BizCon North Early Bird Registration - Win $250!
Don't miss your chance to win $250 with our Early Bird Registration Contest! Here's how you can enter:
- Register Early: Sign up for the event by Friday, December 27, 2024
- Show Up: Attend the event and collect your badge onsite.
One lucky winner will be awarded the $250 prize once they collect their badge at the event. It's that simple! Register early, secure your spot, and you could be the winner. Don’t wait—register now and make sure you're in the running for this fantastic prize! Only members of BLD Connection may participate in this contest.
Registration opens soon!
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28-29, 2025
Rivers Edge Convention Center & Best Western Kelly Inn Plus
10 - 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
2025 BizCon North
Registration Opens Soon!
Join us for the 2nd annual BizCon North in St. Cloud, MN! See below for registration pricing, exhibitor booth information and hotel info. Jump to the Sessions & Seminars section to read about the different activities happening at the BizCon!
Don't miss your chance to win $250 with our Early Bird Registration Contest!
Here's how you can enter:
- Register Early: Sign up for the event by Friday, December 27, 2024
- Show Up: Attend the event and collect your badge onsite.
One lucky winner* will be awarded the $250 prize once they collect their badge at the event. It's that simple! Register early, secure your spot, and you could be the winner. Don’t wait—register now and make sure you're in the running for this fantastic prize!
*Only members of BLD Connection may participate in this contest.
Attendee Pricing is Ala Carte - When selecting sessions during registration the price of each session you select will be added to your registration. Please sign in to get member pricing.
Invite your contractor customers to the BizCon to walk the trade show floor and explore the products and services hands-on during the trade show. Contractors can receive FREE entrance into the exhibit hall if they are invited by a member dealer ($35 savings).
Dealers can register their contractors online at the same time as they register their employees OR they may hand out a paper contractor invite to their contractors to submit at the onsite registration desk. Each contractor will be identifiable by a “BUILDER” badge onsite.
Need help signing in? Reach out to Erica Bernards at erica@bldconnection.org for registration assistance!
If you prefer to register via paper form, click HERE to download a copy of our dealer badge registration form. (Registration opens Nov. 1st for dealers)
| EVENT SESSION | DEALER & GUEST
MEMBER / NON-MEMBER PRICING* |
CONTRACTOR PRICING (Invite = member pricing) | EXHIBITOR PRICING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-EVENT DAY | Welcome Mixer for Early Arrivals | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| DAY 1 | Trade Show (Either / Both Days) | $0.00 / $35.00* | $0.00 / $35.00 | $0.00 |
| Sales Seminar | $75.00 | $75.00 (with invite from member)** | $75.00 | |
| Membership Luncheon/Panel | $35.00 | $35.00 (with invite from member)** | $35.00 | |
| Innovation Speed Showcase | FREE | FREE | FREE | |
| Women in the Industry Social | FREE | FREE | FREE | |
| Brews & Bites Reception | $35.00 | $35.00 (with invite from member)** | $35.00 | |
| DAY 2 | Leadership Seminar | $50.00 | $50.00 (with invite from member)** | $50.00 |
| Artificial Intelligence Seminar | $50.00 | $50.00 (with invite from member)** | $50.00 | |
| Innovation Speed Showcase | FREE | FREE | FREE | |
| Wrap Up Lunch | FREE | FREE | FREE |
*Non-members allowed at trade show only for $35 per person. All other functions are members only.
**Contractors can attend exhibit hall and exhibit hall activities only. No education, opening lunch, or Brews & Bites UNLESS INVITED BY A MEMBER.
EXHIBITOR PRICING
Exhibitors can register for unlimited badges for booth representatives (company employees) for the trade show portion. Other functions (meals, receptions, seminars) must be purchased separately.
- If bringing in a manufacturing rep that does not directly work for your company only, badges are $100 each.
- Badges can be made onsite, but you can save time by ordering them in advance. If attending any functions, those MUST be registered for in advance!
