Tuesday & Wednesday, January 19-20, 2027
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel & Conference Center
7025 Northland Drive N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
BizCon North Old
PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSED
Walk-in registration may be available on both days of the BizCon. There may be networking passes available onsite, but this is not a guarantee. Advance registration for educational sessions is strongly recommended to secure your spot. Registration for the membership lunch on 20th January is required. Any questions, please check with the BLD staff at the registration desk.
Join us for the BizCon North in Brooklyn Park, 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!
We will offer two types of badges/passes to get in:
- Networking Pass = includes access to exhibit hall and all activities within exhibit hall (Booth Crawl Party on Day 1, Exhibits on Day 2, Happy Hour on Day 2). Also includes membership lunch. ALL ATTENDEES MUST HAVE THIS AT A MINIMUM.
- Networking Pass with Education Package = includes everything in Networking Pass but also includes all education, including choice of afternoon seminar on Day 1, breakfast seminar on day 2, and both sales seminars on day 2. Does NOT include the Women in LBM Roundtable– that is an additional add on.
Please note a la carte educational sessions are not available. If you wish to go to any seminars, you will need to purchase the networking pass with the education package. The only exception to this is the Women in LBM Roundtable.
DEALER/GUESTS (MEMBERS) – OR CONTRACTORS WITH PASS/INVITED BY MEMBERS
- $50 = Badge / Networking Pass
- $150 = Networking Pass With Education Package
- $50 = Add On Women In LBM Connect & Collaborate Roundtable
DEALER/GUESTS (NON-MEMBERS) – OR CONTRACTORS WITHOUT PASS
- $75 = Badge / Networking Pass
- $200 = Networking Pass With Education Package
- $75 = Add On Women In LBM Connect & Collaborate Roundtable
Give your students the opportunity to network with key members of the lumber and building materials industry and increase their product awareness by attending the BizCon North. There is no cost for students or instructors to attend the Student Career Panel, Team Challenge and Exhibition!
Click here for the Student RSVP Form
Need help signing in? Please reach out to Kate via email at kate@bldconnection.org or by phone at (763) 595-4053 for registration assistance!
EXHIBITOR PRICING
BOOTH PRICING @ NORTH – LOWER PRICES AVAILABLE FOR 2027!
More options. More flexibility. Based on exhibitor feedback, we've introduced lower-priced Value Booths and Standard Booths for 2027! Looking for even more visibility? Consider one of our premium Zone Booths, strategically located around the Exhibit Hall's new interactive activity areas where attendees will naturally gather throughout the event.
View the booth types & pricing document for complete exhibit details and inclusions.
Refer to the floorplan to see the location of each booth type.
- VALUE BOOTH $1100 member price | $1600 non-member price
- Each tabletop exhibitor gets 2 badges / networking passes included in their 8 x 10 value or standard booth. For any additional badges, there is a cost of $50 per badge / networking pass. If any attendees wish to attend any educational sessions, these are available for $150 per person for the networking pass with education package.
- STANDARD BOOTH $1350 member price | $1850 non-member price
- Each tabletop exhibitor gets 2 badges / networking passes included in their 8 x 10 value or standard booth. For any additional badges, there is a cost of $50 per badge / networking pass. If any attendees wish to attend any educational sessions, these are available for $150 per person for the networking pass with education package.
- ZONE BOOTH $1500 - $1750 price range | members only
- Each tabletop exhibitor gets 3 badges / networking passes included in their 8 x 10 value or standard booth. For any additional badges, there is a cost of $50 per badge / networking pass. If any attendees wish to attend any educational sessions, these are available for $150 per person for the networking pass with education package.
Sponsor an Experience. Build Connections.
Each BLD BizCon brings together more than 400 building materials professionals - including 100 – 150 dealer owners, managers, and decision-makers - for two days of education, networking, and business connections.
Our sponsorship opportunities are designed to place your company at the center of the attendee experience through educational programming, networking events, exhibit hall activations, and memorable moments that create lasting connections.
