Below is the overall Agenda for the conference. Hover over the Sessions+ tab to learn more about each track!
Select from over 31 engaging sessions and 11 interactive roundtables
Homebuilding / Remodeling / AEC (Commercial) / NEW! Home Improvement / NEW! Design
Badge Pick-up @Lobby of Grande Ballroom
Welcome to the 2024 WIR+CC Conference!
General Session: Salon A-F
The Art of Persuasive Storytelling
KEYNOTE: Kelly Parker, Owner @KDP Consulting, LLC.
Persuasive storytelling is crucial to advance business and ensure career success, yet many people struggle to navigate its complexities. In this session, attendees will learn how to leverage persuasive storytelling to enhance their communication skills and interpersonal effectiveness. They will learn the why and the how of great storytelling and glean specific strategies to create clear, compelling narratives that educate, motivate, and influence audiences to take action.
General Session: Salon A-F
How to Thrive While Standing at the Edge of What You Know
Allison Iantosca, President, CEO, Partner @F.H. Perry Builder
To be a leader is to willingly stand at the edge of what you know. Every. Single. Day. It doesn’t matter if you are the big boss, if you run a team, or if you are in charge of yourself, leadership is a lifestyle you take head on. Living at the edge of what you know is complex and unrelenting. It can be scary. Sometimes we wonder if we’re heading in the right direction, and we lose the certainty of our footing. This unique talk will provide new ways to define yourself in your full leadership capacity right now, as well as offer tips for how to thrive at the edge of what you know.
Attendee Introductions
We are thrilled to hear from you! Briefly tell us all about yourself — where do you hail from and what kind of business do you run or work for? We can't wait to learn more about you!
Networking Reception @Salons A-F/West Courtyard
Sponsored by:
Join us for dinner, drinks and getting to know your fellow attendees and our sponsors.
Breakfast @West Courtyard
Thank you to our sponsor:
Welcome to Day 2 & Woman of the Year Award Presentation
General Session: Salon A-F
Foolproof Frameworks for Presenting Innovative Ideas & Leading Meetings
Maisha Christian, Owner & Head Coach @Beauty & the Boss
Communication skills aren’t just for presenters and motivational speakers. Learning to communicate well is one of the most important skills leaders and change-makers can develop. By doing so, individuals can achieve winning outcomes for themselves, their project teams, and their companies. In this opening keynote, Maisha Christian will present a simple process that, when applied, will help attendees present complex ideas, get buy-in from decision makers, and move initiatives forward.
Residential Session: Salon A-F
Designing the Life You Want to Live: Strategies for Personal and Professional Success
Jane Meagher, President @Success Strategies
In this unique, inspirational yet practical session, Jane shares strategies she’s used throughout her life to set and achieve goals, push through challenges, and find fulfillment. Filled with stories of personal triumph and struggle, this session will speak to anyone who wants to become the best they can be. For each strategy, Jane 1) describes a life experience and how it shaped her future, 2) identifies the principle or practice that anyone can apply, with instructions, and 3) inspires action for the attendees through questions or prompts. You’ll leave inspired to reach for the next level of personal and professional success, and have some tools to help you along the way.
AEC/Commercial Session: Salon G
The J.E.D.I. Agenda: An Intersectional Approach to Designing a Just Future
Rosa Sheng, VP, Higher Education Studio Leader, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion @SmithGroup; Founding Chair @Equity by Design
Our society is at a critical inflection point. The choices and actions we make today will determine our collective future. This is contextualized by a historic confluence of catastrophic events in 2020 - a global pandemic, severe economic disruption, racial violence, civil unrest, environmental peril and rapid disruption by AI. A perfect storm exposes the intersectional impacts of legacy systems of societal and environmental harm and oppression – still endangering BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse and other marginalized identities. The resulting shifts and disruptions that we face could result in peril or potential to overcome the adversity surrounding us. Real and necessary progress towards Justice in our world will only be achieved when we are willing to do the work to expose and dismantle the intricate web of racist and unjust policies and practices that have resulted in multigenerational inequities with harmful outcomes for many. Given the challenging and complex conditions in which we find ourselves today, we must commit to adapting towards a collective regenerative agenda to thrive.
Exhibits and Networking
Join us for an amazing time filled with delicious snacks and exciting prizes! You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to visit our incredible partners at their tables. Come join the fun!
Roundtables — Choose the Sessions That Are Right for You!
These fast-paced, peer-to-peer breakout sessions will delve into a variety of topics from the remodeling, commercial, design and home building sectors.