Exhibitor Standard Booth: $1500 Member / $1750 Non-Member
Exhibitor Prime Booth: $1750 - Members ONLY
- Prime booths are placed in highest traffic areas.
SPONSOR PRICING
Standard Sponsor - $750
Sponsors at the STANDARD LEVEL will receive the following benefits:
These funds will be used at BLD ‘s discretion towards various BizCon administrative costs.
- Exposure on event webpages, social media, and onsite show program
- Sponsor signage at event including bright signage on exhibit booth to help your booth stand out
- Badge ribbons on booth representative badges to identify them as sponsors
- Verbal acknowledgement during Opening Membership Luncheon
- Participation in the onsite Sponsor-Only Scavenger Hunt Game*
*Dealers and guests will be sent to all sponsor booths to search for a specific object (provided by BLD onsite). Once they complete their game card by visiting all sponsors, they may enter it into a drawing for a $500 prize held at the end of the event. These games help drive guaranteed traffic to sponsor booths!
Premium Sponsor - $1500 Members ONLY
Sponsors at the PREMIUM LEVEL will receive the following benefits:
These funds will be used towards the BizCon function of your choice.
- All benefits listed under Standard Sponsor (including participation in the Sponsor-Only Scavenger Hunt Game*)
– PLUS –
- Ability to sponsor a specific function at the event rather than BLD assigning dollars to behind-the-scenes expenses. This ensures you will receive individual sponsor signage at that function highlighting your company (rather than just be listed on the ‘all sponsor” sign.) We will reach out to you with available function sponsorship options once you have registered for this sponsorship level.
- NEW! Entry into the ‘Best Featured Product Contest”. Voted on by attending dealers, the featured product with the most votes will receive a special “shout-out” highlighted in a spring issue of the BLD Connection magazine! We will also reach out to collect your featured product information once you register for this sponsorship level.
Exhibitors/Suppliers – Read more about booth and exhibit hall details, regulations, and more. See Exhibitor & Sponsor Pricing tab on this webpage to read more about booth/sponsorship pricing options.
BizCons provide a unique platform for lumber & building product suppliers to increase brand awareness and success through engagement and meaningful interactions. Take advantage of this face-to-face opportunity by securing your booth today. Consider additional company exposure by supporting the event with a sponsorship or joining the Innovation Speed Showcase as well.
Suppliers must exhibit in order to attend the BizCons. Companies do not need to be members to exhibit, however, members will receive discounted pricing.
EXHIBIT HOURS - NORTH
|
PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORMSOnline registration officially opens on October 1st. Any PDF forms submitted before then will be processed once registration opens. |
BOOTH INCLUSIONS
|
IMPORTANT LINKS
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ADDITIONAL VENUE NOTES
- Complimentary Wi-Fi is included in the exhibit hall, lobby area and seminar rooms.
- Electricity in booths is NOT included and must be ordered separately through the hotel. Refer to link above for order form. Please note – at this facility the electricity comes from the ceiling and must hook up to boxes on the floor. If you order electricity, please be aware that one of these electrical boxes could be in your booth space.
- The exhibit hall floor is NOT carpeted at this venue. Please plan accordingly and bring padding if desired.
- The River’s Edge Convention Center has both ground level loading doors and an elevated loading dock. They do not have a forklift or pallet jack available so please plan accordingly by providing your own if you require it. Freight assistance can also be arranged through Chrom Expo Services.
- Parking - Attendees can park in the garage located underneath the River's Edge Convention Center (River’s Edge East Parking Ramp). There are also metered parking stalls in the Mississippi Parking Lot located south of the Convention Center off of 4th Avenue. Additionally there are parking stalls in the Convention Center Parking Lot located west of the Convention Center on the corner of St. Germain Street and 5th Avenue. Ramp parking is also available in the Grand Central Parking Ramp located at 400 St. Germain Street West, as well as at River’s Edge West Parking Ramp located at 25 5th Avenue North. Pricing varies. There is also free parking available to Best Western Hotel overnight guests.
