BizCon South BizCon South– Premier Lumber & Building Materials Conference

QUICK LINKS

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

EXHIBITOR / SPONSOR REGISTRATION

EXPLORE BIZCON SOUTH

Featured Education

Hear from featured speaker Kaiser Yang and other industry experts with practical education focused on today’s LBM business challenges.

Exhibit Hall

Connect with industry partners, discover new products and enjoy contests, prizes and more.

Member Connections

Spend time with Retail and Associate Members from across the region through BizCon events, meals and activities.

ATTEND

Attendee passes are available to retail lumber dealers, dealer guests and contractor customers. Suppliers and service providers participate as exhibitors. Students register separately.

Networking Pass

$50 / member

$75 / non-member

Includes:

✓Access to Exhibit Hall

✓Booth Crawl Party

✓Membership & Awards Lunch

✓Final Happy Hour

✓Refreshment Breaks

Networking + Education

$150 / member

$200 / non-member

Includes everything in Networking Pass, plus:

✓Access to All Education Sessions*

*Women in LBM is a separate add-on and is not included with any pass. It may be purchased separately with either pass. $50 / member | $75 / non-member.

WHO CAN ATTEND BIZCON SOUTH?

Retail Lumber Dealers
Owners and employees of retail lumber yards may register to attend BizCon South. BLD members receive member pricing; non-members are also welcome.

Contractor Customers
Contractors who are customers of retail lumber dealers may attend. Contractors invited by a BLD member receive the invited rate; contractors attending without a member invitation use the standard contractor rate.

Dealer Guests
Spouses of dealer attendees and retired lumber dealers may register as guests.

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

Students & Instructors
Invited students and instructors may participate in the Day 2 Student Career Panel, Team Challenge and exhibition activities at no cost. A separate Student RSVP Form is required.

STUDENT RSVP FORM

Suppliers & Service Providers
Companies that supply products or services to the LBM industry may not register as general attendees. Suppliers must exhibit to participate in BizCon.

VIEW EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

SEMINARS & SPEAKERS

DAY 1 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2027

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Women in LBM Connect & Collaborate
Dena Cordova-Jack

Date: Monday, February 1

Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Location: Grandquist 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.

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.

3:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Strategies for Creative Problem Solving
Kaiser Yang

Date: Monday, February 1

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Location: Skinner C Room

Strategies for Creative Problem Solving

Speaker: Kaiser Yang

Innovation is not reserved for inventors, entrepreneurs, or people with “creative” job titles. It is a leadership capability: the ability to see opportunities others miss, challenge assumptions, generate stronger possibilities, and move ideas into action.

In today’s environment, leaders are expected to do more than manage what already exists. They must navigate ambiguity, improve how work gets done, and help their teams respond constructively to changing customer needs, market conditions, and business priorities.

This engaging, interactive session by Kaiser Yang is designed to build and strengthen that capability. Through practical tools, fast-paced interactive exercises, and real-world application, you will strengthen your ability to approach challenges with greater curiosity, confidence, and creative discipline.

Three Learning Objectives

Identify and overcome barriers to innovative thinking.
Tackle significant real-world challenges in new and creative ways.
Learn to infuse the core principles of the ‘innovator’s mindset’ into day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

Designed for leaders at all levels who want to strengthen their problem-solving skills, encourage innovation, and create a culture where new ideas can become meaningful action.

Bio:Kaiser Yang is the CEO and co-founder of Platypus Labs, a global innovation research, consulting, and training company. He’s an award winning author, a proven hyper-growth leader, and a globally-recognized innovation expert.

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.

3:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Owners & Managers Roundtable

Date: Monday, February 1

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Location: Skinner A or B Room

Owners & Managers 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.

DAY 2 - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2027

8:00 am – 9:00 am | The 5 Core Mindsets of Innovators
Kaiser Yang

Date: Tuesday, February 2

Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Location: Skinner A & B

The 5 Core Mindsets of Innovators

Speaker: Kaiser Yang

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, the ability to think differently, adapt quickly, and identify new opportunities is a critical leadership skill. In this energizing keynote, Kaiser Yang will introduce five core mindsets that help teams and leaders challenge assumptions, embrace change, and turn uncertainty into forward progress.