Remodeling Roundtable: RT2REM Salon I
30 Marketing Tips in 45 minutes
Moderator Erika Mosse, Director of Content @Pro Remodeler
Remodeling Roundtable: RT3REM Salon I
Better Building Processes from Lead to Final Walk Through
Moderator: Susan Raisanen, Office Manager @TraVek, Inc.
Remodeling Roundtable: RT4REM Salon J
Leadership Strategies That Work
Moderator: Jacquelyn Martin, CEO/Founder @Exponential Ventures
Residential Roundtable: RT1RES Salon H
How Marketing Teams Are Evolving With AI
Moderators: Raissa Rocha, Director @Nimble Thinkers
Valencia Apolinar, Account Manager @Nimble Thinkers
Design Roundtable: RT8DES - Salon J
Creating a Wellness—Inspired Space Through Neuroaesthetics
Moderator: Angela Harris, Founder, Principal and CEO @TRIO
Home Building Roundtable: RT5HB Salon A-F
Creating the Ultimate Customer Journey
Moderator: Leah Fellows, Owner @Blue Gypsy Inc.
Home Building Roundtable: RT6HB Salon A-F
Cultivating a Leadership Mindset
Moderator: Abbie Mirata, VP of Learning and Development @Woodside Homes
Home Building Roundtable: RT7HB Salon A-F
Streamlining and Automating Systems & Processes
Moderator: Morgan Molitor, Co-Founder & Creative Director @construction2style
General Roundtable: RT13GEN Salon A-F
Connected Homes: Challenges and Opportunities
Moderator: Nancy Butler, VP Builder Sales @Samsung Electronics
Home Improvement Roundtable: RT10HIP Salon H
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Moderator: Madison Ferrell, Culture & Internal Communications Manager @Great Day Improvements
AEC Panel: Salon G
The Current and Future State of Women in AEC
Moderator: Dave Barista, Editorial Director @Building Design+Construction
Panelists: Rosa Sheng, VP, Higher Education Studio Leader, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion @SmithGroup; Founding Chair @Equity by Design & Michelle Acosta, Managing Director @HDR Inc.
Leading AEC women guide a thought-provoking, interactive discussion on the “state of the state” of equity and diversity in the architecture, engineering, and construction fields. As part of the talk, each expert panelist will present the latest research and data on the state of women professionals in their given field.
Lunch @West Courtyard
Remodeling Breakout: Salon I
Beyond Trends and Hashtags: Build Your Brand on Social Media with an Authentic, Customized Approach
Caitlin Copley, Marketing Director @Jackson Design and Remodeling
Success on social media looks different for every company - it’s not always about going viral or gaining the most new followers. In this dynamic presentation, Copley will share her experience with building a social media strategy that actually achieves results. From more exposure in national media to significantly increased leads, social media can be a powerful tool in your marketing toolbox with the right planning and management. Copley will cover how to set up your company on social media with a recognizable brand and authentic personality, tips for assessing which trends to join, the critical importance of tracking and measurement, how to integrate paid social media, and much more. If you’ve been looking for ideas to energize your existing social media, or just getting started, you’ll #love this fact-filled overview!
Home Building Breakout: Salon A-F
Builder’s Blueprint: A Strategic Planning Guide for Weathering Any Market
Julie Hancock, Managing Director @Camelot Homes
Discover how to safeguard your building business against economic fluctuations in this insightful talk with Julie Hancock of Camelot Homes. Julie will provide practical advice on embracing your inner Rebel Girl to bring your company to new heights, as she did with creating a resilient product mix and maintaining quality across different markets. She will share how she spearheaded the transformative journey of her company's strategic diversification into custom remodels, single-family rentals, and short-term luxury rentals that helped stabilize and profitably expand their operations. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, Julie will empower fellow builders to innovate and thrive, even during economic downturns.
Design Breakout: Salon J
Science of Design: How Neuroaesthetics is Impacting Design
Angela Harris, Founder, Principal and CEO @TRIO
It’s coming to light in the design world that our homes do more than keep a roof over our heads. Paying attention to our inherent needs and nature’s impact on our physiology, our homes have the ability to improve our health — both physically and emotionally. Learn what elements need to be considered when designing, building or remodeling a home to offer the optimum outcome for those occupying the space.