- Shipping & Freight Service – If shipping directly to the Rivers Edge Convention Center, send packages to:
| River’s Edge Convention Center 10 – 4TH Avenue South St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
Name of the Company/Recipient BLD Event on January 28-29 Booth Name/Number |
Shipments can be received 24hrs prior to move-in. Packages being shipped out after show must have arrangements completed with the carrier prior to pick up. Leave packages in the care of Rivers Edge Convention Center personnel.
Have larger items or just don’t want to handle any shipping needs? Consider using the Exhibitor Services Provider, Chrom Expo Services. Contact Jeremy Egenberger at jeremy.egenberger@chromexpo.com | 515-202-5629 or use the Exhibitor Services Kit link above to arrange for Chrom Expo Services assistance.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Best Western Kelly Inn for the nights of Monday, January 27th and Tuesday, January 28th.
Best Western Plus Kelly Inn
100 – 4th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
- Rate: $119 plus taxes
- Cut Off Date: Monday, January 6, 2025
- Check In Time: 3:00 pm
- Check Out Time: 11:00 am
- Parking Charge: Free at the hotel for overnight guests. Nearby city ramp or convention center ramp pricing will vary.
Booking Info (by Phone or Online)
- Call: (800) 780-7234 for reservations or (320) 253-0606 for the hotel
- Online: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.24113.html?groupId=I66DF5F2
- Group ID: BLD Connection
ALERT!
Please be aware of housing companies calling and falsely claiming to represent the BLD Connection BizCon. They are NOT authorized to call, nor can they get you better rates. You must make your own hotel reservations by using the reservation information on this page.
Also be aware of third parties emailing with “attendee lists” to sell. They do NOT have our attendee lists, nor can they attain them. This is a scam. Please ignore these attempts.
Sessions & Seminars
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
Kick off the BizCon in style by joining us for the Early Arrival Mixer! Everyone is invited to join the BLD staff and Board of Directors at this special pre-event gathering, where you can mingle with fellow attendees, meet industry professionals, and start building valuable connections—all at no cost!
Enjoy a variety of delicious food and beverages, available while supplies last. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, network, and get excited for the days ahead. Don’t miss out on this fun and welcoming start to BizCon!
We look forward to seeing you there! Advance registration is appreciated.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025
Building Your Sales Framework for Stronger Relationships
Get ready for a high energy and creative session to grow your business and relationships. Dustin’s interactive learning experiences will challenge your creative thinking and position you for greater success. Sales can be a balancing act and without a solid framework it is hard to deliver great results. This session will equip you with tools to tackle challenges, objections, leverage benefits and allow you to control more of the sales process.
- You will learn how to utilize the mental game of sales and what winning looks like.
- You will learn how to remove barriers in the sales process and win over the prospect.
- You will learn how to maximize your time and create memorable moments in the buying process.
- You will learn how to leverage creative experiences to stand out from your competition.
About Dustin: Dustin E. James is America’s Top Corporate Energizer. He is on a mission to elevate the workplace, helping increase sales performance, building resilient, connected, and creative leaders. This motivational speaking powerhouse has presented to over 500,000
individuals in-person and virtually throughout the United States. Dustin’s interactive learning experiences motive and inspire through massive crowd engagement, creativity, and professional story telling. Creativity is his calling cards, with over 200+ plus transformational stories tailored for each of his events. Dustin has been a TOP PERFORMER in 4 different industries, he is a proud husband and father of two, he is a serial entrepreneur, a TEDx Speaker, and John Maxwell Certified Coach.
Buckle up and get ready for some creative fun!
Join us for our Opening Membership Meeting and Luncheon, exclusively for members! For just $35 per person, enjoy a full meal while staying informed, connected and educated.
The event includes:
- Full Meal: Delight in a delicious lunch as you connect with fellow members.
- Event Introduction: Learn about the event, the sponsors, the contests, and everything happening at the 2025 BizCon.
- Association Updates: Get the latest news and updates about our association's initiatives and achievements.
- Contractor Panel: Gain valuable insights from industry experts during our engaging contractor panel discussion.
Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and enjoy a great meal. This event is for members only (or invited by a member), so be sure to take advantage of this exclusive gathering. We look forward to seeing you there!
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
The exhibit hall is the hub for idea sharing, solutions, and networking opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. This core element of the event not only features a large assortment of LBM product-related vendor booths, it’s also the location for additional activities, which creates an unbeatable energetic buzz only found here! Read more about the exhibit hall activities below. The exhibit hall is open to members or non-members.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Themed Break Services on Both Days
- Day 1 - Soda, water and snacks provided during the afternoon.
- Day 2 - Coffee, soda, water and light breakfast items provided during the morning.
Take a break and refuel at our themed break stations! Both stations are free and available to all attendees while supplies last. Whether you're a health enthusiast or a snack lover, we’ve got you covered!
Health Nut Station: Enjoy a selection of wholesome snacks and beverages to keep you energized, feeling great and sticking to your health journey while away on business.
Junk Food Junkie Station: Indulge in your favorite treats with a variety of delightful snacks that satisfy your sweet or savory cravings.
- Bar Service & Happy Hour Reception on Day 1
Cash bar service is available all afternoon from 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm inside the exhibit hall. Enjoy a beverage of your choice with your colleagues while you get down to business. Stick around for one of the long-time favorite functions on the exhibit floor – the Happy Hour Reception. FREE keg beer and soda will be available from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. (No bar service provided in exhibit hall on the morning of Day 2.)
CONTEST & PRIZES
- Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest – Win $500!
Join us for the Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest and embark on an exciting adventure across the exhibit floor! This interactive event is your chance to engage with our amazing sponsors, discover their latest innovations and vote on their featured products (premium sponsors).
Pick up your game card at the registration desk, visit each sponsor booth, and find the hidden item required to complete your game card. Not only will you gain valuable insights into what our sponsors have to offer, but you'll also be in the running to win $500! In addition, you get the chance to cast your vote for the Best Featured Product among the Premium Sponsors – the winning sponsor will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Connection Magazine!
Don't miss out on this fun and rewarding experience—participate in the Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest and make the most of your time at the event! Winner announced at the Wrap Up Lunch on Day 2 – need not be present to win. Open to members or non-members to compete.
- Last Person Standing Prize – Win $250!
Think you have what it takes to be the last one standing at the BizCon? Dealers and guests can participate in our Last Person Standing Contest on Day 2 for a chance to win $$$! It’s a test of commitment, and the winners (3 of them) will walk away with $250 each. So, stick around, enjoy the final moments of the event with the exhibitors and sponsors, and see if you can outlast everyone else! Open to members or non-members.
Here’s how it works:
- Stay until the Wrap Up Lunch at the end of the event.
- Check in at the designated area at the end of the event to confirm your participation and collect a ticket.
Listen for your ticket number to be called amongst all those dealers still in attendance and competing. We’ll award $250 to three (3) lucky people at the end of the event. (Must be present to win.)
Get ready for a fun and fast journey into the realm of new innovations and groundbreaking ideas during the all-new Innovation Speed Showcase located on the exhibit hall stage both days of the BizCon.
Designed to immediately captivate, intrigue, and inform, this 45-minute session will feature participating exhibitors unveiling their newest products and programs in a quick-fire format; each company will have only a few minutes* to share the highlights, features and benefits of their new product/program before we jump to the next company. Be among the first to learn about these newest innovations that are set to advance the LBM industry and then further your discussions by visiting the company booths after the showcase.
Innovation Showcase participants are listed below and will be updated as companies register. Please check back periodically for updates. There is no cost to attend this session.
Innovations/Companies in Showcase (Day 1 & Day 2)
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
*Actual allotted minutes per company will depend upon the final number of participants showcasing their product within the 45-minute time frame.
Exhibitors: Do you have a new product or program that you’d like to introduce to an audience at the BizCon? Register here. Spots are limited and will be honored on a first come, first served basis.