Through memorable stories and practical examples, Kaiser gives participants a proven framework they can use to tackle challenges and seize new opportunities with fresh perspective and new approaches.

Learning Objectives

Strategies to drive growth, engagement, and success amid change and uncertainty.
Inspiring and memorable stories that show how inventive thinking and creative problem-solving can lead to breakthrough results.
Insights, mindsets, and techniques developed by some of the world’s most prolific leaders of innovation.

Bio: Kaiser Yang is the CEO and co-founder of Platypus Labs, a global innovation research, consulting, and training company. He’s an award winning author, a proven hyper-growth leader, and a globally-recognized innovation expert.

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.

9:00 am – 10:00 am | Student Career Panel & Team Challenge

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 Student Career Panel, where dealer and supplier professionals share their career journeys, discuss the wide variety of opportunities available throughout the industry, and answer questions about careers in the LBM field. Following the panel, students participate in a fun, hands-on 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.

10:00 am – 11:00 am | Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver
Meridith Elliott Powell

Date: Tuesday, February 2

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: Skinner C

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.

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Sales Redefined: How AI is Changing How We Sell and How Your Customers Buy
Meridith Elliott Powell

Date: Tuesday, February 2

Time: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Location: Skinner C

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

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.

INCLUDED EVENTS & EXHIBIT HALL

ADVANCE RSVP REQUIRED: These events are included with your BizCon registration, but your spot is not automatically reserved. During registration, select Attending for each event you plan to attend.

Mon, Feb 1 | 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Welcome & Association Update

Mon, Feb 1 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
NEW! Booth Crawl Party

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.

ATTENDEE DETAILS

EXHIBITOR DETAILS

Tues, Feb 2 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Open

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 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.
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 Day 2, but you do not need to be present to win.

$1000 GRAND PRIZE – “CRACK THE CODE” SPONSOR GAME - New for 2027, the Crack the Code Sponsor Game 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.

Tues, Feb 2 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Membership & Awards Lunch

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.

Tues, Feb 2 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Final Happy Hour Party

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.

↑ Back to Top

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Kaiser Yang | Co-Founder & CEO, Platypus Labs

Kaiser Yang

Co-Founder & CEO, Platypus Labs

Kaiser Yang - a globally recognized innovation leader and award-winning author - brings a proven model to help organizations make innovation an everyday business. Kaiser passionately believes that even the most transformative innovations can be fast, scrappy, and accessible to us all.

Over the last 25 years, Kaiser has been at the forefront of global innovation, building and scaling multiple technology startups and guiding transformative initiatives with clients such as Microsoft, Disney, The Gap and other Fortune 500 organizations.

Today, as the co-founder and CEO of Platypus Labs, an innovation research, consulting, and training firm, he helps leaders and teams achieve the outcomes they crave - growth, innovation, competitive advantage, deeper engagement, and predictable results.

Kaiser’s award-winning book, Crack the Code, 8 Surprising Keys to Unlock Innovation, demonstrates his proven system to help everyday people innovate in their everyday work.

Kaiser is also an award-winning restaurateur, a passionate breeder of koi fish, a golf enthusiast, and the proud father of teenage twins.

Meridith Elliott Powell | Award Winning Author & Speaker

Meridith Elliott Powell

Award Winning Author & Speaker

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.

Dena Cordova-Jack | Cordova-Jack Consulting

Dena Cordova-Jack

Cordova-Jack Consulting

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.

NEW FOR 2027

See What’s New in the Exhibit Hall

BizCon 2027 features a more interactive exhibit hall with the Booth Crawl Party, interactive Zones, sponsor games, Crack the Code and more reasons for dealers to visit exhibitor booths.

