MADISON, WI (March 5, 2026) –Women in the Construction Industry Wisconsin will host the 5th Annual BuildX Women in the Construction Industry Conference on Wednesday, March 5th at the Monona Terrace Convention Center.
This dynamic conference is dedicated to empowering women in the construction industry, offering opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, industry insights, and meaningful networking with peers and vendors from throughout Wisconsin.
BuildX 2026 will feature an exceptional lineup of nationally recognized and industry-leading speakers.
The conference opens with keynote speaker Ronda Conger, a real estate renegade and builder of big things – homes, teams, companies, and humans. Her energizing message will set the tone for a day focused on confidence, resilience, and impact.
Attendees will participate in breakout sessions led by industry leaders including:
● Keystone Click
● Bliffert Lumber & Design
● CHOICES Coaching & Consulting
● Velocity Leader
Session topics include:
● Artificial Intelligence
● Bridging the Gap between Design and Construction
● Celebrating Individuality
● Overcoming “Superwoman Syndrome”
The conference will conclude with a closing keynote from Jackie Schneider, Senior Director of Sustainable Living at KOHLER, who will share insights on how to navigate non-linear career paths, lead with courage, and build with intention.
A new addition to BuildX is Wellness Day on Friday morning, March 6th at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. Guests will enjoy a grounding, educational session focused on understanding burnout, stress, and nervous system regulation — followed by a restorative somatic breathwork and sound bath experience – provided by Kenz Groh Coaching.
“We are thrilled to be hosting our 5th Annual BuildX Conference,” said Linda Heipp, President of Women in the Construction Industry Wisconsin. “This is an empowering day & a half filled with energizing speakers and meaningful connection. Our conference has grown year-over-year to more than 350 attendees, reflecting the momentum and impact women are making across our industry.”
BuildX is held annually in March in recognition of National Women in Construction Week, a nationwide celebration that highlights women as a visible and vital component of the construction industry while raising awareness of the significant role women play in shaping our communities.
While the construction industry continues to face a skilled labor shortage, the number of women entering the field continues to grow. Women now represent approximately 11% of the construction workforce — the highest share in more than two decades — signaling continued progress and opportunity for the industry.
For more information on BuildX and the presenters, visit www.BuildXWisconsin.com.
Women in the Construction Industry Wisconsin Board Members are available for interviews.
If you are interested, please contact Linda Heipp at (262) 408-4235.
ABOUT RONDA CONGER
Some say she was raised by wolves, others claim truckers. No matter what her upbringing, this superwoman has flourished in a male dominated industry for 32 years. As Vice President of CBH Homes, Idaho’s largest homebuilder, Ronda leads the CBH troops daily, and has overseen all areas of the company for the past 23 years.
Ronda firmly believes that winning is a habit. She’s been named the 2021 NAHB Woman of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders and was recently recognized as a one of the 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders in Business 2025.
Serving others is important to Ronda. As a business woman, professional speaker, and author, Ronda is on a mission to spread a movement with her five books: Better Human, Better Thinking, You Go First, Leading Through Extraordinary Times, and her latest book New Market. New You.
It’s been rumored her high energy and passion come from shotgunning red bulls daily, but she’ll tell you it comes from her incredibly hot husband, Jim Conger (just ask her) and her two sons.
She thanks the heavens each day for this incredible journey and is so very grateful for the opportunity to serve and love all those that she comes in contact with.
ABOUT JACKIE SCHNEIDER
From her beginnings in architecture to leadership roles spanning sales, marketing, and brand transformation, Jackie reflects on a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Today, she leads Kohler’s Sustainable Living team, where she drives ESG strategy, business development, marketing communications, and stewardship initiatives.
ABOUT WOMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WISCONSIN (WICIW)
Three local non-profit trade associations, the Madison Area Builders Association, the Metropolitan Builders Association and NARI of Madison, joined forces to create the Women in the Construction Industry Wisconsin (WICIW). Its mission is “To inspire, promote & support women in the industry through Education & Networking.” In the past 5+ years the group has grown to over 500 participants. The group hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including happy hours, home tours, and educational sessions.
