2026 Mid-America Connection Conference Sessions
Welcome Address
12/08/2026 8:00 AM - 12/08/2026 8:30 AM
Summary
Kick Off Your Conference Experience
Start the day by connecting with fellow attendees as we officially welcome you to the 2026 BLD Mid-America Connection Conference. We'll share important association updates, recognize our sponsors, and provide a preview of the day's educational sessions, networking opportunities, and activities.
Enjoy light breakfast items while settling in for a productive day of learning and connection.
Not Attending: Welcome Address
12/08/2026 8:00 AM - 12/08/2026 8:30 AM
Education Sessions (AI & Sales)
12/08/2026 8:45 AM - 12/08/2026 11:00 AM
Speakers
-
John MarshallJohn Marshall is Co-Founder of AI Growth Partners and President of Impact Consulting. A retired president of a Wilson Lumber and building materials dealer, he now advises privately held companies on practical, non-automated uses of generative AI for executive decision-making. His work pairs AI with proven operating systems like EOS to give leaders a repeatable method, not one-off tricks. John is a frequent speaker and trainer across the building-materials industry.
-
Lynne Jensen-Nelson - Beyond the Bid: Driving Builder SalesNationally recognized business leader and highly sought-after keynote speaker, Lynne Jensen-Nelson is an engaging, results-driven business strategist in the construction industry. She has a record of establishing the vision and strategies necessary to grow an organization while successfully adapting to changing market conditions. The power-packed combination of her success in executive leadership, profitable business ownership, and high-value sales shaped her perspective and created a true competitive advantage. This front row seat to what works and what doesn’t work allows Lynne to successfully guide others to reach peak performance. Lynne founded Conversion-omics Speakers & Consultants to help organizations refine their sales approach, define their ability to differentiate, and enhance the buying experience. She brings the INFORMATION, MOTIVATION, and INSPIRATION you need to take your business to the next level. Learn more at www.conversion-omics.com.
Summary
This year's educational program features two engaging sessions designed specifically for lumber and building material professionals. Discover practical ways artificial intelligence is transforming business operations and customer service, then sharpen your sales approach with proven strategies for building stronger customer relationships and increasing results.
Whether you lead a team, work in sales, or manage daily operations, you'll leave with ideas you can begin implementing immediately.
Session 1 – Artificial Intelligence 8:45 am – 9:45 am
Presented by John Marshall
Session 2 – 'Beyond the Bid: Driving Builder Sales' 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Presented by Lynne Jensen-Nelson
Not Attending: Education Sessions (AI & Sales)
12/08/2026 8:45 AM - 12/08/2026 11:00 AM
Sponsor Preview Hour - Make Connections. Build Relationships. Discover Opportunities
12/08/2026 11:00 AM - 12/08/2026 12:00 PM
Summary
Where suppliers earn recognition through meaningful connections.
Each attendee will receive five BLD Connection Token/Tickets. As you visit the sponsor tabletops, take time to connect, ask questions, and learn what each company has to offer.
When a supplier makes a strong impression or creates a meaningful connection, you may leave one of your Connection tokens/tickets with them. At the end of the Preview Hour, suppliers will tally their tokens/tickets, and the top recipient(s) will be recognized during the Membership Luncheon.
This session is designed to highlight the suppliers who create the strongest connections in the room through attendee recognition.
Not Attending: Sponsor Preview Hour - Make Connections. Build Relationships. Discover Opportunities.
12/08/2026 11:00 AM - 12/08/2026 12:00 PM
Membership Luncheon with Keynote on the Current Economy
12/08/2026 12:00 PM - 12/08/2026 1:30 PM
Summary
Connect Over Lunch and Gain an Economic Perspective.
Take a break to enjoy lunch with fellow members while receiving important BLD Connection updates and recognizing association accomplishments. Following lunch, hear from our featured keynote speaker as they provide timely insights into the current economic landscape and what it may mean for the lumber and building materials industry in the months ahead.
This luncheon offers the perfect opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and leave with valuable perspective for your business. Must be registered for full conference to attend the lunch. Please register in advance.
Not Attending: Membership Luncheon with Keynote on the Current Economy
12/08/2026 12:00 PM - 12/08/2026 1:30 PM
Networking & Discovery Session
12/08/2026 1:30 PM - 12/08/2026 4:30 PM
Summary
Where attendees are rewarded for engagement and exploration.
After lunch, return to the tabletop area for a more relaxed afternoon of networking and discovery. Now that introductions have been made, you’ll have time to revisit suppliers, dive deeper into products and services, and explore partnership opportunities.
At the start of this session, attendees will receive a Sponsor Passport. Visit each tabletop to collect signatures and complete your passport for entry into the conference grand prize cash drawing.
This session is focused on rewarding attendees for engaging fully with all of our supplier partners.
Not Attending: Networking & Discovery Session
12/08/2026 1:30 PM - 12/08/2026 4:30 PM
Evening Reception (Onsite at Hotel)
12/08/2026 4:30 PM - 12/08/2026 6:00 PM
Summary
End the Day with Great Conversation.
After a full day of education and networking, join us for a relaxed evening reception featuring hors d'oeuvres, hosted beverages, and entertainment. It's the perfect setting to continue conversations started throughout the day, strengthen existing relationships, and make new industry connections in a casual atmosphere.
Whether you're catching up with long-time colleagues or meeting new faces, this reception is a great way to conclude your conference experience.
Not Attending: Evening Reception
12/08/2026 4:30 PM - 12/08/2026 6:00 PM
Powered By GrowthZone