Explore the Interactive Exhibit Hall →

↑ Back to Top

EXHIBIT

More options. More flexibility. Based on exhibitor feedback, we've introduced lower-priced 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.

WHO CAN EXHIBIT?

Companies that supply products or services to retail lumber and building material dealers are welcome to exhibit at BizCon South. Suppliers and service providers must exhibit to participate and may not register as general attendees.

BLD membership is not required to exhibit. Members receive discounted booth pricing and access to select booth placement and sponsorship opportunities.

Exhibiting is required to sponsor BizCon South.

STANDARD

8' x 10'

$1,350 Member

$1,850 Non-Member

Includes 2 Networking Passes

ZONE

8' x 10'

$1,500 - $1,750

Members Only

Includes 3 Networking Passes

BOOTH TYPES & PRICING

VIEW FLOORPLAN

EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION

BOOTH DETAILS & INCLUSIONS

Click on this link for the current floorplan with available booths. Note - The floorplan updates will be posted online daily. Booth requests will be honored on a first come, first served basis. BLD reserves the right to deny booth requests based upon placement too close to a competitor. For these reasons, please ensure you select several booth options you’ll be happy with.

Booth Details:
- Single booth size is 8' x 10' (8 feet deep, 10 feet wide unless in a flipped double booth at the end)
- Pipe and drape on back and sides unless otherwise requested (8’ back drape, 3’ side drape)
- One 8’x 30” skirted table
- Two chairs
- One wastebasket
- One company ID sign
Exhibit Hall Details:
- One exhibit hall will be used for the trade show. Booth prices vary based upon your booth location selection.
- All exhibit space is carpeted with high ceilings.
Other Booth Inclusions:
- One Dealer Reference Manual (DRM) per 8 x 10 booth (2 booths = 2 DRMs, etc.)
  - AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS ONLY!
  - DRMs will NOT be available to hand out at the event. Due to our new production schedule, they will be shipped in May.
  - Contact/mailing details for DRMs will be collected onsite at the BizCon.
- Pre-conference list of attendees will be provided via email about one week before the event (per BLD policy, no attendee emails will be included on the list.)
- Badges:
  - Standard booths come with up to 2 free networking passes/badges (includes exhibit hall activities, receptions and lunch – does not include education).
  - Zone booths come with up to 3 free networking passes/badges.
  - Additional networking passes beyond what comes free with the booth are $50 per person.
  - Passes that include the education package are $150 per person.
  - If attending the Women in LBM roundtable, that is an additional $50 per person.

EXHIBIT HOURS & SETUP

Monday, February 1

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm BOOTH SET-UP
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EXHIBIT HOURS / BOOTH CRAWL PARTY

Tuesday, February 2

- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EXHIBIT HOURS (closed from 12 pm – 1 pm for lunch)
- 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm DISMANTLE / TEAR DOWN

Loading & Unloading

Prairie Meadows has both an elevated loading dock (Dock 3) and ground level (Sally Port).

Load in, load out if using the loading dock area – You may load small items in through the main doors of the conference center during designated load in and load out event hours, but if larger items must be moved in with equipment or a loading dock is required, please use the receiving and distribution area and follow the directions below.

Prairie Meadows receiving & distribution (R&D) area is on the northeast side of the building.
Back up to Dock #4 (aka Sally Port), which is the garage door/dock closest to the entry door.
Use the employee entrance, located by Dock #4, ring the bell at the far door to check in with security control.
Present your driver’s license to security control to receive a temporary IRGC yellow badge* and proximity card. The proximity card will give you access to employee areas of the facility.
Please be prepared to share the following information: name of the event, name of your Prairie Meadows’ contact, and the areas of the facility you will be accessing.
Once checked in, security or R&D staff will open the garage door for you.
Back your vehicle inside the building. Security or R&D staff will shut the first garage door and open the interior door for unloading.
If needed, obtain a cart from R&D staff. Carts are limited and may not be available at the time of your arrival. Be prepared to move your items without the use of a cart. Unload your vehicle and take your items to the room/area for your event. Depending on Sally Port usage, our staff may ask you to move your vehicle immediately after unloading, before taking items to the room.
All vehicles need to be parked in our main lot. You must enter through any of our guest entrances – The Meadows Events Center, main Casino entrance, or Hotel. If you do not need to access employee areas after unloading, return your badges* to security control to receive your driver’s license.
*Badge must be worn and visible in secure areas. Guests are not allowed to gamble or drink alcohol while in possession of an IRGC temporary badge.

