2020 Agenda at a Glance

This year's Women in Residential Construction Conference features a lineup of standout speakers armed with advice to help you successfully navigate your business and career. Their first-hand experience and hard-earned advice will help inspire your work and strengthen your determination.


Conference begins: 4PM EST, 3PM CST, 2PM MST, 1PM PST

4:00pm

Welcome Introduction

4:40pm

Choosing to Have Joy in Your Life

Speaker:
Abbie Mirata, VP, Founder @Kyndly

Choice is one of the most powerful things that we possess. You might even say it's a superpower that separates us as humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. Presenter Abbie Mirata will outline the difference between joy and happiness in life, and how joy is a choice. She will demonstrate how you can help control your responses and reactions to the world around you at work, at home, and even in your own internal self talk.

5:15pm

Partner Exhibits

5:45pm

Wine Tasting

Lukas Dempsey, Sommelier @Le Bernardin

Lukas has worked in the New York City restaurant scene since 2016. First hired as a junior sommelier at Masa (3 Michelin stars), he later moved on to The Modern (2 Michelin Stars) where he took on a full-time sommelier role. In January of 2020, Lukas accepted a sommelier position at Le Bernardin, a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, ranked #1 in the world on La Liste 2019.

Conference begins: 11AM EST, 10AM CST, 9AM MST, 8AM PST

11:00am

Welcome Introduction

11:05am

Keynote

Sheryl Palmer, Chairman & CEO @Taylor Morrison

Sheryl Palmer is the chairman and chief executive officer of Taylor Morrison, a leading national home builder and developer based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since 2007, Ms. Palmer has overseen a highly experienced leadership team in key national home building markets. In 2019, the company was named America's Most Trusted Home Builder for the fourth consecutive year by Lifestory Research, named one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine, and recognized by Bloomberg's Gender Equality Index (GEI) for transparency in gender reporting and advancing women's equality.

11:45am

Roundtable Discussions

Introduced and moderated by some of the most knowledgeable women in the industry, these fast-paced roundtable discussions will give you the opportunity to ask questions, learn best practices and share your ideas with your peers. Choose the topic that is right for you:

Leadership of One: Building a More Powerful Brand

Leyah Valgardson, Founder &Executive Coach @Leader's Voice

You are a home building professional, and you are incredible at what you do! But does life leave you feeling drained, frustrated, and overwhelmed? Women are challenged with finding ways to own and protect the very best of who we are. We give. We serve. We are perfect. We're left with very little in the tank, especially for ourselves. What if you reversed all of that and could still give, serve and perfect, but do so while owning your confidence to thrive!

3 Take-aways attendees will gain:
• Learn how to clear clutter from your life to create space for something new and better
• Discover your purpose in your unique core qualities
• Master showing up as the best version of you

Each session will build upon the last. Join Leyah for all of them!

What Do Your Customers Crave?

Kerry Mulcrone, President @Kerry & Co.

Everyone needs something different in today's world. What do your customers want? Your customers say it best... are you listening? Let's talk "Customer Cravigns" in this roundtable.

Workshop with Joy Coach Abbie Mirata

Abbie Mirata, VP, Founder @Kyndly

Take part in a short workshop with Abbie. She will share some tips, answer questions, and help you find ways to find more joy in your life.

How to Get the Most Benefit from a Business Coach

Sheila Lanier, Lead Designer @Homework Remodels & Tri-Lite Builders

Hiring a business coach can be a huge benefit for your company... or a huge waste of time and money. The difference lies in two areas: selecting the right person and using the right tools to get the most out of the coaching experience. Here, Lanier will provide valuable tips on how to work effectively with a business coach.

The Do's and Don'ts of Marketing in a Pandemic

Meredith Oliver, Co-founder & Chief Strategist @Meredith Communications

The world is upside down from COVID-19 and we are on the precipice of a presidential election which means increased anxiety. adversity, and negativity on social media. How are you supposed to market your business in the midst of utter chaos? How do you stand out and relate to your customers without going negative? Should you pull your marketing for now and hibernate like a bear in the winter until it is over and we go back to normal? Join this round table discussion led by sales and marketing thought-leader and home building industry expert, Meredith Oliver, and you'll learn the answers to these questions and more!