Explore the sponsorship guide below for opportunities, pricing and availability for each BizCon. Continue reading to review all sponsorship inclusions and details about our new Crack the Code* game designed to drive attendees to sponsor booths.
ALL SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDE THE BELOW BENEFITS:
- Company logo featured on the event website
- Company listing in the onsite show program, with booth highlighted on the exhibit hall floorplan
- Recognition on general onsite signage and function-specific signage (where applicable)
- Bright sponsor sign displayed at your booth
- Bright sponsor ribbons for booth representative badges
- Participation in BLD’s exhibit hall new engagement activity “Crack the Code” designed to drive additional traffic to participating sponsor booths.
$1000+ SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDE THE BELOW BENEFITS
In addition to the above inclusions, sponsors at the $1000 level or above will also receive:
- Priority logo placement in conference materials and onsite signage
- Verbal recognition during the Welcome Address Kick-Off on Day 1 and the Membership & Awards Lunch on Day 2
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on BLD social media prior to the conference
- Premium clues for the “Crack the Code” exhibit hall game, which will result in attendees seeking your booth out first (and more) to solve the puzzle faster and easier.
FEATURED SPEAKER SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDE
In addition to the ALL inclusions above, any company that purchases a Featured Speaker sponsorship will also receive premier promotional benefits, such as naming rights - their company/brand sharing ALL correspondence in relation to the featured speaker/seminar leading up to the event and onsite. Plus, they will have the opportunity to introduce the speaker at the sponsor session(s), allowing up to 2 minutes for promotion of their own company.
Find your perfect sponsorship by reviewing the descriptions below. Then doublecheck the Sponsor Chart for pricing, availability, eligibility, and more.
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EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS – FEATURED
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Artificial Intelligence Seminar Sponsor – Featured Speaker, Stefanie Couch
Sponsor this forward-focused educational session and interactive workshop exploring how artificial intelligence can help LBM professionals improve efficiency, streamline everyday tasks, enhance customer experiences, and support smarter business decisions. Led by nationally recognized marketing expert and LBM industry-respected speaker Stefanie Couch, this session will provide practical strategies attendees can apply immediately within their businesses.
Brand & Visibility Seminar Sponsor – Featured Speaker, Stefanie Couch
Support an engaging educational session focused on helping LBM professionals strengthen their brand presence, communicate their value, and stand out in today's competitive marketplace. Led by nationally recognized marketing expert and LBM industry-respected speaker Stefanie Couch, this session will provide practical insights into building stronger customer recognition and creating meaningful market connections.
FEATURED EDUCATION SPONSOR BUNDLE - STEFANIE COUCH
Own the spotlight as the exclusive sponsor of two high-impact educational sessions featuring nationally recognized marketing expert Stefanie Couch. This premium opportunity includes sponsorship of both Stefanie’s Artificial Intelligence Seminar and Brand & Visibility Seminar at BizCon North, providing your company with exclusive recognition across two valuable education experiences designed to help LBM professionals adapt, grow, and succeed.
Available only if sessions have not been sold individually.
Exclusive Benefits:
- Exclusive naming rights for both Stefanie Couch sessions – no additional sponsors permitted
- Premium brand placement on advance and onsite promotions related to both sessions
- Opportunity to introduce Stefanie Couch at each session and provide a brief 2-minute overview of your company and offerings to attendees
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EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS – GENERAL
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Student Career Panel & Team Challenge Sponsor
Help introduce students to exciting career opportunities within the LBM industry through an interactive career panel and hands-on activity/team challenge. Your sponsorship helps cover refreshments for the students and materials for their activity.
Women in LBM Connect & Collaborate Roundtable Sponsor
Support this impactful networking event designed to connect, inspire, and empower women throughout the LBM industry. Led by Dena Cordova Jack.
Owners & Managers Roundtable Sponsor
Align your brand with meaningful conversations among industry leaders as owners and managers (and key decision makers) discuss challenges, opportunities, and best practices.