Manual pallet jacks and forklifts are available for use with prior arrangements and scheduling. Reach out to Kara Wenzel at 515.967.8583 or kara.wenzel@prairiemeadows.com to arrange.

For the safety of employees and Clients, only trained and certified persons may operate forklifts. Services must be arranged with Prairie Meadows in advance and will be contracted for a minimum of one (1) hour at a rate of $150 per hour. Utilization exceeding one (1) hour will be calculated and rounded up in .25 hour increments.

Parking
Parking around the hotel and conference center is ample and free.

Submitting the booth agreement/contract is an indication that you have read and agree to the terms in the BLD Connection Exhibitor Regulations.

UTILITIES, POLICIES & IMPORTANT LINKS

ELECTRICITY & Wi-Fi– Complimentary electricity is included with your booth. Booths automatically come with access to (1) 110-volt electric outlet. Consider bringing an additional extension cord if needed.

Important exhibitor links

Full BizCon South Agenda
Current Exhibit Hall Floorplan
Booth Types & Pricing
BLD Connection Exhibitor Regulations

🚨 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.

SHIPPING, FREIGHT & EXHIBITOR SERVICES

SHIPPING/FREIGHT SERVICE -

If it is necessary for you to ship materials to Prairie Meadows, incoming packages and boxes are to be addressed as follows:

Prairie Meadows

1 Prairie Meadows Drive

Altoona, Iowa 50009

YOUR company / company rep name

Function or Group Name & Date (BLD BizCon South / February 1-2, 2027)

The Meadows Contact: Kara Wenzel

For your safety and security, cartons, packages, or other containers brought in or removed from Prairie Meadows by the Client, Client’s guests, invitees, employees, and agents may be subject to inspection. Boxes, packages, and/or display materials will be accepted no earlier than three (3) days prior to the scheduled event date. The Meadows reserves the right to refuse packages which appear damaged and in any event, assumes no liability for the condition of the contents of such packages. Additionally, storage for items received prior to three (3) days and/or not removed following the conclusion of your event may be assessed storage fees. Returned shipping/packaging fees will apply. Prairie Meadows will not accept any responsibility for damage to or loss of any merchandise or articles left in the facility prior to, during, or following the Client’s function.

Shipments of more than 10 boxes and any boxes heavier than 70 lbs. must receive prior approval from your Event Coordinator. Handling and storage fees for large shipments will apply.

PACKAGE SHIPPING CHARGES Incoming and outgoing charges: • Letters and Envelopes $4 each • Boxes up to 70 lbs. $10 each

MAIL / SHIPPING / PACKAGE INSPECTION • Totes and Display cases $25 each • Pallets $100

Packages should arrive no more than 3 days prior to the conferenc

EXHIBITOR SERVICES – Need additional tables, décor, freight services, carpet, etc. that doesn’t already come with your booth? Prairie Meadows provides their own in-house pipe and drape, tables, etc. for the booths. Therefore, if you have special booth needs not included with your booth, reach out to Kara Wenzel at 967.8583 or kara.wenzel@prairiemeadows.com.
- Inclusion Reminder – Booths come with a skirted table, two chairs, waste basket and ID sign, as well as electricity hook up. The exhibit hall floor IS carpeted at this venue.

Put your company in front of more than 400 building materials professionals, including dealer owners, managers, and decision-makers. Sponsorship opportunities support education, food and beverage, exhibit hall activities, prizes, and other BizCon experiences.

Exhibiting is required to sponsor BizCon South.

