2026 BizCon North Sessions
Welcome Mixer (FREE) - RESTRICTIONS APPLY!
1/19/2026 5:00 PM - 1/19/2026 7:00 PM
Summary
Kick off BizCon early!
Arriving ahead of the crowd? Join us for the Early Arrival Welcome Mixer—a relaxed, informal gathering designed for early birds looking to connect before the official start of the BizCon. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light fare while mingling with fellow attendees in a casual, welcoming setting.
Whether you’re here to catch up with colleagues, make new connections, or simply unwind after your travels, the Early Arrival Welcome Mixer is the perfect way to get a head start on all that the BizCon has to offer.
Cost: FREE
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open exclusively to BLD staff, board members, lumber dealers (and their guests), and sponsoring exhibitors. Please note: non-sponsoring exhibitors are not eligible to attend. Advance registration is appreciated – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Board Meeting - Invite Only
1/20/2026 8:00 AM - 1/20/2026 11:30 AM
Sales Seminar: From Price to Purpose - Elevating Sales with Proposals Over Quotes ($75)
1/20/2026 10:00 AM - 1/20/2026 11:30 AM
Speakers
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Scott PlumScott Plum launched his sales career in 1987 and founded the Minnesota Sales Institute in 2002 to work with sales professionals to close more deals, increase revenue, and stop relying on discounts to win business. He’s the author of Taking Off Into the Wind: Creating Lift Out of Life, a book that teaches how to harness adversity for growth—personally and professionally. Known as “Professor Plum,” Scott is also the co-host of the Winning at Selling Podcast (ranked globally in the top 1%) and has served in leadership roles with the Professional Sales Association, Sales and Marketing Executives and the National Speakers Association. His training combines mindset, skillset, and accountability to create lasting results. With a mix of challenges and encouragement, Scott works with individuals and teams to boost confidence, strengthen habits, and turn knowledge into action.
Summary
Sales professionals often fall into the trap of responding to quote requests as a shortcut to closing deals, but this approach risks commoditizing the product or service by focusing solely on price. A quote is simply a price offer, detached from context, value, or strategic alignment.
In contrast, a proposal is a persuasive plan that presents a tailored solution based on a buyer’s unique challenges, goals, and environment. It incorporates discovery, analysis, and dialogue to uncover the true needs of the client, ensuring the offering is aligned with their objectives.
Proposals elevate the salesperson to the role of trusted advisor by creating contrast, adding value, and differentiating from competitors. When salespeople engage in thoughtful proposal development—often through multi-option formats—they foster collaboration, build relationships, and avoid being reduced to a vendor selected purely on cost. RFPs, like quotes, can also be a trap unless the salesperson is given access to decision-makers and the opportunity to shape the solution. Ultimately, using proposals instead of quotes leads to fewer but more qualified opportunities, higher close rates, and deeper client trust.
When you attend this program, you will learn:
• Replace quotes with proposals to avoid commoditization.
• Align every proposal with the client’s specific goals and challenges.
• Establish yourself as a trusted advisor through tailored solutions.
• Present clear options to shift focus from price to value.
• Qualify RFPs and only engage when you can shape the outcome.
Membership Luncheon & Idea Exchange ($35)
1/20/2026 11:45 AM - 1/20/2026 1:30 PM
Summary
Connect. Reflect. Exchange Ideas.
Join us on Day 1 of BizCon for the Membership Luncheon—a cornerstone event that brings our community together over a shared meal, important organizational updates, and an energizing new format: Rapid-Fire...Ideas to Spark Action and Change. This event will start with time to connect with your tablemates over a delicious meal while getting caught up on BLD association business. Then we’ll move on to the high-energy, fast-paced, interactive program that is designed to energize your thinking and ignite bold action. Rapid Fire delivers a dynamic series of powerful, bite-sized presentations from some of our industry leaders. Each speaker brings fresh perspectives, and real-world strategies—all in just 60 minutes.
Cost: $35 per person
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Membership Lunch - Special Free
1/20/2026 11:45 AM - 1/20/2026 1:30 PM
Summary
Special admittance (Free access - approved by staff only)
Trade Show (Either/Both Days)
1/20/2026 1:30 PM - 1/21/2026 12:00 PM
Summary
Exhibit Hall Hours:
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Terry Haws A&B at River’s Edge
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Terry Haws A&B at River’s Edge
What’s Happening in the Exhibit Hall at the BizCon?