Sales Seminar Speaker Sponsor
Help bring valuable sales education and strategies directly to LBM professionals looking to strengthen their teams and grow their businesses during the Day 2 morning and afternoon sales seminars led by Meridith Elliott Powell.
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FOOD & BEVERAGE SPONSORSHIPS
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Seminar Break Service Sponsor
Keep attendees refreshed between and during educational sessions by sponsoring the beverages served during scheduled seminars and breaks on Day 1 or Day 2.
Breakfast Items at Day 2 Kick-Off Morning Seminar Sponsor
Welcome attendees to Day 2 by sponsoring light continental breakfast items served before and during the kick-off morning educational session. Seminar led by Stefanie Couch at North and Kaiser Yang at South. (Speaker sponsorship is separate – this is just for the breakfast items.)
Booth Crawl Finger Food Station Sponsor
Located in the exhibit hall Refuel Zone, your brand would be featured at one of the most highly trafficked areas of the opening night experience. Keep attendees fueled as they explore the exhibit hall during the Day 1 Booth Crawl Party.
Booth Crawl Non-Alcoholic Beverage Station Sponsor
Located in the exhibit hall Refresh Zone, this sponsorship provides high visibility as attendees gather, network, and quench their thirst with non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening at the Day 1 Booth Crawl Party (soda, water, etc.).
Booth Crawl Bar Sponsor
Located in the Exhibit Hall Refresh Zone: Kick off the exhibit hall on Day 1 with premium visibility sponsoring the Booth Crawl Party, where attendees explore the exhibit floor while enjoying hosted bar service.
Exhibit Hall Snack Drop Sponsor
Located in the exhibit hall Refuel Zone: Each time-released snack drop creates attendee anticipation and multiple moments of visibility/sponsor recognition throughout Day 2.
Exhibit Hall Non-Alcoholic Beverage Station Sponsor
Located in the exhibit hall Refresh Zone, this high-traffic beverage destination is where attendees refresh and recharge throughout Day 2. Includes coffee, soda, water, etc.
Exhibit Hall Happy Hour Bar Sponsor
Located in the exhibit hall Refresh Zone: Close out the conference on Day 2 and get premium visibility sponsoring the final networking event on the exhibit floor featuring hosted bar service.
Membership & Awards Lunch Sponsor
Support BLD’s annual membership update and industry awards celebration as attendees gather for lunch and recognition on Day 2.
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PRIZE SPONSORSHIPS
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Zone Prize Sponsor
Refuel Zone Prize Sponsor
Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Refuel Zone and give attendees another reason to explore the exhibit hall.
Refresh Zone Prize Sponsor
Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Refresh Zone and connect your brand with a fun attendee experience.
Challenge Zone Prize Sponsor
Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Challenge Zone and bring extra excitement to this interactive exhibit experience.
Solutions Zone Prize Sponsor
Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Solutions Zone and support attendee collaboration and idea sharing.
Session Prize Sponsor
Sponsor prizes awarded during educational sessions and meal events to encourage attendee participation.
“Crack the Code” Grand Prize Game Sponsor
Sponsor the ultimate attendee cash giveaway and become part of BLD’s biggest engagement-driving activity.
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GENERAL EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
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Bag Sponsor
Provide the official event bags used during the Day 1 Booth Crawl Party. Your branded bag travels home with attendees, extending your visibility beyond the event.
Lanyard Sponsor
Provide the official conference lanyards worn by attendees, ensuring your brand is visible throughout the entire conference experience.
Wi-Fi Connection Sponsor
Keep attendees connected by sponsoring the conference Wi-Fi experience.
General Conference Support Sponsor
Support the overall success of the conference while gaining recognition as a valued BLD partner.
Flexible sponsorship option for companies wanting additional visibility.
🚨 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.
Suppliers must exhibit in order to attend the BizCons. Companies do not need to be members to exhibit, however, members will receive discounted pricing, access to premier booth placement and more sponsorship opportunities.
