2024 Nebraska Connection Conference Sessions

Open to board members only on Tuesday, December 10th. Details, agenda, etc. will be sent directly to you prior to the event.

Casual dinner on the night before the event. Invite for board members/partners only. Details to be shared as the event approaches.

Grab a cup of coffee, greet the other attendees & sponsors, and kick off the 2nd annual Nebraska Connection Conference at the Welcome Address! Immediately after this brief conference overview, attendees can disperse to their chosen seminar or contractor workshop. Sponsors are also welcome to set up their tabletop displays, located in the same room as the Welcome Address & Luncheon.

Seminar #1: 'Personalizing Every Interaction: Strategies to Stand Out in Sales” In today’s competitive market, standing out from the competition requires more than just a strong pitch. It demands a strategic approach to personalizing every customer interaction. This dynamic one-hour seminar is designed specifically for sales representatives looking to refine their techniques and elevate their sales game. Industry Consultant Mike McDole, of Firing Line LBM Advisors, will share proven techniques sales reps can use to personalize and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to boost your sales effectiveness and forge stronger customer relationships. Seminar #2: “Mastering Time Management for Sales Success” Unlock your full potential with our focused one-hour seminar on time management tailored for sales representatives. Effective time management is crucial for maximizing productivity, meeting sales targets, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This seminar is designed to equip sales representatives with the essential skills and tools to manage their time more effectively, improve organization and productivity, and achieve their sales goals. Industry Consultant Mike McDole, of Firing Line LBM Advisors, will offer strategies for managing your time rather than letting it manage you. Don’t miss this opportunity to drive your success by transforming your approach to time management!

Seminar #1: Saddle Up! A Modern Leadership Solution In today's dynamic landscape, burnout and disengagement plague workplaces. Yet, the core issue often isn't burnout but rather boredom, stifling untapped potential. To thrive, organizations must foster a culture of ownership and collaboration. Introducing Saddle Your Own Horse™, a paradigm shift in leadership that champions engagement and fulfillment. Seminar #2: Leading in the Arena: Championing Yourself and Your Team Great managers are exceptional coaches. 70% of people’s growth stems from real-world challenges, not formal training or mentoring. To champion your team effectively, mastering a coaching approach is essential. Learn how to empower your team to excel through proven coaching techniques, embracing the ethos of Saddle Your Own Horse™.

New this year, BLD has invited the contractors to attend the Connection Conference in Nebraska! (And we encourage our dealer members to invite their contractor customers!) We’ve added a collection of “mini” (20-minute) workshops designed for contractors to learn more about a specific product or service that a select number of hosting vendors will be showcasing. There are up to 5 workshops available (back to back with short breaks between each one) and contractors are encouraged to attend all of them.

After a morning of education and/or setting up tabletops, we invite all our conference attendees to join us at the Membership Luncheon starting at 11:30 am. Enjoy a nice meal and receive annual BLD Connection updates before listening to an inspiring keynote address. Although lunch is included with your conference registration, advance registration for this session is required to help BLD staff with set-up requirements and food & beverage counts. Please indicate your intention to attend this session when registering. (Lunch is not available to sponsor reps joining the afternoon tabletop session only.) Keynote: Kendall Gammon “Minding Mindset” Kendall Gammon offers a refreshing and insightful approach to fostering unity and fortifying internal cultures within organizations, especially in times marked by change and uncertainty. His presentations deliver a poignant message on the significance of emotional resilience and its profound influence on achieving professional success.

Only 30 tabletop displays will be onsite to peruse, which will allow ample one-on-one time for dealer, contractor, and supplier visits from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Located in the same room as the luncheon, the sponsor tabletops will be set off to the side for quick and easy access all afternoon immediately following lunch. Enjoy a beverage from the bar and some dessert while you engage with each other and learn more about the vendor products and services. Dealers - track your visits to each sponsor on the provided game card for a chance to win the $500 grand prize announced at 5:00 pm!

Join BLD Connection for a fun evening of games, dinner and drinks! We’ve reserved space over at the nearby Smash Park facility, which is within walking distance of the Embassy Hotel. Engage in two hours of gameplay, including axe throwing and duckpin bowling while enjoying a full BBQ dinner buffet and drinks. Bring your competitive edge or simply come and enjoy a beverage with your colleagues and customers! Advance registration is required. Please indicate your intention to attend this specific event when registering. (This event is not available to sponsor reps joining the afternoon tabletop session only.)