2026 Mid-America Connection Conference Sessions
Board Meeting - Invite Only
12/7/2026 3:30 PM - 12/7/2026 5:00 PM
Location
Santa Fe Room
Not Attending: Board Meeting - Invite Only
12/7/2026 3:30 PM - 12/7/2026 5:00 PM
Welcome Address
12/08/2026 8:00 AM - 12/08/2026 8:30 AM
Location
Salon A & B Rooms
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
Location
Salon A & B Rooms
Speakers
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John Marshall - AI That Earns Its Keep - Practical Ways to Think Better, Serve Customers, and Run the BusinessJohn Marshall is Owner/CEO of AI Growth Partners LLC and Impact Consulting LLC. 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.
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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 – 'AI That Earns Its Keep - Practical Ways to Think Better, Serve Customers, and Run the Business'
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
Exhibitor Preview Hour - Make Connections. Build Relationships. Discover Opportunities
12/08/2026 11:00 AM - 12/08/2026 12:00 PM
Location
Salon DEF
Summary
Exhibitor Preview Hour
Get a quick look at what’s new! Each exhibitor will have about 60 seconds to introduce their company, showcase new products or offerings, share specials and prizes, and give you a preview of what to discover at their tabletop after lunch.
Not Attending: Exhibitor 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
Location
Salon DEF
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
Exhibitor Networking & Discovery Session
12/08/2026 1:30 PM - 12/08/2026 4:30 PM
Location
Salon DEF
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 Passport Game Card. 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: Exhibitor Networking & Discovery Session
12/08/2026 1:30 PM - 12/08/2026 4:30 PM
Evening Reception
12/08/2026 4:30 PM - 12/08/2026 6:00 PM
Location
Salon DEF
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
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