BLD CONNECTION - BIZCON North 2027
Event Date
January 19–20, 2027
Location
Brooklyn Park, MN
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryBLD CONNECTION - BIZCON North is a regional trade show and business conference for the lumber and building material (LBM) industry, organized by BLD Connection. It is one of two Midwest BizCon events (North and South) held each winter. BizCons focus on bringing members immense value and business connections via exhibits that feature the latest building products, expert-led educational seminars, and networking opportunities, all packaged in fresh, new agendas.
The event provides a convenient 'one-stop shop' venue where dealers and suppliers can meet face-to-face to discuss the latest industry products and developments, learn tools to improve productivity and increase profits, receive important industry updates, and form new partnerships in an efficient format that decreases time away from their businesses.
The audience is drawn primarily from Retail (dealer) and Associate (supplier) members across the Midwest, along with LBM students entering the workforce. Attendees come for a packed exhibit hall, practical education sessions led by industry speakers, and relationship-building networking events. For 2027, BizCon North moves to a new location at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel & Conference Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Show Highlights
BizCon North combines a full exhibit hall with education and networking. Signature elements from recent editions include:
- Exhibit hall featuring dozens of booths showcasing the latest LBM products and services
- Exhibitor Speed Showcase, a fast-paced opportunity for suppliers to highlight their companies and solutions
- Rapid-Fire Idea Panel at the Membership Lunch, sparking conversation around culture, leadership, AI, marketing, and sales
- Expert-led education sessions on sales strategy, lumberyard design, and cross-generational communication
- Women in the Industry gathering during Happy Hour
- Interactive floor activities such as the duckie scavenger hunt and Last Person Standing contest
At BizCon North 2026, education sessions featured Sam Richter on authentic sales strategy, David Wells on better lumberyard design, and Steve Bench on communicating across generations.
Attendance
BizCon North 2026 (held January 20–21, 2026 in St. Cloud, MN) welcomed 308 attendees, growing to 335 including students, with an exhibit hall of 58 booths representing a wide range of LBM products and services. The audience is composed primarily of Retail (dealer) and Associate (supplier) members of BLD Connection, along with LBM students. Figures for the 2027 edition have not yet been published.
Registration
Registration for BizCon North is handled through BLD Connection. Details on passes and deadlines are published closer to the event through the association's event calendar and member communications. For general event or exhibiting questions, BLD Connection directs inquiries to Director of Events Jodie Fleck, CMP at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.
Note: BLD Connection has warned of hotel booking scams and does not use third-party hotel booking companies; attendees should use only official links provided directly by BLD Connection and should not provide payment information to companies claiming to offer 'exclusive rates' on the organization's behalf.
History
BizCon North is presented by BLD Connection, a lumber and building material industry association serving the Midwest. The event has roots in the association's long-running regional expos (earlier editions were branded as Expo North). In recent years it has been held under the BizCon name alongside its companion event, BizCon South. Recent BizCon North editions were hosted at River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, MN, with the 2026 event drawing 308 attendees (335 including students) and 58 exhibit booths. For 2027, the show relocates to the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel & Conference Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is BizCon North 2027?
BizCon North 2027 takes place January 19–20, 2027 (Tuesday and Wednesday). It will be held at a new location, the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel & Conference Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Who should attend BizCon North?
The event is designed for lumber and building material (LBM) professionals, particularly Retail (dealer) and Associate (supplier) members of BLD Connection, as well as LBM students. It provides a face-to-face venue for dealers and suppliers to discuss products, learn, and form new partnerships.
What happens at the show?
BizCon North features an exhibit hall showcasing the latest building products, expert-led educational seminars, and networking opportunities. Recent editions included an Exhibitor Speed Showcase, a Rapid-Fire Idea Panel, a Women in the Industry gathering, and interactive floor activities.
How do I register or ask about exhibiting?
Registration and exhibiting are handled directly through BLD Connection. For general event or exhibiting questions, contact BLD Connection Director of Events Jodie Fleck, CMP at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.
How many people attend BizCon North?
The 2026 edition welcomed 308 attendees, growing to 335 including students, with 58 exhibit booths. Attendance figures for the 2027 event have not yet been published.
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