BLD invites all the women working in both the retail and supplier side of the lumber and building materials industry to join their colleagues at our Women in the LBM Industry session at the BizCon on Day 1 from 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm at the stage in the exhibit hall.
Attendees can connect in person with those they’ve met during the online lunch & learns held throughout the year and will have an opportunity to meet new people from the industry as well.
Pre-registration is appreciated but not necessary – just show up if the timing works for you. There is no cost to attend this gathering.
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Brews and Bites Bash! Exclusively for BLD Connection members, this event promises an evening of great drinks, delicious food, and entertainment.
For just $35, you'll enjoy:
- Beer and Wine Stations: Enjoy a variety of beers and wines.
- Signature Drink: Savor our specially crafted signature cocktail.
- Delicious Food: Indulge in a selection of tasty bites to complement your drinks.
- Entertainment: Enjoy entertainment that will keep the atmosphere vibrant and fun.
The night wraps up early, giving you the perfect opportunity to head offsite for a full dinner if you wish. Don’t miss this chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy a memorable evening with fellow industry professions. Open to members only.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025
Unlocking Team Excellence: 6 Steps to Cultivating Peak Engagement
So, you have a team, but are they running at peak performance? In this fast-paced executive briefing, we will explore six steps to create a thriving work environment where the team members feel valued, motivated, and aligned with the companies’ goals, ultimately leading to peak engagement and team excellence.
About Dave: Nearly 30 years after starting his own company and growing it to $10 million in annual sales, Dave Molenda discovered his true passion was helping businesses overcome their challenges and avoid stagnation. This led Dave to a new venture called Positive Polarity, a business coaching firm dedicated to challenging conventional business practices with a positive, encouraging approach. Dave’s book, “Growing on Purpose”, became an Amazon Best Seller in three categories and is designed to enhance team strength and customer experience. Additionally, the Positive Polarity Podcast, now with over 220 episodes and ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally, explores the intersection of business and personal growth, featuring guests who share their successful journeys and passions.
Five Ways A.I Will—or Won’t—Change Life at Your Lumberyard
The trouble with artificial intelligence for lumberyards is that it’s hard to know which parts of this technology will matter most for dealers, and which should be ignored. Webb Analytics’ Craig Webb has been talking to companies around the world that are offering or using A.I. In this presentation, he’ll bring lofty promises about A.I. down to earth as well as give you a sense of particular opportunities that soon could come your way.
About Craig: Craig Webb is president of Webb Analytics, a consulting and research company that helps construction supply companies identify and then respond to trends, threats, and opportunities. Webb is one of the nation’s leading experts on building material dealers and distributors. He spent 12 years as editor-in-chief of ProSales, the nation’s most honored publication for building material dealers, as well as five years as editor-in-chief of Remodeling magazine.
Webb Analytics builds and expands on Craig’s lifelong career in the news and information businesses. He has worked for The Wall Street Journal, McGraw-Hill, United Press International and a variety of magazines, newsletters and newspapers in the U.S. and Europe. He has traveled to 49 states and several foreign countries visiting dealers, builders and remodelers. That legwork is the foundation of the services that Webb Analytics has provided since its founding in September 2018.
Webb was born just outside Washington, D.C., grew up in South Bend, Ind., and received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from Indiana University in 1976. He lives in Washington.
Each year, BLD invites area high schools and colleges to attend the BizCon on day 2 for no cost in order to further educate and engage students and instructors in the LBM industry.
The morning kicks off for them with a Student Career Panel led by member supplier/dealer representatives, who will cover potential job paths for students once they graduate. This will be held on the stage in the exhibit hall from 9:00 am – 9:30 am on Day 2. The students are then encouraged to visit with the vendors in the exhibit hall. Each student will be identifiable by a “STUDENT” badge.
Get ready for a fun and fast journey into the realm of new innovations and groundbreaking ideas during the all-new Innovation Speed Showcase located on the exhibit hall stage both days of the BizCon.
