Nebraska Connection Conference

Dealer, Contractor & Guest Pricing

Supplier/Sponsor Pricing

$1,350 per member / $1,850 non-member

Includes full conference registration (Welcome Address/Panel, education session, lunch, and table top display for afternoon networking session) PLUS evening Smash Park event access (gameplay, dinner and drinks) for up to two (2) people. Must register in advance.

• Sponsors may bring an unlimited number of representatives to the table-top reception from 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm.  Advance registration is appreciated.
• Sponsors may purchase a full registration pass for additional people (beyond their two free) – cost is $200 per person.

 If sponsor companies wish to send someone else to the evening function other than the person attending the daytime conference, they will be responsible for making sure the evening substitute has the entrance ticket to Smash Park.

A small block of rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites La Vista for Wednesday, December 10^th and Thursday, December 11^th, 2025. Information is below.

Booking Info (by Phone or Online)

• Call:   (402) 331-7400
• Online: Click Here to book our group rate for the Nebraska Connection Conference
• Use group ID “NCC” when making reservation

Keynote Speaker - Aaron Davis

Aaron Davis, author and speaker, has shared his personal experience performing like a champion with over a million people. He is a leading authority on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude! Since the age of 8, he helped his father work evenings as a janitor. This experience taught him that a champion attitude matters regardless of one’s role or title. While mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, and emptying hundreds of trash cans each night, Aaron learned that it’s not what you do but how you do it. As a member of the 1994 National Championship Nebraska Football team and through his work with numerous corporations and organizations, he understands firsthand what it takes to perform like a champion and achieve remarkable personal and professional results by maintaining a positive attitude. Aaron is more than just a speaker explaining how a championship attitude leads to success—he is a successful business owner, former corporate leader, and cancer survivor! He has received numerous awards and accolades and is a proud University of Nebraska alumnus with a degree in Psychology. Aaron has shared the stage with some of today’s top luminaries and has spoken for leading companies, universities, and associations, including Farm Bureau, Walmart, ConAgra, USC, Penn State, Texas A&M, and many more.

Perform Like a Champion

Attitude, mental toughness and the ability to change and adapt quickly are just a few characteristics that all champions possess. As a member of the Nebraska 1994 National Championship football team (considered by some as one of the best teams ever assembled), Aaron has a keen understanding of what it takes to achieve incredible results. Today’s corporate environment is more competitive than ever before and it’s those who are able to focus when others fold, who consistently stay at the top!

Presentation Outcomes:

• Individuals will learn strategies to remain mentally tough in a competitive environment.
• Individuals will be reminded of the power of a Championship Attitude!
• Individuals will be reminded of the importance of impeccable integrity and the power of passion.
• Individuals will be encouraged to never lose the ability to laugh at themselves and to have fun.
• Individuals will hear tips on how to adapt to change quickly while still enjoying the ride.

Paul Burke

Paul has over 30 years of sales and marketing leadership managing local, corporate, and global teams. He has also been an entrepreneur; owning, leading, and successfully exiting several businesses. Paul enjoys working with entrepreneurs and leadership teams as a teacher, facilitator, and coach, helping them get more out of their business and work life, “Putting the fun back into dysfunctional.” Serving as an Oicer in the U.S. Army and as a Company Commander during Operation Desert Storm, he learned the value of great leadership, teamwork, and the critical importance of execution. Without those elements all the best plans in the world become just words on a page. Paul has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business & Speech Communication from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Dallas.

Program description coming soon.

Inspiring Leaders Panel

Join us for an engaging panel discussion to kick off our 2025 Connection Conference.  This panel, moderated by Brett Thorne, will feature inspiring leaders in the lumber and building materials industry. These professionals are shaping the future of the industry—introducing new ideas, embracing technology, and redefining workplace culture while honoring time-tested traditions. Panelists will share insights into the challenges and opportunities they face. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the bold ideas these leaders are using in their businesses  and real-world strategies that are driving the next era of growth in our industry.

Tap Into the Power of Peer Insight: Owner & Manager Roundtable

Step away from the day-to-day and join fellow business owners and managers for a dynamic roundtable discussion designed to spark ideas, share solutions, and tackle challenges head-on. This is your chance to connect with peers who are navigating the same shifting landscape and are ready to trade real-world strategies that work.

Bring your questions, your experience, and your curiosity. It’s not a lecture—it’s a conversation that could change the way you do business.

Connection Conference Cancellation & Refund Policy

Dealer and Guest cancellations must be received in the BLD Connection office no later than 10 days prior to the first day of the Conference in order to receive a refund.  Cancellations after this date or no-shows will not receive a refund.

Sponsorship cancellations must be received in writing at the BLD Connection office no later than 30 days prior to the conference. Cancellations at least 30 days prior are subject to a $250 cancellation fee and the remainder will be refunded. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the event will forfeit 100% of the sponsorship. This applies to sponsorships paid in full or yet to be paid.