Mid-America Connection Conference

Dealers and suppliers from Kansas, Missouri and the surrounding region will gather in Olathe for a full day that combines education, business updates, exhibitors and a little fun along the way.

The morning education program will include a session on artificial intelligence presented by John Marshall, followed by a sales-focused session with Lynne Jensen Nelson. Attendees will also hear BLD Connection updates during the welcome address and an economic keynote during the membership luncheon.

Exhibitors will get 60 seconds during the morning Exhibitor Preview Hour to introduce their companies and highlight products, services or special offers. Attendees can then visit the tabletop displays during the afternoon Exhibitor Networking & Discovery Session. The Passport Game returns, with a $500 cash prize for one attendee who completes the game.

The conference wraps up with an evening reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, hosted beverages and entertainment.

Nebraska Connection Conference

Two days later, the Connection Conference heads north to Omaha.

The Nebraska conference follows a similar format, with John Marshall presenting the morning artificial intelligence session and Dustin James leading the sales session. An economic keynote will be featured during the membership luncheon, along with association updates and recognition.

Attendees will also have two dedicated periods to explore exhibitor tabletop displays. The morning Preview Hour provides a quick introduction to participating companies, while the afternoon session gives attendees more time to ask questions, explore products and services, and see what may be useful back at their businesses.

Snacks and hosted bar service will be available during the afternoon, and the Passport Game will once again offer the opportunity to win $500 cash. An evening reception closes out the day.

Wisconsin Connection Conference

The winter conference season continues in February with the Wisconsin Connection Conference, presented by the Wisconsin Lumber Dealers Education Foundation.

The Wisconsin event combines education, peer discussion, association business and social activities for members from Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Programming is being developed with a focus on AI uses in the LBM industry, and practical tools for sales and team performance.

Activities begin Monday, February 22, with the Next Gen Roundtable from 2:00–4:30 pm, followed by an opening happy hour at Monk’s Bar & Grill from 5:30–7:00 pm. The full conference follows Tuesday, February 23, at Glacier Canyon Conference Center, with additional schedule and program details to be announced.

The conference will also include the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan membership meeting, recognition and awards, sponsor participation and an evening reception with hosted beverages, hors d’oeuvres and prize drawings.

Put a Conference on Your Calendar

Whether you attend close to home or make a trip out of it, Connection Conferences are built to make the day worthwhile. You can hear from industry-focused speakers, find resources for your business, catch up with familiar faces and meet other LBM professionals who deal with many of the same challenges you do. (Exhibitor tabletops are limited so make sure to secure yours early if you’re a supplier!)

Registration for the Mid-America and Nebraska Connection Conferences opens September 1. Watch BLD Connection communications for registration links, speaker details and additional information as each conference approaches.

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