Designed to immediately captivate, intrigue, and inform, this 45-minute session will feature participating exhibitors unveiling their newest products and programs in a quick-fire format; each company will have only a few minutes* to share the highlights, features and benefits of their new product/program before we jump to the next company. Be among the first to learn about these newest innovations that are set to advance the LBM industry and then further your discussions by visiting the company booths after the showcase.
Innovation Showcase participants are listed below and will be updated as companies register. Please check back periodically for updates. There is no cost to attend this session.
Innovations/Companies in Showcase (Day 1 & Day 2)
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
- Innovation:
*Actual allotted minutes per company will depend upon the final number of participants showcasing their product within the 45-minute time frame.
Exhibitors: Do you have a new product or program that you’d like to introduce to an audience at the BizCon? Register here. Spots are limited and will be honored on a first come, first served basis.
The exhibit hall is the hub for idea sharing, solutions, and networking opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. This core element of the event not only features a large assortment of LBM product-related vendor booths, it’s also the location for additional activities, which creates an unbeatable energetic buzz only found here! Read more about the exhibit hall activities below. The exhibit hall is open to members or non-members.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Themed Break Services on Both Days
- Day 1 - Soda, water and snacks provided during the afternoon.
- Day 2 - Coffee, soda, water and light breakfast items provided during the morning.
Take a break and refuel at our themed break stations! Both stations are free and available to all attendees while supplies last. Whether you're a health enthusiast or a snack lover, we’ve got you covered!
Health Nut Station: Enjoy a selection of wholesome snacks and beverages to keep you energized, feeling great and sticking to your health journey while away on business.
Junk Food Junkie Station: Indulge in your favorite treats with a variety of delightful snacks that satisfy your sweet or savory cravings.
See Wrap Up Lunch Drop Down for detailed descriptions of our contests and prizes!
Join us for a "Wrap Up" Lunch in the exhibit hall on the last day of the BizCon! This is the perfect opportunity to continue networking and exploring the exhibits while enjoying a delicious and satisfying selection of wraps and other handheld, convenient snacks and beverages.
There is no cost to take part in the Wrap Up Lunch but remember…these tasty treats are available while supplies last, so be sure to grab yours early! Don’t miss this chance to refuel and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to close out the BizCon. Stick around until 1:30 pm to see if you’re a winner of one of the Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest or the Last Person Standing Contest!
CONTEST & PRIZES
- Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest – Win $500!
Join us for the Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest and embark on an exciting adventure across the exhibit floor! This interactive event is your chance to engage with our amazing sponsors, discover their latest innovations and vote on their featured products (premium sponsors).
Pick up your game card at the registration desk, visit each sponsor booth, and find the hidden item required to complete your game card. Not only will you gain valuable insights into what our sponsors have to offer, but you'll also be in the running to win $500! In addition, you get the chance to cast your vote for the Best Featured Product among the Premium Sponsors – the winning sponsor will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Connection Magazine!
Don't miss out on this fun and rewarding experience—participate in the Sponsor Scavenger Hunt Contest and make the most of your time at the event! Winner announced at the Wrap Up Lunch on Day 2 – need not be present to win. Open to members or non-members to compete.
- Last Person Standing Prize – Win $250!
Think you have what it takes to be the last one standing at the BizCon? Dealers and guests can participate in our Last Person Standing Contest on Day 2 for a chance to win $$$! It’s a test of commitment, and the winners (3 of them) will walk away with $250 each. So, stick around, enjoy the final moments of the event with the exhibitors and sponsors, and see if you can outlast everyone else! Open to members or non-members.
Here’s how it works:
- Stay until the Wrap Up Lunch at the end of the event.
- Check in at the designated area at the end of the event to confirm your participation and collect a ticket.
Listen for your ticket number to be called amongst all those dealers still in attendance and competing. We’ll award $250 to three (3) lucky people at the end of the event. (Must be present to win.)
Sponsors
BizCon North sponsors will appear here.
Have Questions?
Exhibitors and Sponsors reach out to Jodie Fleck at jodie@bldconnection.org
Dealers and Contractors reach out to Erica Bernards at erica@bldconnection.org