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2027 BizCon North Sessions

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Board Meeting with Working Lunch (Invitation Only)

1/19/2027 11:30 AM - 1/19/2027 2:45 PM

Location
Lake Superior Room

Not Attending: Board Meeting with Working Lunch (Invitation Only)

1/19/2027 11:30 AM - 1/19/2027 2:45 PM

Roundtable: Women in LBM Connect & Colloborate (Moderated by Dena Cordova-Jack).

1/19/2027 12:00 PM - 1/19/2027 2:00 PM

Location
Arbor Lakes Room
Speakers
  • Dena Cordova Jack
    Dena Cordova Jack is a trailblazer who’s been through the fire. With 30-plus years in the LBM industry, holding leadership roles at Georgia-Pacific, Boise Cascade, Foxworth-Galbraith, and Kodiak Building Partners, Dena Cordova Jack has walked the walk. She’s seen the best and worst of corporate leadership and lived to tell the tale (with receipts). As the founder of Cordova Jack Consulting which focuses on organizational development, she's now the facilitating force behind BLD’s Women in LBM initiative. She’s helping women lead boldly, ditch perfectionism, and take their seat.
Summary
THE CONVERSATIONS WE AVOID: What We Don't Say...and What It Costs Us Some conversations are easy. And then there are the ones we rehearse in our heads, postpone until “the right time,” soften until the message disappears, or avoid altogether. Whether it’s saying no, asking for help, addressing a difficult behavior, advocating for yourself, disagreeing with someone, setting a boundary, asking for an opportunity, or simply saying, “This isn’t working for me,” the conversations we avoid often have a cost. Join Dena Cordova-Jack for a special Women in LBM Connect & Collaborate luncheon designed to bring women across the lumber and building materials industry together for learning, conversation, and connection. Whether you're early in your career, a seasoned industry veteran, or somewhere in between, this session is designed for you. Because sometimes the conversation we're most reluctant to have is exactly the conversation we need to have. Lunch included. Come ready to learn, connect, collaborate...and maybe have a conversation you've been putting off.

Not Attending: Roundtable: Women in LBM Connect & Colloborate

1/19/2027 12:00 PM - 1/19/2027 2:00 PM

Workshop with Stefanie Couch: AI You Can Use Monday

1/19/2027 3:00 PM - 1/19/2027 4:15 PM

Location
Elm Creek Amphitheater
Speakers
  • Stefanie Couch
    Stefanie Couch is a third-generation building industry leader, nationally acclaimed speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Grit Blueprint, the visibility and growth partner for the industry. She helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and builders stop being the best kept secret in their market through sharper brand strategy, stronger sales tools, useful media, and practical AI. She hosts The Grit Blueprint Podcast and Behind The Build on YouTube.
Summary
A hands-on working session for the building industry. Most AI sessions leave people impressed for an hour and unchanged on Monday. This one puts the tool in their hands. Stefanie shows attendees how to use AI to research faster, turn rough notes into useful work, prepare for sales conversations, draft content, and follow up without starting from a blank page. Then the room tests it live. Attendees build one repeatable workflow around work they already do, using a paid Pro AI account built for real work. Bring a laptop. Leave with work done. WHAT ATTENDEES LEAVE WITH • One repeatable AI workflow built during the session • A prompt pack for research, planning, content, and sales follow-up • A faster way to move from rough notes to a useful first draft • Clear rules for safe AI use at work • One next step to bring back to the team ATTENDEE PREPARATION • Bring a fully charged laptop and charger • Set up a paid Pro AI account before the session You may use the platform of your choice, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, etc. • Bring one nonconfidential task, document, or piece of public content to work on Do not enter confidential, proprietary, regulated, or personally identifiable information into public AI platforms.

Owner & Manager Roundtable

1/19/2027 3:00 PM - 1/19/2027 4:15 PM

Location
Arbor Lakes Room
Summary
Step away from the day-to-day and join fellow owners, executives, and managers for an interactive roundtable focused on the opportunities and challenges facing today's lumber and building material businesses. Rather than a formal presentation, this facilitated discussion encourages participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another in a confidential, peer-to-peer setting. Topics will be driven by the group and may include leadership, workforce development, profitability, succession planning, technology, sales, operations, and other timely industry issues. Whether you're looking for a fresh perspective on a current challenge or hoping to share an idea that's worked well for your company, you'll leave with practical insights and valuable connections from others who face many of the same decisions every day. • Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.