The Art of Connection in Today's Unique Business Climate

Betsy Sheppard, Founder & CEO @Gilbert & Sheppard Group

During this year of unique business practices, the importance of "connection" has become more significant than ever. All humans, especially women, need connection beyond social media and Wi-Fi devices. Join this discussion to explore innovative ideas for how to grow and sustain valuable connectivity for personal and professional growth by networking with women in the housing and construction industry.

The Decisions That Make Us

Mollie Elkman, Owner & President @Group Two

As leaders, we make decisions every single day that impact ourselves, our families, our company, our team and so on. There is no one who hasn't had to make some tough decisions in 2020. Join Mollie to discuss the science of decision making as she shares some examples of decisions from 2020 that have changed her business and life. Some good, some bad, and many surprising. Let's collectively share and learn from these key moments of 2020.

12:20pm

Is your company vision as clear to the team as your blueprints?

Sarah Henry, Owner @Gaspar's

Building, running and executing a successful business is a lot like building a home. No one would ever start a construction project without using the plan for the finished product, yet many of us run our companies without clearly communicating our vision or end goal. Moreover, we expect our whole team to be on the same page—an impossibility considering they are not invested in the mission and goals. Henry will outline how to share a vision for your company, and create a culture that keeps that vision front and center for everyone.

12:45pm

Break, Lunch, Meet the Sponsors

1:30pm

Roundtable Discussions

Introduced and moderated by some of the most knowledgeable women in the industry, these fast-paced roundtable discussions will give you the opportunity to ask questions, learn best practices and share your ideas with your peers. Choose the topic that is right for you:

Leadership of One: Building a More Powerful Brand

Leyah Valgardson, Founder &Executive Coach @Leader's Voice

You are a home building professional, and you are incredible at what you do! But does life leave you feeling drained, frustrated, and overwhelmed? Women are challenged with finding ways to own and protect the very best of who we are. We give. We serve. We are perfect. We're left with very little in the tank, especially for ourselves. What if you reversed all of that and could still give, serve and perfect, but do so while owning your confidence to thrive!

3 Take-aways attendees will gain:
• Learn how to clear clutter from your life to create space for something new and better
• Discover your purpose in your unique core qualities
• Master showing up as the best version of you

Each session will build upon the last. Join Leyah for all of them!

Taking Stock of Today and Tomorrow

Kerry Mulcrone, President @Kerry & Co.

Where are you today? Better yet, where do you want to be in one, three, or five years? Understanding your journey is planning your future! Sharing road maps to success puts everyone on a good path.

How to Get the Most Benefit from a Business Coach

Sheila Lanier, Lead Designer @Homework Remodels & Tri-Lite Builders

Hiring a business coach can be a huge benefit for your company... or a huge waste of time and money. The difference lies in two areas: selecting the right person and using the right tools to get the most out of the coaching experience. Here, Lanier will provide valuable tips on how to work effectively with a business coach.

Staying Positive in Times of Crisis

Dawn Duhamel, Director of Sales & Marketing @Possibilities for Design

Whether you are feeling depleted by managing kids and a career, worried about your business during a pandemic, struggling in your personal relationships, or dealing with any other crisis in your life, finding positive moments is crucial. Join us in an authentic, open forum, as we discuss how to find rays of sunshine when you're standing in the shadows.

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

Tanya Donahue , President @RI Kitchen & Bath Design+Build

The professionals in our field who have thrived during this uncertain time have done so with a balance of leadership, empathy, and courage. Tanya Donahue will lead a thought provoking discussion on emotional intelligence and how it impacts leadership. Topics include understanding your team, managing during change, and communication skills.

