BLD CONNECTION - BIZCON South 2027
Event Date
February 1–2, 2027
Location
Altoona, IA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryBizCon South is a regional trade show and business conference for the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry, organized by BLD Connection. It is the southern counterpart to BizCon North, and together the two Midwest events serve dealers, suppliers, and building-products professionals across the region. BizCons focus on bringing members value and business connections through exhibits featuring the latest building products, expert-led educational seminars, and networking opportunities, with fresh agendas each year.
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 industry updates, and form new partnerships in an efficient format that limits time away from their businesses. Attendees typically include LBM retailers, associate members and suppliers, along with students entering the industry.
For 2027, BizCon South returns to the Des Moines area, offering a compact two-day program of exhibits, education, and social events that make it worthwhile for anyone looking to source products, sharpen operations, and strengthen relationships across the Midwest building-materials community.
Show Highlights
Recent editions of BizCon South have featured a mix of a busy exhibit hall, practical education, and social networking. Highlights from the 2026 program included:
- Exhibit hall showcasing LBM products and services across dozens of booths
- Education sessions with industry speakers. Sales speaker Dustin James shared a framework for building stronger relationships, while David Wells and Steve Bench presented operational and communication strategies.
- Rapid-Fire Idea Panel, a high-energy format delivering practical ideas on culture, leadership, AI, marketing, and sales
- Brews and Bites networking event. Featuring live music from Ted Gaunt, it provided a relaxed setting for dealers and suppliers to connect beyond the booth.
- Women in the Industry gathering and a Student Career Panel supporting workforce development
Program elements vary year to year, so check the official BizCons page for the confirmed 2027 agenda.
Attendance
BizCon South has grown steadily in recent years. Attendance increased from 353 in 2025 to 432 in 2026, including 92 students, and the exhibit hall featured 63 booths with strong participation across both days. The audience is made up of lumber and building materials retailers, suppliers/associate members, and students. (Figures reflect past events; 2027 numbers are not yet published.)
Registration
Registration for BizCon South is handled through BLD Connection. Exhibitor and attendee details for each edition are posted on the official BizCons page and the BLD Connection event calendar. 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 not provide payment information to companies claiming to offer exclusive rates on the organization's behalf, and should use only official links provided by BLD Connection.
History
BizCon South is part of BLD Connection's BizCon series, a pair of regional Midwest events (North and South) held each winter for the lumber and building materials industry. In recent years the South show has been hosted in the Des Moines area at Altoona, Iowa. The 2026 edition took place February 3-4, 2026, at The Meadows Event Center in Altoona, IA. The event has shown significant growth, rising from 353 attendees in 2025 to 432 in 2026. BLD Connection itself is a membership association serving lumber dealers and suppliers across Iowa, Mid-America, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is BizCon South 2027?
BizCon South 2027 takes place February 1-2, 2027 (Monday and Tuesday) at the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa, near Des Moines.
Who should attend BizCon South?
The event is aimed at the lumber and building materials industry, including retail dealers, suppliers and associate members, and students. It is a one-stop venue where dealers and suppliers meet face-to-face to review products, learn productivity and profit tools, and build partnerships.
What happens at the show?
BizCon South combines an exhibit hall featuring the latest building products with expert-led educational seminars and networking events. Recent editions included a Rapid-Fire Idea Panel, a Women in the Industry gathering, a student career panel, and the Brews and Bites social event.
How do I register or exhibit?
Registration and exhibiting are handled through BLD Connection via its official BizCons page and event calendar. For event or exhibiting questions, contact BLD Connection Director of Events Jodie Fleck, CMP, at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.
What are the parking and hotel options at the venue?
Parking is free at Prairie Meadows, with complimentary valet and shuttle service to the main entrance. The venue has an on-site 168-room hotel, and additional hotels such as Hampton Inn & Suites, La Quinta, and Fairfield are within a short drive along Adventureland Drive; Des Moines International Airport is about 25 minutes away.
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