Home Improvement Breakout: Salon H
Women in Home Improvement: A Leadership Journey
Erika Mosse, Director of Content @Pro Remodeler
Abby Binder, President & CEO @Abby Windows & Exteriors
Bella Friday, General Manager & Consultant @Friday Enterprises LLC
Cassi Hallam, Chief Marketing Officer @System Pavers
Eileen King, VO, Marketing @BAM! Coatings
Women make up less than 10% of the construction industry overall, and sadly that number is even smaller when it comes to home improvement. Sadder still, it shrinks to almost nothing once you assess the percentage of women who are leaders or high-level managers with home improvement companies. Why is that the case? What can, and should, be done to increase the visibility and influence of women in home improvement? Hear from a panel of women industry leaders as they discuss their career journey in home improvement and share valuable insights for growing our numbers.
AEC Commercial Session: Salon G
Lessons and Action Steps from Women in the AEC C-Suite
Mia Blanchett, CEO @HGA
Wendy Cohen, President, CEO @Kitchell Corporation
Shannon Coomes, President @Hill Fire Protection
A panel of AEC firm executives will discuss a variety of timely topics, including:
• their career journey
• the single-biggest moment/decision in their career
• advice/lessons for growing your firm and advancing your career
• DEI initiatives at their firms — what's working, what's not
• how to develop A-list talent
• their outlook and plans for 2024 and beyond
Home Improvement Breakout: Salon H
Creating A World Class Company Culture
Katie Perugini, Director, Communications + Culture Development @Thompson Creek Window Company
It's natural for every company culture to evolve and drift over time, especially as organizations grow and change. In this insightful presentation, Katie will share practical examples and process-oriented solutions she's successfully implemented to help you intentionally nurture and strengthen your company's unique and distinct culture.
Remodeling Breakout: Salon I
Customizing Your Marketing to Specific Consumer Profiles for Success
Rebecca Lay, Marketing Director @Mosby Building Arts
Learn how to tailor your marketing for maximum impact by targeting specific consumer profiles. This presentation covers key profiles within Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, exploring their motivations and purchase drivers. You'll discover how to craft resonant messages, create personalized experiences, and build strong relationships. Additionally, we'll discuss the optimal platforms and channels for strategic placement. Equip yourself with strategies to enhance engagement and drive conversions through targeted marketing.
Homebuilding Breakout: Salon A-F
The Power of Digital Marketing Automation to Drive Growth
Morgan Molitor, Founder @construction2style
Elevate your marketing game with insights from Morgan Molitor, co-founder of construction2style. Morgan will share practical strategies and actionable insights to help you leverage digital marketing automation for unparalleled success in the residential construction. Join Morgan as she shares how construction2style has embraced cutting-edge tools and platforms to streamline processes, drive growth, and exceed client expectations. Discover the secrets behind their success, learn how you can apply similar strategies to revolutionize your own marketing efforts, and the best tools to start using today.
Design Breakout: Salon J
Understanding the Homeowner's Design/Function Needs
Theresa Dorlini, Owner, Principal Interior Designer, Creative Director @CIRCLE Design Studio
Designers are pros at getting to know their clients before starting a home design project. Learn some of the nuances designers assess about their clients as they determine a design layout that provides ultimate functionality and beauty for the end user. As much of what designers uncover about clients can carry across multiple projects, some can be considerations to incorporate into new build communities as well.
AEC/Commercial Session: Salon G
How To Develop A-List Talent at AEC Firms
Danielle Feroleto, Founder @Small Giants
Danielle Feroleto, CPSM, will present proven strategies and tactics for mentoring and training junior and mid-level AEC team members to help them reach "A-list" status. She will also provide advice for seasoned AEC professionals who are looking to advance to senior-level status.
Roundtables — Choose the Sessions That Are Right for You!
These fast-paced, peer-to-peer breakout sessions will delve into a variety of topics from the remodeling, commercial, design and home building sectors.
Remodeling Roundtable: RT2REM Salon I
30 Marketing Tips in 45 minutes
Moderator Erika Mosse, Director of Content @Pro Remodeler
Remodeling Roundtable: RT3REM Salon I
Better Building Processes from Lead to Final Walk Through
Moderator: Susan Raisanen, Office Manager @TraVek, Inc.
Remodeling Roundtable: RT4REM Salon J
Leadership Strategies That Work
Moderator: Allison Iantosca, President, CEO, Partner @F.H. Perry Builder
Residential Roundtable: RT1RES Salon H
How Marketing Teams Are Evolving With AI
Moderators: Raissa Rocha, Director @Nimble Thinkers
Valencia Apolinar, Account Manager @Nimble Thinkers
Design Roundtable: RT8DES - Salon J
Creating a Wellness—Inspired Space Through Neuroaesthetics
Moderator: Angela Harris, Founder, Principal and CEO @TRIO
Home Building Roundtable: RT5HB Salon A-F
Creating the Ultimate Customer Journey
Moderator: Leah Fellows, Owner @Blue Gypsy Inc.