Increase Brand Visibility

Reach
Decision-Makers

Drive Booth Traffic

VIEW SPONSOR CHART

SPONSOR REGISTRATION

SPONSOR BENEFITS

Sponsor Inclusions:

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+ Sponsorship Inclusions:

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 Sponsorship Inclusions:

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.

FEATURED EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS

Problem Solving Seminar Sponsor – Featured Speaker, Kaiser Yang - $3000

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 Kaiser Yang, this session will provide practical strategies attendees can apply immediately within their businesses.

Core Mindsets Seminar Sponsor – Featured Speaker, Kaiser Yang - $3000

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 Kaiser Yang, this session will provide practical insights into building stronger customer recognition and creating meaningful market connections.

FEATURED EDUCATION SPONSOR BUNDLE - KAISER YANG - $5000

Own the spotlight as the exclusive sponsor of two high-impact educational sessions featuring nationally recognized marketing expert Kaiser Yang. This premium opportunity includes sponsorship of both Kaiser’s Problem Solving Seminar and Core Mindsets Seminar at BizCon South, 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 Kaiser Yang sessions – no additional sponsors permitted
Premium brand placement on advance and onsite promotions related to both sessions
Opportunity to introduce Kaiser Yang at each session and provide a brief 2-minute overview of your company and offerings to attendees

GENERAL EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS

Student Career Panel & Team Challenge Sponsor - $500

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 - $1000

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 - $1000

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 - $1500

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.

FOOD & BEVERAGE SPONSORSHIPS

Seminar Break Service Sponsor - $750

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 - $1000

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 - $1000

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 - $1000

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 - $1500

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 - $1500

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 - $1500

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 - $1500

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 - SOLD

Support BLD’s annual membership update and industry awards celebration as attendees gather for lunch and recognition on Day 2.

PRIZE SPONSORSHIPS

Zone Prize Sponsor

Refuel Zone Prize Sponsor - $750

Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Refuel Zone and give attendees another reason to explore the exhibit hall.

Refresh Zone Prize Sponsor - $750

Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Refresh Zone and connect your brand with a fun attendee experience.

Challenge Zone Prize Sponsor - $750

Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Challenge Zone and bring extra excitement to this interactive exhibit experience.

Solutions Zone Prize Sponsor - $750

Sponsor the featured zone prize drawing in the Solutions Zone and support attendee collaboration and idea sharing.

Session Prize Sponsor - $750

Sponsor prizes awarded during educational sessions and meal events to encourage attendee participation.

“Crack the Code” Grand Prize Game Sponsor - $1500

Sponsor the ultimate attendee cash giveaway and become part of BLD’s biggest engagement-driving activity.

GENERAL EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

Bag Sponsor - $500

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 - $500

Provide the official conference lanyards worn by attendees, ensuring your brand is visible throughout the entire conference experience.

Wi-Fi Connection Sponsor - $500

Keep attendees connected by sponsoring the conference Wi-Fi experience.

General Conference Support Sponsor - $500

Support the overall success of the conference while gaining recognition as a valued BLD partner.

Flexible sponsorship option for companies wanting additional visibility.

↑ Back to Top

HOTEL

Prairie Meadows Event Center & Hotel
1 Prairie Meadows Drive
Altoona, IA
(515) 967-1000

Rate

$159 / night

When booking, mention "BIZ0227 and attendee password: 863005311" to receive group rate.

Cut-Off Date

January 16, 2027

BOOK YOUR ROOM

THANK YOU TO OUR BIZCON SOUTH SPONSORS

Federated Insurance

Questions?

Please reach out to Director of Events, Jodie Fleck, CMP at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.

QUICK LINKS

ATTEND

WHO CAN ATTEND BIZCON SOUTH?

SEMINARS & SPEAKERS

INCLUDED EVENTS & EXHIBIT HALL

MEET THE SPEAKERS

EXHIBIT

WHO CAN EXHIBIT?

SPONSOR

HOTEL

THANK YOU TO OUR BIZCON SOUTH SPONSORS

Questions?

Stay Connected