WOMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Thursday, March 11, 2027

Monona Terrace
1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI

ABOUT

The Madison Area Builders Association, Milwaukee Metro Builders Association, and NARI of Madison have come together to host BuildX, a conference focusing on empowering women in the construction industry.

About

Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

HEATHER DESIENA

Keynote Speaker | Corporate Trainer | Fractional Executive

From newsrooms to boardrooms, Heather has held multiple high-stakes titles as a television news anchor, corporate negotiator, and business strategist. She has spent her career developing techniques that have made her a trusted voice in corporate leadership and strategic communication. Now, Heather teaches others to do the same while traveling across the country to speak on stages, train teams, and

coach individuals.

Heather lives in colorful Colorado and loves the nearly year-round sunshine. She begins each day with two cups of coffee, is hopelessly addicted to chapstick, and takes pride in her delicious homemade lasagna and focaccia.

CLOSING SPEAKER
TBD

REGISTRATION FEES

Fees

$150/person -- Registration Fee

$110/person -- Registration for 5+ people

$25/person -- Student Registration

2026 Registration (2027 coming in Fall)

Schedule

LOCATION

Monona Terrace
1 John Nolen Dr Madison, WI

SCHEDULE-as of February 2026

REGISTRATION and VENDOR BOOTH VISITS
WELCOME

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

LUNCH

NETWORKING & VENDOR BOOTH VISITS
BREAKOUT SESSION #1

OPTION A: Unlocking Growth with AI:Tools, Trends & Tactics for the Modern Business with Lori Highby of Keystone Click
OPTION B: Design Trends/Cabinetry: Challenges Beyond the Blueprint with Linda Nitkowski and Ryan Fillinger of Bliffert Lumber & Hardware
OPTION C: "Superwoman Syndrome" in a leadership frame with Krista Morrissey of CHOICES Coaching & Consulting
OPTION D: Power Networking Session

NETWORKING & VENDOR BOOTH VISITS
BREAKOUT SESSION #2

OPTION A: Unlocking Growth with AI:Tools, Trends & Tactics for the Modern Business with Lori Highby of Keystone Click
OPTION B: Building Beyond the Blueprint: Embracing the Mess to LEVEL UP with Meghann Dawson & Megan Paul
OPTION C: Find Your Tribe & Build Your Own Table – Standing out in a Pre-Dominantly Male Industry with Elise Radawitz of Velocity Leader
OPTION D: Power Networking Session