Home Building Roundtable: RT6HB Salon A-F
Cultivating a Leadership Mindset
Moderator: Abbie Mirata, VP of Learning and Development @Woodside Homes
Home Building Roundtable: RT7HB Salon A-F
Streamlining and Automating Systems & Processes
Moderator: Morgan Molitor, Co-Founder & Creative Director @construction2style
General Roundtable: RT13GEN Salon A-F
Connected Homes: Challenges and Opportunities
Moderator: Nancy Butler, VP Builder Sales @Samsung Electronics
Home Improvement Roundtable: RT10HIP Salon H
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Moderator: Madison Ferrell, Culture & Internal Communications Manager @Great Day Improvements
General Session: Salon G
How To Become a Change Agent For Your Teams and At Your Firm
Dawn Duhamel, Associate Principal, Director of Business Development @DTJ Designs
What are the key attributes needed to become a effective change agent within a company? Why do some people have success affecting change in their organization while others struggle to be heard? In this session you’ll learn the critical elements of a change agent mindset and leave with tools that encourage both personal and team exploration. With over 30 years of practice managing teams and leading sales efforts for both publicly held and privately owned companies, Dawn will lead a spirited, interactive discussion where attendees share experiences and craft solutions for how to affect positive change within their lives and their organizations.
Homebuilding Breakout: Salon A-F
The Power of the Follow-Up: More Closing, Less Ghosting
Laura Sterr, Area Sales Manager @Trophy Signature Homes
Tired of chasing unresponsive leads and wasting time on prospects who have ghosted you? It's time to rethink your follow-up strategy. Abandon the outdated "buy or die" mindset, and learn how to hear "No" earlier so you can spend time hearing "Yes!" Discover actionable tips to tailor your follow-ups, build stronger relationships, and boost your sales effectiveness.
Home Improvement Breakout: Salon H
The True Meaning of Leadership
Jacquelyn Martin, CEO/Founder @Exponential Ventures
Great leaders create opportunities. They build trust and respect. Leadership isn't about power or authority, it’s about lifting others up. As leaders, how we show up every day for our customers and our team is what defines us. In this unique and inspiring talk, Martin will share her leadership journey through the home improvement industry. She will also discuss foundational principles that are crucial for long-term business health and prosperity.
Remodeling Breakout: Salon I
Unlock Greater Efficiency with the Right Systems and Processes
Allison Guido, Owner @Almar Building & Remodeling
This expert-level presentation reveals the secrets of streamlined systems for remodelers. Guido will share how to create processes that are repeatable, trainable and built to ensure predictable results. From lead to final walkthrough, you’ll gain practical insights and actionable strategies to transform your business.
Residential Session: Salon A-F
A Beautiful Conversation: My Journey into Neuroaesthetics
Ginger Curtis, CEO @Urbanology Designs
Hear a renowned interior designer share how the principles of neuroaesthetics transformed her approach to design. During an lifechanging season of hardship, she discovered the profound impact that beauty and thoughtful design have on our well-being. This session will offer Ginger Curtis' personal perspective on harnessing neuroaesthetics to create spaces that heal and inspire, revealing the powerful connection between personal experience and the transformative power of design.
Networking Reception @Salons A-F/West Courtyard
Sponsored by:
Join us for dinner, drinks and getting to know your fellow attendees and our sponsors.
Breakfast @West Courtyard/Terrace
Thank you to our sponsor:
General Session: Salon A-F
Doing Delegation Right
Julie Miller Davis, Founder @JMD Productivity Training
So many times, women find themselves in a position where they know they need to delegate and cannot figure out where to start. Or, they have had delegation go terribly wrong and thus taken the majority of the work back on their plate. However, we all know that in order to grow, we must delegate and start doing the things that only we can do. In this talk, Julie Miller Davis will be teaching us to do delegation right. Key takeaways: how to stop micromanaging and start delegating; what to delegate; how to set yourself and your team up for success.
Homebuilding Breakout: Salon A-F
Decoding Influencer Marketing: Lessons Learned from a Leading Builder
Traci Sexton-Hall, VP of Marketing Operations @Tri Pointe Homes
Influencer marketing is everywhere—even in home building. And Traci Sexton-Hall of Tri Pointe Homes knows the impact this marketing method can make on selling homes and increasing brand visibility on national and regional scales. Hear from Sexton-Hall about the ins and outs of micro influencers and macro influencers, including real impacts on business results and PR, through the lens of Tri Pointe's successful campaigns, such as their collaboration with design expert and Emmy award-winning TV Host Bobby Berk.