Not Attending: Owner & Manager Roundtable

1/19/2027 3:00 PM - 1/19/2027 4:15 PM

Not Attending: Workshop with Stefanie Couch: AI You Can Use Monday

1/19/2027 3:00 PM - 1/19/2027 4:15 PM

Exhibitor Hall Open / "Booth Crawl" Party

1/19/2027 5:00 PM - 1/19/2027 7:00 PM

Location
Northland & Minnesota Ballrooms
Summary
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.

Not Attending: Exhibitor Hall Open / "Booth Crawl" Party

1/19/2027 5:00 PM - 1/19/2027 7:00 PM

Seminar with Stefanie Couch: From Invisible to Unmistakable

1/20/2027 8:00 AM - 1/20/2027 9:15 AM

Location
Hennepin Ballroom
Speakers
  • Stefanie Couch
    Stefanie Couch is a third-generation building industry leader, nationally acclaimed speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Grit Blueprint, the visibility and growth partner for the industry. She helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and builders stop being the best kept secret in their market through sharper brand strategy, stronger sales tools, useful media, and practical AI. She hosts The Grit Blueprint Podcast and Behind The Build on YouTube.
Summary
Stop being the best kept secret. Become the first call. Good work does not sell itself. Clear proof does. Too many building industry companies sound the same. Quality. Service. People. Buyers hear the same three claims from everyone. When they cannot see a difference, price takes over. Stefanie shows leaders how to name what makes the company different, build executive and personal brands that put the right people in front of the company, and create the proof buyers look for before they call. She also covers where companies should be showing up, and what search engines and AI need to understand before a company makes the shortlist. The goal is not more noise. It is to become the first call. WHAT ATTENDEES LEAVE WITH • A test for spotting weak, generic brand language • A clearer way to explain what makes the company different • A better answer than “quality, service, and people” • Why visible leaders shorten the trust gap • What buyers, search engines, and AI need before a company makes the shortlist • Three moves to start the week they get home Following the presentation, stay for a short BONUS 'Ask Me Anything' session (15-20 minutes) Bring the question your team keeps circling. Stefanie takes live questions on the building industry, next generation talent and leadership, business growth, AI, brand, visibility, marketing, sales, and general leadership. If it is in her lane, it is fair game. No slides. No canned answers. Real answers from an operator. Useful next moves. Light breakfast items will be available during the session. • Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.

Not Attending: Seminar with Stefanie Couch: From Invisible to Unmistakable

1/20/2027 8:00 AM - 1/20/2027 9:15 AM

Student Career Panel & Team Challenge

1/20/2027 9:00 AM - 1/20/2027 10:00 AM

Location
Arbor Lakes Room
Summary
BLD Connection is committed to investing in the future of the lumber and building materials industry by inviting local high school and college students to experience BizCon firsthand. Students begin their visit with a Student Career Panel, where dealer and supplier professionals share their career journeys, discuss the wide variety of opportunities available throughout the industry, and answer questions about careers in the LBM field. Following the panel, students participate in a fun, hands-on Crew Communication Challenge that reinforces the importance of leadership, communication, teamwork, and planning through an engaging team-building activity. Afterward, students are encouraged to explore the exhibit hall, meet with exhibitors, and learn more about the products, companies, and career opportunities that make up our industry. By introducing students to the people, products, and possibilities within the LBM community, BizCon helps inspire and develop the next generation of industry professionals.