The BizCon Exhibit Hall is the heart of the action—where industry leaders connect, ideas are shared, and business gets done. Here’s what’s waiting for you on the show floor both days:
🛠️ Booths, Booths, and More Booths – Day 1 & 2
Explore rows and rows of LBM industry-related booths featuring products, services, and innovations from across the sector. Don’t miss the Sponsor Booths for premium insights and contests and be sure to visit our Debut Booths, which showcase companies exhibiting at BizCon for the first time or have had a several year absence!
☕ Daily Break Service - Day 1 & 2
Take a breather! Enjoy complimentary coffee, soda, and snacks during scheduled break times on both days - a perfect pick-me-up while you explore the floor.
🍻 Bar Service – Day 1 Only
Relax with a drink from the cash bar on the afternoon of Day 1, then join us at 4:00 pm for Happy Hour with free beer to wrap up the day in style.
🎯 Contests & Prizes – Day 1 & 2
Bring your game face—there are multiple ways to win:
• Sponsor Duckie Scavenger Hunt – Back by popular demand! Track down the hidden duckies at sponsor booths for your chance to win great prizes.
• Last Person Standing – Stick it out until the very end and you could walk away with a special prize for your endurance and dedication (Day 2 only).
💡 Exhibitor Speed Showcase – Day 1 Only
Happening right after lunch on Day 1, this high-speed session features fast-paced presentations from participating exhibitors…giving you a preview of what to explore on the show floor.
🥪 Light Lunch – Day 2 Only
We’re keeping you fueled! On Day 2, enjoy light lunch items served right on the exhibit floor so you can stay energized while making the most of your time with exhibitors. Food and beverages available while supplies last.
Trade Show Floor Cost: There is no cost to attend the trade show floor or participate in trade show floor activities for members or exhibitor reps.
• Non-member dealers/guests/contractors must pay a $100 badge fee for access to the trade show floor.
• Suppliers must purchase a booth to exhibit and attend. Unlimited booth rep badges for employees.
• Manufacturing reps assisting exhibitors (who don’t work directly for the exhibiting company only) must pay $100 per badge.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance booth and/or sponsor registration is required by exhibitors. For all others, trade show floor registration is appreciated but not required.
Exhibitor Speed Showcase (ATTENDEE - WATCHING ONLY)
1/20/2026 1:30 PM - 1/20/2026 2:30 PM
Summary
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
SELECT THIS OPTION IF YOU JUST PLAN TO BE IN THE AUDIENCE WATCHING THE SHOWCASE.
Get ready for a high-energy preview of what’s waiting on the exhibit floor during the Exhibitor Speed Showcase, happening Day 1 only on the exhibit hall stage at BizCon!
This rapid-fire session gives participating exhibitors the spotlight to showcase their company, product, or program in a quick, compelling format. Each presenter will have just a few minutes* to share their message with a captive audience before the next exhibitor takes the stage.
To ensure strong attendance this year, the showcase has been bumped up timewise, and all BizCon attendees will be funneled directly to the showcase immediately after lunch on Day 1. It’s the perfect opportunity to make a memorable impression before guests explore the booths.
Whether you're launching something new or simply want to stand out, this is your chance to be seen and heard. Exhibitor spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis—don’t wait!
*Exact time per exhibitor showcasing will depend on our final number of exhibitors participating.
Cost: There is no cost to attend or to showcase your company/product.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required by exhibitors in order to showcase (please fill out showcase application) but is not required for attendees to watch.
Exhibitor Speed Showcase (DEMONSTRATOR)
1/20/2026 1:30 PM - 1/20/2026 2:30 PM
Summary
Date: Tuesday, January 20
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
SELECT THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE AN EXHIBITOR THAT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHOWCASE BY SPEAKING OR DEMONSTRATING.
Get ready for a high-energy preview of what’s waiting on the exhibit floor during the Exhibitor Speed Showcase, happening Day 1 only on the exhibit hall stage at BizCon!
This rapid-fire session gives participating exhibitors the spotlight to showcase their company, product, or program in a quick, compelling format. Each presenter will have just a few minutes* to share their message with a captive audience before the next exhibitor takes the stage.
To ensure strong attendance this year, the showcase has been bumped up timewise, and all BizCon attendees will be funneled directly to the showcase immediately after lunch on Day 1. It’s the perfect opportunity to make a memorable impression before guests explore the booths.