EXHIBIT HOURS - NORTHTuesday, January 19
Wednesday, January 20
BOOTH PRICING - NORTHBOOTH PRICING @ NORTH – LOWER PRICES AVAILABLE FOR 2027! More options. More flexibility. Based on exhibitor feedback, we've introduced lower-priced Value Booths and Standard Booths for 2027! Looking for even more visibility? Consider one of our premium Zone Booths, strategically located around the Exhibit Hall's new interactive activity areas where attendees will naturally gather throughout the event. View the booth types & pricing document for complete exhibit details and inclusions. Refer to the floorplan to see the location of each booth type.
BOOTH INCLUSIONS
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IMPORTANT LINKS
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A block of rooms has been reserved at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest for Monday, January 18th through Wednesday, January 20th. Available only while supplies last.
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest | 7025 Northland Dr N., Brooklyn Park, MN | (763) 536-8300
Rate: $144.00 plus tax
Cut Off Date: Monday, December 28, 2026
Check In Time: 4:00 pm
Check Out Time: 11:00 am
Parking Charge: Free Parking
Booking Info
- Call: (763) 536-8300
- Online: Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
- Group Code: BLD Connection
🏨 Hotel Booking Scam Warning
Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails from companies claiming to offer hotel reservations for our event. We do not authorize any third parties to handle hotel bookings on our behalf. To secure accommodations, please use the official hotel links or phone numbers provided. Booking through unauthorized channels may result in overcharges and/or no reservation at all.
Sessions & Seminars
DAY 1 - TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2027
Date: Tuesday, January 19
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Arbor Lakes Room

Roundtable: Women in LBM - Connect & Collaborate
Moderator: Dena Cordova-Jack
THE CONVERSATIONS WE AVOID What We Don't Say...and What It Costs Us
Some conversations are easy.
And then there are the ones we rehearse in our heads, postpone until “the right time,” soften until the message disappears, or avoid altogether.
Whether it’s saying no, asking for help, addressing a difficult behavior, advocating for yourself, disagreeing with someone, setting a boundary, asking for an opportunity, or simply saying, “This isn’t working for me,” the conversations we avoid often have a cost.
Join Dena Cordova-Jack for a special Women in LBM Connect & Collaborate luncheon designed to bring women across the lumber and building materials industry together for learning, conversation, and connection.
Whether you're early in your career, a seasoned industry veteran, or somewhere in between, this session is designed for you.
Because sometimes the conversation, we're most reluctant to have is exactly the conversation we need to have.
Lunch included. Come ready to learn, connect, collaborate...and maybe have a conversation you've been putting off.
Bio: Dena Cordova Jack is a trailblazer who’s been through the fire.
With 30-plus years in the LBM industry, holding leadership roles at Georgia-Pacific, Boise Cascade, Foxworth-Galbraith, and Kodiak Building Partners, Dena Cordova Jack has walked the walk. She’s seen the best and worst of corporate leadership and lived to tell the tale (with receipts). As the founder of Cordova Jack Consulting which focuses on organizational development, she's now the facilitating force behind BLD’s Women in LBM initiative. She’s helping women lead boldly, ditch perfectionism, and take their seat.
Cost: $50 per person (member) / $75 per person (non-member)
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all female attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering. Limited seating available.
Date: Tuesday, January 19
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Location: Elm Creek Amphitheater
AI You Can Use Monday
Speaker: Stefanie Couch
A hands-on working session for the building industry.
Most AI sessions leave people impressed for an hour and unchanged on Monday. This one puts the tool in their hands.
Stefanie shows attendees how to use AI to research faster, turn rough notes into useful work, prepare for sales conversations, draft content, and follow up without starting from a blank page. Then the room tests it live.
Attendees build one repeatable workflow around work they already do, using a paid Pro AI account built for real work.
Bring a laptop. Leave with work done.
