MADISON, WI (April 2026) – The Madison Area Builders Association (MABA), in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), will host the Area 10 Leadership Conference on April 23–24, 2026 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin Sponsored by LP Building Solutions, this exclusive event will bring together Home Builders Association (HBA) leaders and executive officers from across NAHB’s Area 10 region—including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—to strengthen leadership skills, exchange ideas, and connect with housing industry leaders from throughout the region.
This two-day conference will focus on leadership development, workforce growth, and strengthening local associations through educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, followed by welcoming comments from 2026 NAHB Chairman Bill Owens.
The conference will feature a keynote luncheon presentation by Heather DeSiena, titled “People and Profit: Building Businesses That Last.” DeSiena, a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and former television news anchor, will share strategies for building strong organizations while maintaining a focus on people and culture.
Additional leadership sessions will feature respected industry experts, including Steve Bench, who will present “Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent with Today’s Leaders,” focusing on strategies to recruit and retain the next generation of construction professionals. David Belman will present “Leadership Growth Hacks,” with keys to unlocking your leadership potential.
Breakout sessions will cover topics like strategic communication, volunteer engagement, and developing the next generation of industry leaders, featuring speakers from NAHB and experts in communications, association management, and leadership development.
A highlight of the first day will be a networking happy hour reception and tour at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, sponsored by Drexel Building Supply. As the first workforce training center of its kind developed in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Center represents an innovative model for preparing the next generation of skilled workers. Attendees will gain insight into its workforce development initiatives and youth programming, while also experiencing the strong partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County and the Madison Area Builders Association in building the future workforce pipeline.
The reception will feature special guest Jim Tobin of NAHB, offering attendees and media a unique opportunity to hear directly from a national leader in the building industry. Guests will also hear from Michael Johnson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, who will share his vision for diversifying the trades and empowering all young people—especially those who need it most—while providing valuable opportunities to connect with regional housing leaders.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event. Interviews with MABA leadership, NAHB representatives, and conference speakers can be arranged upon request.
For more information about the Area 10 Leadership Conference, visit https://member.maba.org/events/details/2026-area-10-leadership-conference-656?calendarMonth=2026-04-01.
ABOUT THE MADISON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (MABA)
The Madison Area Builders Association is a nonprofit trade association affiliated with the Wisconsin Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. With over 400 local company members (140,000 nationwide), MABA represents the residential and light commercial construction industry. For membership information or to find a building industry professional, visit MABA.org or contact the office at 608-288-1133.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DANE COUNTY
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is a local not-for-profit youth development organization serving thousands of youths across multiple locations, including four school-based sites, three traditional Club sites, and the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. The organization empowers young people by providing inspiration to dream and equipping them with the skills to achieve their goals during their most impressionable years. Through high-quality programs in five core areas—Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation—Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County helps shape brighter futures. Learn more about its impact at www.bgcdc.org.
ABOUT THE MCKENZIE REGIONAL WORKFORCE CENTER
The McKenzie Regional Workforce Center is dedicated to preparing youth for meaningful careers in the trades and supporting regional economic growth. Through partnerships with local employers, educators, and community organizations, the MRWC provides hands-on training, career exploration opportunities, and workforce development programs aligned with in-demand industries. By connecting youth to skills, resources, and career pathways, the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center serves as a vital hub for building a strong, future-ready workforce in collaboration with the Madison Area Builder Association.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS (NAHB)
The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C., -based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 700 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB’s builder members will construct about 80% of the new housing units projected for this year.