Building Your Brand on Instagram

Brooke Eversoll, President @Bee Studios

Brooke Eversoll, owner of Bee Studios in St. Petersburg, FL, has built a strong and loyal following on IG over the past 4 -5 years. IG has become a daily tool in the success of her business. For Brooke, IG has provided real relationships across the country, marketing opportunities, designer/client advice, and real leads and paying customers. She was also invited by Amanda Giuliano, founder of Trades Women of IG, to participate in the page since its creation in 2016. It's not about the number of followers, it's about building brand and engagement that yields a true and real connection.

Stepping Up to a Leadership Mindset

Jane Meagher, President @Success Strategies

We can all embody a Leadership Mindset, regardless of titles or areas of responsibility. Discover four leadership qualities that will lead to discussions with your team about how everyone can step up to a leadership mindset. Today, more than ever, no one can afford to be passive and reactive. Inspire others to own their power after participating in this workshop.

1:55pm

Partner Exhibits

2:25pm

The Uberization of New Home Sales

Jen Barkan, Online Sales Coach @Do You Convert

With the shift of consumer traffic from onsite to online, the way we sell our homes needs to change. In this session, we'll discuss how the roles of the online sales and onsite sales consultants have changed during this shift to meet the needs of our customers. We'll look at how to best navigate the increase in online leads and how to maximize on demand appointments keeping the customer experience at the forefront.

2:50pm

Gamification Winners

Conference begins: 11AM EST, 10AM CST, 9AM MST, 8AM PST

11:00am

Welcome Introduction

11:05am

Setting Goals for Continued Growth in Your Career

Speaker:
Liesel Cooper, President of Western and Mountain Regions @Century Communities

Liesel Cooper is eager to share insights gleaned from over three decades in home building, covering her journey from entry-level employee to executive leader. Taking a deep dive into her career, she'll discuss the roles that shaped her, how she made the most of every opportunity, and what advice she would give her younger self. She'll also talk about the importance of revisiting old goals and setting new ones, with a look at her own goals for continued growth personally and professionally.

11:30am

Roundtable Discussions

Introduced and moderated by some of the most knowledgeable women in the industry, these fast-paced roundtable discussions will give you the opportunity to ask questions, learn best practices and share your ideas with your peers. Choose the topic that is right for you:

Leadership of One: Building a More Powerful Brand

Leyah Valgardson, Founder &Executive Coach @Leader's Voice

You are a home building professional, and you are incredible at what you do! But does life leave you feeling drained, frustrated, and overwhelmed? Women are challenged with finding ways to own and protect the very best of who we are. We give. We serve. We are perfect. We're left with very little in the tank, especially for ourselves. What if you reversed all of that and could still give, serve and perfect, but do so while owning your confidence to thrive!

3 Take-aways attendees will gain:
• Learn how to clear clutter from your life to create space for something new and better
• Discover your purpose in your unique core qualities
• Master showing up as the best version of you

Each session will build upon the last. Join Leyah for all of them!

What Do Your Customers Crave?

Kerry Mulcrone, President @Kerry & Co.

Everyone needs something different in today's world. What do your customers want? Your customers say it best... are you listening? Let's talk "Customer Cravigns" in this roundtable.

The Do's and Don'ts of Marketing in a Pandemic

Meredith Oliver, Co-founder & Chief Strategist @Meredith Communications

The world is upside down from COVID-19 and we are on the precipice of a presidential election which means increased anxiety. adversity, and negativity on social media. How are you supposed to market your business in the midst of utter chaos? How do you stand out and relate to your customers without going negative? Should you pull your marketing for now and hibernate like a bear in the winter until it is over and we go back to normal? Join this round table discussion led by sales and marketing thought-leader and home building industry expert, Meredith Oliver, and you'll learn the answers to these questions and more!

The House That SHE Built

Pierrette Tierney, VP of Business Development @Magleby Construction & Kristi Allen, Owner @WoodCastle Homes

After nearly two years of planning and pre-construction work, the Utah PWB has officially broken ground on an ambitious project—designing and constructing an ALL Women-built home for the 2021 Parade of Homes; The House That SHE Built! The project will utilize skilled women working in every aspect of construction, in an unprecedented effort to tell their stories and inspire more women and girls to join our industry. Kristi and Pierrette will talk about how the project's progress, and how it is raising awareness and providing educational opportunities for girls who want to explore our industry. Learn more about the challenges, victories, and amazing stories of women who've been involved—and how you might do something similar in your market!

