NAHB is not only focused on expanding the next generation of the industry’s workforce, but it also aims to prepare and support the Federation’s emerging state and local leaders for success.

NAHB recently collaborated with several HBAs in various regions of the country to co-host three Area Leadership Training Conferences. Throughout the month of October, events were held in Oklahoma City, Minneapolis and Seattle, providing education and networking opportunities to a total of nearly 250 state and local HBA leaders from across the Federation.

Attendees participated in training sessions on topics ranging from how to run a meeting, team planning, board transitions, workforce development, speaking with confidence and much more.

“I’m relatively new in my role, so this event gave me the perfect platform to learn from industry leaders, share experiences and gain more confidence for effective leadership,” said Lindsay Brown, executive officer of the Central Washington HBA.

The conferences also allowed attendees to meet with the NAHB Senior Officers and NAHB staff.

“It was incredibly encouraging and motivating to have many of NAHB’s top leaders at our training conference,” said Jennie Wunderlich, 2023 second vice president of the Greater Iowa City Area HBA. “They not only care about helping local leaders develop but are also knowledgeable about the housing industry and the needs of our members.”

Many of the conference goers also noted the value of simply meeting and networking with their fellow member leaders.

“Perhaps the most meaningful experience for me was getting to know my peers in our region, discussing the information we learned in the sessions, and having the opportunity to collaborate on strategies that each of us can bring back to our organizations,” said Jessie Gamble, executive officer of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County.

Area Leadership Training Conferences are just one way that NAHB supports leadership training and development for members. As NAHB looks to continue and expand the Area Leadership Training Conferences in 2024, it has also launched an NAHB Area Leadership Training Conference Hosting Toolkit that provides additional details on what’s involved for states or areas to host similar events.

If you are interested in learning more about hosting or attending a leadership training conference in your area in 2024, please contact Rachel Branson, NAHB director of leadership training and development.