What Attendees Leave With:
- One repeatable AI workflow built during the session
- A prompt pack for research, planning, content, and sales follow-up
- A faster way to move from rough notes to a useful first draft
- Clear rules for safe AI use at work
- One next step to bring back to the team
Attendee Preparation:
- Bring a fully charged laptop and charger
- Set up a paid Pro AI account before the session You may use the platform of your choice, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, etc.
- Bring one nonconfidential task, document, or piece of public content to work on
Do not enter confidential, proprietary, regulated, or personally identifiable information into public AI platforms.
Bio: Stefanie Couch is a third-generation building industry leader, nationally acclaimed speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Grit Blueprint, the visibility and growth partner for the industry. She helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and builders stop being the best kept secret in their market through sharper brand strategy, stronger sales tools, useful media, and practical AI. She hosts The Grit Blueprint Podcast and Behind The Build on YouTube.
Cost: Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Date: Tuesday, January 19
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Location: Arbor Lakes Room
Owners & Manager Roundtable
Step away from the day-to-day and join fellow owners, executives, and managers for an interactive roundtable focused on the opportunities and challenges facing today's lumber and building material businesses. Rather than a formal presentation, this facilitated discussion encourages participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another in a peer-to-peer setting.
Topics will be driven by the group and may include leadership, workforce development, profitability, succession planning, technology, sales, operations, and other timely industry issues. Whether you're looking for a fresh perspective on a current challenge or hoping to share an idea that's worked well for your company, you'll leave with practical insights and valuable connections from others who face many of the same decisions every day.
Cost: Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering. Limited seating available.
Join us as we kick off BizCon 2027! Hear updates from the BLD Connection team, get an introduction to what’s ahead, and learn what to expect throughout the event. We look forward to welcoming you and starting BizCon together!
NEW for 2027 – Kick Things Off with the Booth Crawl Party!
Forget quietly wandering the trade show floor. We're launching the Exhibit Hall with an all-new Booth Crawl Party on Day 1 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm - a high-energy networking experience designed to get everyone moving, meeting, and making connections from the moment the doors open.
As attendees arrive, they'll receive a bag and set off to explore the exhibit hall. Every exhibitor is encouraged to have something waiting at their booth - whether it's company swag, a promotional item, an individually wrapped treat, candy, a prize drawing ticket, or another fun giveaway. Think of it as a business version of trick-or-treating with a networking twist. (No unpackaged food items allowed unless purchasing from the hotel.)
Along the way, attendees can enjoy food stations, beverages, interactive Zones, and plenty of opportunities to meet exhibitors in a relaxed, social atmosphere. By the end of the evening, they'll have discovered new products, collected some fun surprises, and identified the companies they want to return to for more in-depth conversations during Day 2.
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2027
Date: Wednesday, January 20
Time: 8:00 am – 9:15 am
Location: Hennepin Ballroom

From Invisible to Unmistakable
Speaker: Stefanie Couch
Stop being the best kept secret. Become the first call.
Good work does not sell itself. Clear proof does.
Too many building industry companies sound the same. Quality. Service. People. Buyers hear the same three claims from everyone. When they cannot see a difference, price takes over.
Stefanie shows leaders how to name what makes the company different, build executive and personal brands that put the right people in front of the company, and create the proof buyers look for before they call. She also covers where companies should be showing up, and what search engines and AI need to understand before a company makes the shortlist.
The goal is not more noise. It is to become the first call.
What Attendees Leave With:
- A test for spotting weak, generic brand language
- A clearer way to explain what makes the company different
- A better answer than “quality, service, and people”
- Why visible leaders shorten the trust gap
- What buyers, search engines, and AI need before a company makes the shortlist
- Three moves to start the week they get home
Following the presentation, stay for a short BONUS "Ask Me Anything" session (15-20 minutes)
Bring the question your team keeps circling.
Stefanie takes live questions on the building industry, next generation talent and leadership, business growth, AI, brand, visibility, marketing, sales, and general leadership. If it is in her lane, it is fair game.
