Morning Breakouts:

• Communicating as a Leader in the Community:  How Local Associations Can Step Up and Reframe the Housing Conversation
  • Across North Carolina, housing costs are climbing, inventory is tight, and workforce needs are growing. Yet in many communities, builders and developers are too often cast as the villains in local conversations about growth.HBA executive officers and local leadership are uniquely positioned to change that narrative. This practical leadership session is designed for HBA leaders who are ready to move beyond defense and take a more proactive role in shaping how their communities understand housing, growth, and affordability.

    Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of why today’s housing narrative often works against the industry, real-world messaging strategies that have helped shift public perception, and a practical framework for positioning builders as trusted community partners solving real challenges for families, the workforce, and the future.

  • Presenter: Chris Sinclair, CEO, Sinclair Agency

• Building Leaders:  Leadership Lessons inspired by Ted Lasso
  • You may have seen the hit television show Ted Lasso. If not, Ted Lasso is an American football coach who gets hired to coach a British soccer team, AFC Richmond.  He knows nothing (like, seriously, NOTHING) about soccer.  What he does understand, though, is how to build a team. Our discussion will focus on how to Be Like Ted to create a thriving team of HBA leaders in order to reinforce a positive HBA culture.
  • Presenter: Donna Franza, NAHB

Afternoon Breakouts:

• Built to Lead: Good Governance in Action
  • This fast-paced, hands-on challenge is where leaders collaborate to build creative structures under pressure. This fun, competitive, and insight-rich, activity will focus on principles of good governance that include how to improve communication, strategize, and bounce back from setbacks.
    Presenters: Donna Franza and Rachel Branson, NAHB
• From Inspiration to Application
  • This breakout builds on Scott Tillema’s luncheon keynote, blending powerful storytelling with clear, actionable strategies that leaders and teams can put into practice right away. Scott’s luncheon keynote introduces proven frameworks for building trust, navigating high-stakes conversations, and influencing outcomes under pressure. This breakout then reinforces those lessons through interactive exercises, discussion, and real-world application — ensuring participants leave not only inspired, but confident and equipped with practical skills they can immediately use.
  • Presenter: Scott Tillema