11:55am

Partner Video and Break

12:05pm

Building Science for Homeowners

Speaker:
Christine Williamson, Founder @Building Science Fight Club

The typical consumer gets a lot more excited about marble countertops than about insulation. Owners may know a lot about being lawyers or chefs or yoga teachers, but they have to trust building professionals when it comes to building science. In this presentation, Christine Williamson will present small design adjustments that architects and designers can incorporate immediately into residential projects at little additional cost. These changes provide disproportionately valuable benefits in reducing the risk of failure while greatly improving performance metrics. We will cover what these adjustments actually look like in the field and equip participants to respond to common objections to these design changes during the construction phase, with a particular emphasis on those related to constructability and cost.

12:30pm

Break, Lunch, Meet the Partners

1:15pm

Roundtable Discussions

Introduced and moderated by some of the most knowledgeable women in the industry, these fast-paced roundtable discussions will give you the opportunity to ask questions, learn best practices and share your ideas with your peers. Choose the topic that is right for you:

Leadership of One: Building a More Powerful Brand

Leyah Valgardson, Founder &Executive Coach @Leader's Voice

You are a home building professional, and you are incredible at what you do! But does life leave you feeling drained, frustrated, and overwhelmed? Women are challenged with finding ways to own and protect the very best of who we are. We give. We serve. We are perfect. We're left with very little in the tank, especially for ourselves. What if you reversed all of that and could still give, serve and perfect, but do so while owning your confidence to thrive!

3 Take-aways attendees will gain:
• Learn how to clear clutter from your life to create space for something new and better
• Discover your purpose in your unique core qualities
• Master showing up as the best version of you

Each session will build upon the last. Join Leyah for all of them!

Taking Stock of Today and Tomorrow

Kerry Mulcrone, President @Kerry & Co.

Where are you today? Better yet, where do you want to be in one, three, or five years? Understanding your journey is planning your future! Sharing road maps to success puts everyone on a good path.

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

Tanya Donahue , President @RI Kitchen & Bath Design+Build

The professionals in our field who have thrived during this uncertain time have done so with a balance of leadership, empathy, and courage. Tanya Donahue will lead a thought provoking discussion on emotional intelligence and how it impacts leadership. Topics include understanding your team, managing during change, and communication skills.

Establishing the Voice of your Brand

Nikki Nuckols , Founder & Creative Director @Click & Co.

Establishing the Voice of your Brand People want to buy from brands that give them an emotional connection. Creating an emotional connection can happen through conversations, brand experiences, and marketing touchpoints. Having a personal brand voice that establishes expertise, instills confidence in client relationships as well as your leadership role. Here Nikki will discuss creating a strong voice in branding.

What Clients Don't See: Design Strategies to Reduce Risk and Improve Durability and Performance

Christine Williamson , Founder @Building Science Fight Club

It's easy enough to reduce the risk of building failures (like leaks, mold, rot, corrosion, and odors) and improve performance (like thermal comfort, acoustic performance and indoor air quality) with an unlimited budget. What's more tricky is making the best use of the resources you have. This roundtable discussion offers participants the opportunity to discuss risk and performance with Christine Williamson in greater detail following her presentation.

1:40pm

Partner Exhibits

2:15pm

Streamlining Processes and Increasing Efficiency for Builders & Remodelers

Speaker:
Lindsay Helmick, Chief Financial Officer @Allen Construction

The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), also known as Traction, is a  roadmap for businesses to add efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance communication for all employees. Allen Construction began incorporating EOS in 2018, bringing about significant and positive change in aligning the company around its vision and goals. In this dynamic presentation, Lindsay Helmick will discuss what new processes and business practices Allen Construction has implemented since beginning to utilize the EOS framework.