Not Attending: Student Career Panel & Team Challenge

1/20/2027 9:00 AM - 1/20/2027 10:00 AM

Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver

1/20/2027 10:00 AM - 1/20/2027 11:00 AM

Location
Elm Creek Amphitheater
Speakers
  • Meridith Elliott Powell
    Meridith Elliott Powell is a Hall of Fame Speaker, Million Dollar Speaker, award-winning author, and former C-Suite executive who knows firsthand what it takes to turn disruption into opportunity. With more than 25 years of business leadership experience, Meridith has built her career on helping organizations and leaders learn to thrive in uncertainty. Her obsession with one word — change — inspired her groundbreaking research and her proven system, ASK for CHANGE, a methodology designed to turn fear into fuel and uncertainty into competitive advantage.
Summary
Uncertainty changes everything. And the rules of selling lumber and building materials have changed. Commodity pricing swings, online distributors, and big-box pricing pressure. It's harder to get in front of the builder. Harder to stand out from the competition. And harder to keep your team motivated when every deal feels like it comes down to price. Let's face it - selling building materials has gone through a major change and if your team is still selling the way they did five years ago you're leaving margin and market share on the table. To compete against bigger players with bigger marketing budgets, your team has to evolve how they sell, not just how hard they sell. Join business growth strategist and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell for this high-energy, highly interactive session built specifically for independent dealers and suppliers — where she shares the techniques your team needs to dominate, differentiate, and deliver. Learning Objectives • A clear read on how the building materials marketplace has shifted • Techniques to open doors with builders and contractors who already think they know their options • The right questions to ask that shorten the sales cycle, protect margin, and turn a price conversation into a value conversation • Strategies to build trust and credibility fast • Your personal plan of action you can implement easily and effectively • Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.

Not Attending: Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver

1/20/2027 10:00 AM - 1/20/2027 11:00 AM

Membership & Awards Lunch

1/20/2027 12:00 PM - 1/20/2027 1:00 PM

Location
Hennepin Ballroom
Summary
Celebrating Our Members, Our Industry, and Our Success Take a break from the exhibit hall and join fellow attendees for a signature BizCon gathering celebrating the people and partnerships that make the LBM industry strong. The exhibit hall will pause during lunch, allowing everyone an opportunity to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, reconnect with colleagues, and hear important updates from BLD Connection. Following lunch, we’ll recognize outstanding members of our industry through the presentation of the Dealer of the Year and Supporter of the Year awards—honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and support within the LBM community. This special gathering is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, strengthen connections, and recognize the individuals and companies helping move our industry forward.

Not Attending: Membership & Awards Lunch

1/20/2027 12:00 PM - 1/20/2027 1:00 PM

Sales Redefined: How AI is Changing How We Sell and How Your Customers Buy

1/20/2027 2:30 PM - 1/20/2027 3:30 PM

Location
Elm Creek Amphitheater
Speakers
  • Meridith Elliott Powell
    Meridith Elliott Powell is a Hall of Fame Speaker, Million Dollar Speaker, award-winning author, and former C-Suite executive who knows firsthand what it takes to turn disruption into opportunity. With more than 25 years of business leadership experience, Meridith has built her career on helping organizations and leaders learn to thrive in uncertainty. Her obsession with one word — change — inspired her groundbreaking research and her proven system, ASK for CHANGE, a methodology designed to turn fear into fuel and uncertainty into competitive advantage.
Summary
Today's customers, markets, and buying behaviors are constantly evolving. Join sales strategist and business expert Meridith Elliott Powell for two high-energy sessions designed to help sales professionals strengthen relationships, adapt their approach, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways, attendees will learn how to better understand customer needs, create greater value, build trust, and improve sales performance in today’s competitive marketplace. The morning and afternoon sessions feature different content and are designed to complement one another, so attendees are encouraged to participate in both for the full experience. Ideal for sales professionals, estimators, account managers, outside sales representatives, and customer-facing teams looking to sharpen their skills and drive stronger results. • Included as part of the BizCon Education Package.

Not Attending: Sales Redefined: How AI is Changing How We Sell and How Your Customers Buy

1/20/2027 2:30 PM - 1/20/2027 3:30 PM

Final Happy Hour Party

1/20/2027 4:00 PM - 1/20/2027 5:00 PM

Location
Northland & Minnesota Ballrooms

Not Attending: Final Happy Hour Party

1/20/2027 4:00 PM - 1/20/2027 5:00 PM

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