No slides. No canned answers. Real answers from an operator. Useful next moves.
Bio: Stefanie Couch is a third-generation building industry leader, nationally acclaimed speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Grit Blueprint, the visibility and growth partner for the industry. She helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and builders stop being the best kept secret in their market through sharper brand strategy, stronger sales tools, useful media, and practical AI. She hosts The Grit Blueprint Podcast and Behind The Build on YouTube.
Cost: Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required to attend – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
The BizCon Exhibit Hall is where connections come to life. As the heart of the conference, it's more than just a trade show - it's where dealers, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry partners come together for two days of networking, product discovery, interactive activities, food and beverages, contests, prizes, and meaningful business conversations.
The Exhibit Hall reopens on Day 2 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm for the Membership & Awards Lunch), providing dedicated time for meaningful conversations, product demonstrations, business discussions, and building stronger supplier relationships.
To elevate the experience, the exhibit floor includes four new interactive Zones:
- Refuel Zone (Food): Features an assortment of finger foods at the Day 1 Booth Crawl and scheduled “food drops” throughout Day 2 to keep energy high and encourage attendees to return to the center of activity at different intervals.
- Refresh Zone (Beverage): Offers continuous coffee, soda, water, and hosted or cash bar service across both days, serving as a natural gathering point for informal networking.
- Challenge Zone (Games): A fun, competitive space where attendees can test their skills through quick games and challenges for a chance to win prizes. Challenges change on Day 2 so you can play and enter to win both days.
- Solutions Zone (Ideas): A collaborative idea space where attendees respond to questions, share insights, and learn from peer-driven solutions across the industry.
EXHIBIT HALL ZONE PRIZES - Each of the four interactive Exhibit Hall Zones features its own prize drawing, giving you even more reasons to explore the floor throughout the event. Simply scan the QR code at each Zone to enter. Winners will be announced during the Final Happy Hour on Day 2 but do not need to be present to win.
CHALLENGE PRIZES – Think you've got what it takes? Test your skills in the Challenge Zone with three different guessing games and interactive contests. Submit your entries by QR code for a chance to win. Winners are announced at the end of each day, and the challenges change on Day 2 so you can play all over again! Must be present to win.
$1000 GRAND PRIZE – “CRACK THE CODE” SPONSOR GAME - New for 2027, the Crack the Code Sponsor Game (info for exhibitors) transforms your Exhibit Hall experience into an interactive challenge. Visit all sponsor booths to collect clues, solve the mystery phrase, and submit your completed game card.
Even if you don't crack the code, you'll still have a chance to win! Visit the required number of sponsor booths and you'll be entered into a $250 Participation Prize drawing. Successfully crack the code (guess the phrase) and you'll earn an entry into the $1,000 Grand Prize Drawing! Both prizes will be awarded during the Final Happy Hour on Day 2. Must be present to win.
BLD Connection is committed to investing in the future of the lumber and building materials industry by inviting local high school and college students to experience BizCon firsthand.
Students begin their visit with a Crew Communication Challenge that reinforces the importance of leadership, communication, teamwork, and planning through an engaging team-building activity.
Afterward, students are encouraged to explore the exhibit hall, meet with exhibitors, and learn more about the products, companies, and career opportunities that make up our industry.
By introducing students to the people, products, and possibilities within the LBM community, BizCon helps inspire and develop the next generation of industry professionals.
Date: Wednesday, January 20
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Elm Creek Amphitheater
Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver
Speaker: Meridith Elliott Powell
Uncertainty changes everything. And the rules of selling lumber and building materials have changed. Commodity pricing swings, online distributors, and big-box pricing pressure.
It's harder to get in front of the builder. Harder to stand out from the competition. And harder to keep your team motivated when every deal feels like it comes down to price.
Let's face it - selling building materials has gone through a major change and if your team is still selling the way they did five years ago you're leaving margin and market share on the table. To compete against bigger players with bigger marketing budgets, your team has to evolve how they sell, not just how hard they sell.
