8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Networking Buffet Breakfast
Location: Riversong Lawn
Begin your day with a variety of fresh and nutritious breakfast options. Savor an assortment of hot food, pastries, cereals, fruits, and beverages, providing the perfect fuel for an insightful day ahead. Join us bright and early to network with peers over a cup of coffee or tea in a relaxed, casual setting.

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Opening Remarks & Welcome
Location: Lost Pines Ballroom, 4, 5, 6
Join us for the opening remarks that kicks off the conference and provides an overview of Build Smarter and the Focus on Excellence Summit. 
Speakers: Chris Graham, President, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems | John McManus, Founder & President, The Builder’s Daily | Karen Makedon, Vice President Of Marketing, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Keynote: Framing the Future: Taking Charge in an Ever-Changing World
Location: Lost Pines Ballroom, 4, 5, 6
Cara Brookins shares her remarkable story of building her own house from the ground up with her four young children using YouTube videos. This is more than just an inspiring tale—it's a blueprint for pushing past fears, setting ambitious goals, and pursuing them with relentless grit and determination. A best-selling author and recognized thought leader in the science of motivation, Brookins presents cutting edge strategies to build highly focused teams that are primed to move forward with confidence.
Speaker: Cara Brookins, Bestselling Author & Thought Leader on the Science of Motivation

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM: Networking Break
Location: Lost Pines Foyer

10:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Focus on the Future: Homebuilding 2025-2035
Location: The Baron’s Ballroom D
America’s Seismic Shifts: Migration and Immigration; Workplace; Generational differences; Consumers, demands, and expectations; Customer Experience; Competition
Speaker: Tony Avila, Principal, Builder Advisor Group | Dr. Donnie Horner, SVP Human Capital Services, Higher Echelon

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Buffet Lunch
Location: Riversong Lawn

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Focus on People: Building Resilient Adaptable Leaders
Location: The Baron’s Ballroom D
Calm through Chaos; High Performance Mindset; Resilience
Speakers: Dr. Eric Bean, Director of High Performance, Higher Echelon | Don Dykstra, Chairman, Bloomfield Homes | Ken Pinto, Founder, Kenzai USA

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Networking Break
Location: Lost Pines Foyer

2:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Focus on Your Company: Building High Performing Teams
Location: The Baron’s Ballroom D
Thriving in the Midst of Major Change; Characteristics of High Performing Teams (Organizations); Building the Proper Culture
Speakers: Dr. Angie Winter, Director of Leadership Development, Higher Echelon | Scott Davis, Former Division President, Trumark Homes | Larry Webb, Principal, The Webb Group

5:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Networking Break
Location: Lost Pines Foyer

5:15 PM - 6:15 PM: [Power Panel] Leadership in Uncertain Times: Building High Performance Teams and Resilient Operations
Speakers: John McManus, Founder & President, The Builder’s Daily | Don Dykstra, Chairman, Bloomfield Homes | Robert Broad, Senior VP-Development, AMH | Deborah Flagan, Vice President, Hayden Homes | Jennifer Johnson, President & Founder, Olivia Clarke Homes | Scott Davis, Former Division President, Trumark Homes

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Builder Bash! Dinner & Entertainment
Location: LBJ/Pavillion