration is appreciated – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
DAY 1 - TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
Sales Seminar: From Price to Purpose: Elevating Sales with Proposals Over Quotes
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Grand Ballroom at Best Western
From Price to Purpose: Elevating Sales with Proposals Over Quotes
Speaker: Scott Plum Founder, Minnesota Sales Institute
Sales professionals often fall into the trap of responding to quote requests as a shortcut to closing deals, but this approach risks commoditizing the product or service by focusing solely on price. A quote is simply a price offer, detached from context, value, or strategic alignment.
In contrast, a proposal is a persuasive plan that presents a tailored solution based on a buyer’s unique challenges, goals, and environment. It incorporates discovery, analysis, and dialogue to uncover the true needs of the client, ensuring the offering is aligned with their objectives.
Proposals elevate the salesperson to the role of trusted advisor by creating contrast, adding value, and differentiating from competitors. When salespeople engage in thoughtful proposal development—often through multi-option formats—they foster collaboration, build relationships, and avoid being reduced to a vendor selected purely on cost. RFPs, like quotes, can also be a trap unless the salesperson is given access to decision-makers and the opportunity to shape the solution. Ultimately, using proposals instead of quotes leads to fewer but more qualified opportunities, higher close rates, and deeper client trust.
When you attend this program, you will learn:
- Replace quotes with proposals to avoid commoditization.
- Align every proposal with the client’s specific goals and challenges.
- Establish yourself as a trusted advisor through tailored solutions.
- Present clear options to shift focus from price to value.
- Qualify RFPs and only engage when you can shape the outcome.
Bio: Scott Plum launched his sales career in 1987 and founded the Minnesota Sales Institute in 2002 to work with sales professionals to close more deals, increase revenue, and stop relying on discounts to win business. He’s the author of Taking Off Into the Wind: Creating Lift Out of Life, a book that teaches how to harness adversity for growth—personally and professionally. Known as “Professor Plum,” Scott is also the co-host of the Winning at Selling Podcast (ranked globally in the top 1%) and has served in leadership roles with the Professional Sales Association, Sales and Marketing Executives and the National Speakers Association. His training combines mindset, skillset, and accountability to create lasting results. With a mix of challenges and encouragement, Scott works with individuals and teams to boost confidence, strengthen habits, and turn knowledge into action.
Cost: $75 per person
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Carlson Room at Rivers Edge
Connect. Reflect. Exchange Ideas.
Join us on Day 1 of BizCon for the Membership Luncheon—a cornerstone event that brings our community together over a shared meal, important organizational updates, and an energizing new format: Rapid-Fire...Ideas to Spark Action and Change. This event will start with time to connect with your tablemates over a delicious meal while getting caught up on BLD association business. Then we’ll move on to the high-energy, fast-paced, interactive idea session which will ignite your imagination and leave you overflowing with possibilities. In just 60 minutes, you’ll experience a rapid delivery of powerful ideas designed to challenge legacy practices, inspire creativity, and drive momentum in your business. Whether you’re a leader, a sales professional, or simply a changemaker at heart, this is not your typical lunch keynote - it’s an adrenaline shot of inspiration, packed with actionable insights you can use right away.
This is your opportunity to connect with peers, gain insights into BLD Connection business, and contribute your own voice to the conversation that will shape the future of our field.
Cost: $35 per person
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
EXHIBIT HALL
Day 1: Tuesday, January 20
Hours: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Terry Haws A&B at River’s Edge
Day 2: Wednesday, January 21
Hours: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Terry Haws A&B at River’s Edge
What’s Happening in the Exhibit Hall at the BizCon?
The BizCon Exhibit Hall is the heart of the action—where industry leaders connect, ideas are shared, and business gets done. Here’s what’s waiting for you on the show floor both days:
🛠️ Booths, Booths, and More Booths – Day 1 & 2
Explore rows and rows of LBM industry-related booths featuring products, services, and innovations from across the sector. Don’t miss the Sponsor Booths for premium insights and contests and be sure to visit our Debut Booths, which showcase companies exhibiting at BizCon for the first time or have had a several year absence! Check out the current floorplan here.
☕ Daily Break Service - Day 1 & 2
Take a breather! Enjoy complimentary coffee, soda, and snacks during scheduled break times on both days - a perfect pick-me-up while you explore the floor.
🍻 Bar Service – Day 1 Only
Relax with a drink from the cash bar on the afternoon of Day 1, then join us at 4:00 pm for Happy Hour with free beer to wrap up the day in style.
🎯 Contests & Prizes – Day 1 & 2
Bring your game face—there are multiple ways to win:
- Sponsor Duckie Scavenger Hunt – Back by popular demand! Track down the hidden duckies at sponsors booths for your change to win $250! If you also play the POWER UP option and interact with the Premium sponsors by collecting a signature from them, you can double your winnings to $500!
- Last Person Standing – Stick it out until the very end and you could walk away with a special prize for your endurance and dedication (Day 2 only).
💡 Exhibitor Speed Showcase – Day 1 Only
Happening right after lunch on Day 1, this high-speed session features fast-paced presentations from participating exhibitors…giving you a preview of what to explore on the show floor.
🥪 Light Lunch – Day 2 Only
We’re keeping you fueled! On Day 2, enjoy light lunch items served right on the exhibit floor so you can stay energized while making the most of your time with exhibitors. Food and beverages available while supplies last.
Trade Show Floor Cost: There is no cost to attend the trade show floor or participate in trade show floor activities for members or exhibitor reps.
- Non-member dealers/guests/contractors must pay a $100 badge fee for access to the trade show floor.
- Suppliers must purchase a booth to exhibit and attend. Unlimited booth rep badges for employees to join the booth.
- Manufacturing reps assisting exhibitors (who don’t work directly for the exhibiting company only) must also pay $100 per badge.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance booth and/or sponsor registration is required by exhibitors. For all others, trade show floor registration is appreciated but not required.
BREWS + BITES RECEPTION
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Grand Ballroom at Best Western Hotel
Unwind. Connect. Enjoy.
Wrap up a full Day 1 at BizCon with our Brews and Bites Reception - an evening designed for relaxed networking, good food, great drinks, and even better company. Enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for catching up with industry peers, sharing ideas, and having a few well-earned laughs.
We’ll serve up a tasty spread of bites and beverages, with entertainment to keep the energy light and lively. The reception ends early enough to give you the flexibility to continue the night with private client dinners or one-on-one conversations.
A little fun goes a long way…come for the brews, stay for the connections.
Cost: $35 per person
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026
Seminar: Operational Efficiency Seminar: Key Concepts for a Better Lumberyard Design
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 8:00 am – 8:50 am
Location: Opportunity Suites at River’s Edge
Operational Efficiency Seminar: Key Concepts for a Better Lumberyard Design
Speaker: David Wells, Operations and Facility Design Consultant
Legacy yard designs and workflows often unknowingly hinder peak performance, creating inefficiencies that cost LBM dealers hundreds of thousands annually in operational waste, or soft costs.
This seminar uncovers these hidden weaknesses and their impact on your business and delivers practical, proven solutions to address them. While attendees will discover strategies for incremental improvements, the event’s centerpiece is a glimpse of a comprehensively crafted yard design integrating facility layout, material placement, workflow management, and efficiency-driven operational processes.
Companies adopting this all-in solution foster operational excellence, marked by higher productivity, reduced costs, superior customer service, and improved employee morale.
Tailored for owners, operations executives, and decision-makers, this presentation provides actionable insights for anyone in operational roles. Join us to transform your yard’s performance and unlock its full potential.
Key Learning Points
- Identify Hidden Inefficiencies
Learn how outdated yard designs and workflows quietly drain resources and limit your team's productivity—often without clear warning signs. - Evaluate Operational Impact
Understand the true cost of soft inefficiencies and how they affect profitability, customer experience, and employee satisfaction. - Discover Proven Solutions
Gain access to practical strategies and real-world examples that show how incremental changes—and comprehensive redesigns—can drive measurable performance improvements.
Bio: With expertise honed over 39 years in the industry, David provides independent LBM dealers with innovative and effective solutions to their operational challenges.
Unique in his approach, David strategically aligns facility design, racking and equipment, inventory management, and workflow processes into a comprehensive solution.
Customized for each client’s business model, David’s solutions enable dealers to consistently produce at higher capacities with lower costs, increased customer service, and high employee satisfaction.
Cost: $50 per person (per seminar)
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required to attend – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Communications Seminar
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Location: Opportunity Suites at River’s Edge
Communications Seminar (seminar and speaker details coming soon)
Cost: $50 per person (per seminar)
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Each year, BLD invites area high school and college students to attend the BizCon on Day 2 for no cost in order to further educate and engage students and instructors in the LBM industry.
The morning kicks off for them with a Student Career Panel led by member supplier/dealer representatives, who will cover potential job paths for students once they graduate. This will be held on the stage in the exhibit hall from 9:00 am – 9:30 am on Day 2. The students are then encouraged to visit with the vendors in the exhibit hall.
Each student will be identifiable by a “STUDENT” badge.
The exhibit hall is the hub for idea sharing, solutions, and networking opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. This core element of the event not only features a large assortment of LBM product-related vendor booths, it’s also the location for additional activities, which creates an unbeatable energetic buzz only found here! Read more about the exhibit hall activities below. The exhibit hall is open to members or non-members.
Contests & Prizes – Day 1 & 2
Bring your game face—there are multiple ways to win:
- Sponsor Duckie Scavenger Hunt – Back by popular demand! Track down the hidden duckies at sponsors booths for your change to win $250! If you also play the POWER UP option and interact with the Premium sponsors by collecting a signature from them, you can double your winnings to $500!
- Last Person Standing – Stick it out until the very end and you could walk away with a special prize for your endurance and dedication (Day 2 only).
🥪 Light Lunch – Day 2 Only
We’re keeping you fueled! On Day 2, enjoy light lunch items served right on the exhibit floor so you can stay energized while making the most of your time with exhibitors. Food and beverages available while supplies last.
Questions?
Please reach out to Director of Events, Jodie Fleck, CMP at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.