Join business growth strategist and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell for this high-energy, highly interactive session built specifically for independent dealers and suppliers — where she shares the techniques your team needs to dominate, differentiate, and deliver.
What Attendees Leave With:
- A clear read on how the building materials marketplace has shifted
- Techniques to open doors with builders and contractors who already think they know their options
- The right questions to ask that shorten the sales cycle, protect margin, and turn a price conversation into a value conversation
- Strategies to build trust and credibility fast
- Your personal plan of action you can implement easily and effectively
Bio: Meridith Elliott Powell is a Hall of Fame Speaker, Million Dollar Speaker, award-winning author, and former C-Suite executive who knows firsthand what it takes to turn disruption into opportunity. With more than 25 years of business leadership experience, Meridith has built her career on helping organizations and leaders learn to thrive in uncertainty. Her obsession with one word — change — inspired her groundbreaking research and her proven system, ASK for CHANGE, a methodology designed to turn fear into fuel and uncertainty into
competitive advantage.
Cost: Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Celebrating Our Members, Our Industry, and Our Success
Take a break from the exhibit hall and join fellow attendees for a signature BizCon gathering celebrating the people and partnerships that make the LBM industry strong. The exhibit hall will pause during lunch, allowing everyone an opportunity to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, reconnect with colleagues, and hear important updates from BLD Connection.
Following lunch, we’ll recognize outstanding members of our industry through the presentation of the Dealer of the Year and Supporter of the Year awards—honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and support within the LBM community.
This special gathering is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, strengthen connections, and recognize the individuals and companies helping move our industry forward.
TICKETED EVENT: While there is no additional cost to attend this event and it is open to all attendees, advance registration is required so we can plan appropriately for meals.
Date: Wednesday, January 20
Time: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Elm Creek Amphitheater
Sales Redefined: How AI is Changing How We Sell and How Your Customers Buy
Speaker: Meridith Elliott Powell
AI is changing everything - including how you sell.
Builders and contractors used to call the yard, ask a few questions, and trust the relationship. Now they're comparing pricing before they ever pick up the phone. AI-powered tools are helping big-box chains and online distributors predict what a contractor needs before the contractor even asks and quote faster than your counter can.
But the truth is - AI is NOT the biggest threat to your sales. Your reaction to it is.
Success today isn't about the technology, it's about redesigning how your team sells so it matches how builders and contractors are actually deciding.
Join Hall of Fame Speaker and business growth strategist Meridith Elliott Powell for this high-energy, research-driven keynote where she reveals the proven framework to help independent dealers and suppliers not just survive AI's impact on selling — but come out ahead of the competitors who think it's already given them the edge.
Because AI is changing how your customers buy, but it doesn't have to change who they buy from.
What Attendees Leave With:
- Understand how AI has already changed the buyer's journey
- Close the speed gap
- Sell value where speed and data can't win the deal alone
- Rebuild the sales conversation for buyers who show up already informed
- Create a sales culture that keeps pace with how fast buying behavior is shifting
Bio: Meridith Elliott Powell is a Hall of Fame Speaker, Million Dollar Speaker, award-winning author, and former C-Suite executive who knows firsthand what it takes to turn disruption into opportunity. With more than 25 years of business leadership experience, Meridith has built her career on helping organizations and leaders learn to thrive in uncertainty. Her obsession with one word — change — inspired her groundbreaking research and her proven system, ASK for CHANGE, a methodology designed to turn fear into fuel and uncertainty into
competitive advantage.
Cost: Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
The Exhibit Hall experience concludes with a Final Happy Hour (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Day 2) - a celebratory closing reception featuring hosted beer and wine service and a fun snack drop or two. It’s designed as a final opportunity to reconnect, wrap up conversations, and end the conference on a high-energy, positive note, complete with final prize announcements, including the $1000 Grand Prize.
Sponsors
Questions?
Please reach out to Director of Events, Jodie Fleck, CMP at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.
Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver