2026 Area 10 Leadership Conference

The Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are hosting the Area 10 Leadership Conference, sponsored by LP Building Solutions, in Madison, WI on April 23-24, 2026. 

This exclusive event for Home Builders Association (HBA) Leaders and Executive Officers is an opportunity to develop your leadership skills and meet other housing industry leaders from your area. Area 10 covers the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

You'll learn impactful leadership strategies from industry experts during a series of education sessions, panel discussions, and networking events. 

Tentative Schedule/Agenda
April 23, 2026 (Day One)

• 11:30am - 12:00pm: Registration
• 12:00pm - 12:15pm: NAHB Welcome with Bill Owens, 2026 NAHB Chairman
• 12:15pm - 12:45pm: Networking Lunch
• 12:45pm - 1:45pm: Opening Keynote Luncheon with Heather DeSiena "People and Profit: Building Businesses That Last"
• 2:00pm -3:00pm: Leadership Session by Steve Bench "Attracting Tomorrow's Talent with Today's Leaders"
• 3:15pm - 4:15pm: Breakout Session (two options)
  • TRACK 1: "Strategic Communication: Lessons Learned From a News Anchor Turned Negotiator" (Heather DeSiena)
  • TRACK 2: "Crafting Mutually Beneficial Volunteer Opportunities" (Donna Franza, NAHB)
• 4:25pm - 4:45 pm: NAHB Update by Bill Owens, 2026 NAHB Chairman
• 5:00pm: Hop on the bus! 
• 5:15pm - 7:30pm: Networking Reception & Tour at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, sponsored by Drexel Building Supply

April 24, 2026 (Day Two)

• 8:00am - 9:00am: Leadership Breakfast | "Providing Value in Membership"
• 9:15am - 10:00am: Breakout Session (two options)
  • TRACK 1: "Indentifying & Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders" (Rachel Branson, NAHB)
  • TRACK 2: "Lightning Decision Jam" Roundtable Discussions
• 10:15am - 11:15am: "Build on Benefits | Structuring Success with NAHB Resources" (Caroline Fabacher)
• 11:30am - 12:30pm: "Leadership Growth Hacks" (David Belman) Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of David’s book, courtesy of the MBA. David will be available to sign books following the session.
• 12:30pm: Closing Comments
• Box lunch available

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DETAILED AGENDA

Registration includes:

• Day One: Lunch, Networking Reception with beverages and heavy appetizers
• Day Two: Breakfast, Box Lunch (to-go, or to stay)

Parking & Access to Monona Terrace - VERY IMPORTANT!!!
There is construction along John Nolen Drive and the John Nolen Drive entrance to the Monona Terrace is not open. Click here for driving directions

Here are a few options for parking....

• Monona Terrace parking ramp - The only entrance to this ramp is from Wilson Street. Click here for a map
• Wilson Street Garage - 20 E. Wilson Street, Madison - 1 block walk to Monona Terrace (this will likely be the least expensive option)
• Hilton Monona Terrace - if you're staying overnight at the Hilton they have an underground parking ramp and a skywalk to the Monona Terrace

Hotel Accomodations
A block of rooms is available at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace for the nights of April 22 & 23, 2026 with a nightly rate of $169. Reservation cut-off date is March 23, 2026. 
   
Sponsorship Opportunties:
Is this your first time attending an NAHB Leadership Training Conference? NAHB has a limited number of scholarships/grants available. The link to apply is below. Please be sure to review all the requirements. Area 10 Leadership Conference Fees must be paid up front, and if you are awarded a scholarship your payment will be refunded. 
Scholarship Application