Remodeling Breakout: Salon I
Navigating Growth: Strategies for Leading Amid Rapid Expansion
Jessica Seljan, Sales & Design Manager @Nicholas Design Build
In remodeling, rapid business growth brings exhilaration and significant challenges. During these times, many leaders experience stress and strained resources as they “build the plane while flying it.” Operational inefficiencies may surface, and the pressure to scale while preserving quality can feel overwhelming. This insightful talk focuses on essential strategies for leading during times of robust growth. Through honest reflection and sharing of lessons learned, Seljan shares valuable do and don’ts for navigating business expansion.
Home Improvement Breakout: Salon H
Pulling the Marketing Levers
Hannah Arndt, VP of Marketing @Renewal by Andersen of Greater Wisconsin and Milwaukee
How do you define success for a marketing campaign? When is it time to move resources from one area to another? How should you allocate the funds in your budget? In this dynamic presentation, Arndt will delve into the art and science of creating a marketing strategy that brings more leads at an optimal cost for home improvement professionals.
AEC/Commercial Session: Salon G
Navigating Mobility in Construction: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies
Maria Alvarado, Project Manager @PCL Construction Enterprises
A career in the construction industry can be dynamic and fulfilling, though it comes with its share of challenges. In this presentation, Maria Alvarado, project manager with PCL Construction, will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with mobility and travel in the construction sector. She’ll delve into personal anecdotes that highlight the unique hurdles faced when on the move in the AEC industry, whether it’s traveling for jobsite visits and major meetings or completely relocating for new projects. Maria will discuss how mobility can create career advancement and personal growth. Additionally, she will provide strategies for managing traveling roles, from logistical planning to emotional resilience and professional networking. Finally, Maria will examine current policies affecting mobile and traveling workers and propose recommendations for enhancing support systems, ensuring a more supportive environment for those on the move.
Remodeling Breakout: Salon I
12 Tech Tidbits: Technology for Your People and Your Business
Caroline Broderick, Editor @Custom Builder
No more AI and tech overload—this presentation will pull back the curtain on what remodelers’ real tech stacks look like, including more than a dozen apps and software used and recommended by fellow remodelers for every part of your business. Plus: Your tech is only as good as your team! Dive into what it takes to ensure a smooth tech integration so you can hit the ground running when you return to your business.
Home Improvement Breakout: Salon H
Paradigm Shift: Our Mindset, Belief Systems, and Intentional Actions
Briana Hetherington, Founder @Altruistic Advisory
This inspiring seminar delves into how we can become the best version of ourselves through self-awareness and self-belief. Discover the power of paradigm shifts and their profound impact on our lives. Understand the influence of mindset and belief systems on your personal and professional growth. Learn intentional actions and habits that can transform your daily routine. Attendees will walk away with tangible, actionable steps to implement immediately for positive change.
Homebuilding Breakout: Salon A-F
The Proven Home Building Formula: Building Homes That Sell—Quick
Denise Lones, President @New Home Strategists
What sells and what doesn't? Denise Lones knows how to crack the blueprint code. In her words, there is a formula for building homes that buyers can't resist. A new home analyst shares her secrets from decades of sleuthing developments to discover what works and what doesn't sell. She will share the top mistakes builders and developers make and unveil her list of irresistible features that get buyers lining up.
General Session: Salon A-F
Creating A Personal Vision of Greatness
Elnian Gilbert, Trainer @ZingTrain
What’s a vision? It’s an answer to the simple—yet radical—question: “When we’re really successful in our work at a particular point in the future, what will our organization look like?” From a personal standpoint, the question becomes, “When we’re really successful in becoming the person we want to be, what does our life look like?” Imagine going to a website where you could log on and, with the right password, view your company, or your life, as it will be five years from now. Well, the website (as far as we know) doesn’t exist yet. But you have the software you need right in your own head—and the heads of others in your organization. In this workshop, learn how effective visioning has been an important part of Zingerman’s success and how you can use this powerful tool to fuel your business, and personal success.
General Session: Salon A-F
Continuing the Journey: Engaging, Reflecting, and Networking Beyond the Conference
Camille Jenkins, Founder/ Consultant @Camille's Keys LLC
As the conference concludes, this special session allows you to focus on your take-aways and explore ways to stay in touch. Jenkins will facilitate an opportunity to share and discuss key insights, stay engaged beyond the conference, and take part in our community's growth through mentorship opportunities. Don't miss this chance to deepen your connections and drive meaningful change beyond the conference.
2024 Partners