Whether you're launching something new or simply want to stand out, this is your chance to be seen and heard. Exhibitor spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis—don’t wait!
*Exact time per exhibitor showcasing will depend on our final number of exhibitors participating.
Cost: There is no cost to attend or to showcase your company/product.
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required by exhibitors in order to showcase (please fill out showcase application) but is not required for attendees to watch.
Women in the Industry (FREE)
1/20/2026 4:15 PM - 1/20/2026 5:00 PM
Summary
Join us at BizCon for a special gathering of BLD’s Women in the Industry group—created to provide a relaxed, supportive space where women from all areas of the lumber and building materials industry can connect, share experiences, and inspire one another. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned leader, this casual meet & greet is the perfect chance to expand your network, swap ideas, and celebrate the unique contributions women bring to LBM.
Cost: FREE
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is not required but is appreciated.
Brews and Bites Reception ($35)
1/20/2026 5:30 PM - 1/20/2026 7:30 PM
Summary
Unwind. Connect. Enjoy.
Wrap up a full Day 1 at BizCon with our Brews and Bites Reception - an evening designed for relaxed networking, good food, great drinks, and even better company. Enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for catching up with industry peers, sharing ideas, and having a few well-earned laughs.
We’ll serve up a tasty spread of bites and beverages, with entertainment to keep the energy light and lively. The reception ends early enough to give you the flexibility to continue the night with private client dinners or one-on-one conversations.
A little fun goes a long way…come for the brews, stay for the connections.
Cost: $35 per person
Attendance Guidelines: This function is open to all attendees. Advance registration is required – please indicate your intention to attend when registering.
Operations Seminar: Key Concepts for a Better Lumberyard Design ($50)
1/21/2026 8:00 AM - 1/21/2026 8:50 AM
Speakers
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David WellsWith expertise honed over 39 years in the industry, David provides independent LBM dealers with innovative and effective solutions to their operational challenges. Unique in his approach, David strategically aligns facility design, racking and equipment, inventory management, and workflow processes into a comprehensive solution. Customized for each client’s business model, David’s solutions enable dealers to consistently produce at higher capacities with lower costs, increased customer service, and high employee satisfaction.
Summary
Legacy yard designs and workflows often unknowingly hinder peak performance, creating inefficiencies that cost LBM dealers hundreds of thousands annually in operational waste, or soft costs.
This seminar uncovers these hidden weaknesses and their impact on your business and delivers practical, proven solutions to address them. While attendees will discover strategies for incremental improvements, the event’s centerpiece is a glimpse of a comprehensively crafted yard design integrating facility layout, material placement, workflow management, and efficiency-driven operational processes.
Companies adopting this all-in solution foster operational excellence, marked by higher productivity, reduced costs, superior customer service, and improved employee morale.
Tailored for owners, operations executives, and decision-makers, this presentation provides actionable insights for anyone in operational roles. Join us to transform your yard’s performance and unlock its full potential.
Communications Seminar: Communicating Across Generations - Member Survival Guide ($50)
1/21/2026 9:00 AM - 1/21/2026 9:50 AM
Speakers
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Steven BenchSteve customizes keynote presentations and training sessions that deliver engagement strategies for attracting and retaining Millennials, empowering Generation X, capturing Boomer wisdom and cultivating future leadership by leveraging the strengths of each generation. Steve has shared his message with audiences across the country. Steve is also the creator of “The Pitch!”, a non-profit business contest that puts the next generation of workforce talent in charge to create a start-up company and make the perfect sales pitch! Teenage students learn business concepts, practice soft skills and networking and compete for prizes! When not in a classroom, Steve spends his time in gyms around the Midwest coaching AAU basketball.
Summary
Today's workplace is at a generational crossroads unlike any time in our nation's history. As the Baby Boomers retire, Gen X is left to manage an empowered Millennial generation raised with a new set of attitudes and expectations about their work-life balance. And just as we were beginning to understand Millennials, Gen Z is entering adulthood and bringing their own unique set of traits and characteristics. This entertaining 50-minute session will equip owners, managers, and sales professionals with the tools to identify generational differences in communication styles, adapt their approach to achieve desired outcomes, and navigate difficult situations with confidence.
Participants will learn practical communication strategies to build stronger relationships, handle challenging personalities, and turn difficult conversations into opportunities for trust and collaboration.
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