Virginia Builders Summit Schedule

Over 75 exhibits on display throughout the Grand Ballroom and Lower Level! 

Presented by Keith Smith, Ned Gallaway, Ashley Davies, & Laura Vaden

Let’s face it — when we talk about housing affordability, there can be a healthy dose of skepticism. More regulation? Less margin? More complexity? Who is really responsible for solving it?

This panel is about a different path.

We’ll share how the 4 Pillars of Housing Affordability — private industry, local government, the nonprofit community, and the people we serve — came together to help create nearly 60 permanently affordable homes in the Charlottesville region.

No theory. No finger-pointing. Just a real conversation about what worked, what didn’t, what each pillar brought to the table, and how stronger partnerships can create projects, buyers, resources, and opportunities that might not otherwise happen.

Whether you are a builder, developer, local government leader, nonprofit partner, lender, Realtor, or someone simply trying to move housing solutions forward, the goal is the same: leave with a few practical ideas, a clearer understanding of how the pieces fit together, and a better sense of where you can plug in and be part of the solution.

Presented by Brian Javeline, Founder of MyOnlineToolbox

Marketing is becoming increasingly commoditized.

• Texting replaced conversations.
• Templates replaced creativity.
• AI can now generate nearly unlimited content with the click of a button.

The problem isn't the technology itself—it's the tendency to use it without strategic direction.  When everyone relies on the same tools, prompts, and shortcuts, the outcome is predictable: content that looks similar, sounds similar, and delivers little competitive advantage. Sustainable marketing success comes from developing a unique brand position that competitors cannot easily copy, regardless of how much technology they use.

Business owners must take responsibility for the direction of their future marketing strategy. Building consistent visibility and brand authority is one of the strongest differentiators in increasing the long-term value of your business.

Presented by Maureen Dingus, CAE, Virginia Society of CPAs

• Understand the causes and impact of burnout.
• Recognize the 12 stages and early warning signs.
• Learn practical strategies to manage burnout and build resilience.
• Identify workplace factors that contribute to burnout and support healthier, more sustainable teams.

Maureen Dingus, CAE, serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA). With more than 25 years of association leadership experience, she partners with the VSCPA Board and leadership team to shape strategy and advance the CPA profession across Virginia. Maureen is a past president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and a founding member of both the Alliance for Women in Associations and the Women’s Impact Network at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned her degrees. She also volunteers with Girls on the Run of Richmond and previously served on its Board of Directors.

Presented by Sam Rogers, BUILD Coaching Company

If you want your words to carry weight, then bring passion to each day, no matter your current circumstances, lead with humility by serving others and constantly being open to feedback, and stay relentlessly consistent in your actions and attitude. Transformational leaders use their influence to elevate their team members. They connect with their team, believe in them, and tie everything back to the larger mission. You are more than a manager. Managers can coordinate tasks and implement plans, but leaders succeed even without the perfect strategy. No single scheme has won every championship in sports. No business strategy alone has created every billion-dollar company. Strategies are important, but they are not the top priority. People are. And the first person who needs to grow is you.

Presented by Eric Lynch, CBE, National Association of Home Builders

Join fellow remodelers from across the Commonwealth for a meet-up hosted by Eric Lynch from the National Association of Home Builders. Eric Lynch is an Economist in the Survey Research group at NAHB where he is responsible for conducting and assisting with surveys, including NAHB’s sentiment indicators for multifamily & remodeling, and other related housing topics. In addition, he provides data and information on housing topics related issues to NAHB members, staff, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. Prior to joining NAHB in 2022, he worked as a Senior Associate in the Research & Knowledge department at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), gaining industry knowledge on the built environment and residential market. He has a B.A. in Political Science/Economics & Spanish from Towson University and a M.S. in Applied Economics from the University of Maryland.

Eric is also a Certified Business Economist™ (CBE), the certification in business economics and data analytics developed by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). The CBE documents a professional's accomplishment, experience, abilities, and demonstrates mastery of the body of knowledge critical for a successful career in the field of economics and data analytics. CBE™ and Certified Business Economist™ are certification marks owned by the National Association for Business Economics.

Presented by Bryan Swinehart, Small Business Growth Partners

Proactive succession planning helps protect company value, ensure business continuity, and preserves customer and employee relationships. Key topics for this one-hour session will include: identifying future leaders, developing future talent, documenting critical business processes and knowledge, and evaluating ownership transition options such as family succession, employee ownership, or sale of the business. The session emphasized that starting early and creating a clear, actionable plan can help construction companies navigate leadership changes smoothly while maintaining operational stability and long-term growth.

Presented by Jeff Brown, Deputy Director of Building and Fire Regulation, DHCD

Stay ahead of the curve with this essential update on the Virginia Statewide Uniform Building Code. Hear directly from Virginia's Department of Housing and Community Development as they break down the latest changes, what's new in the 2024 update cycle, and how the revisions will impact residential construction across the Commonwealth. Whether you're a builder, developer, or trade partner, this session will give you the knowledge you need to stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and build with confidence. 

Led by Andrea Allen Sis, EcoNest Architecture

Today’s homeowners are paying closer attention to indoor air quality and overall home health. This session will explore practical approaches to minimize mold risks, reduce off-gassing from building materials, and create healthier living environments while working within a budget and construction schedule. Learn how builders, trades, architects, designers and homeowners can work together to achieve healthier home outcomes through collaboration, smart material selection, and proactive planning. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies that can be incorporated into projects of any size.

An interactive, fast-paced conversation with women leading across Virginia’s homebuilding industry. Rather than a traditional panel discussion, this session brings together WBV leaders and contributors from across the Commonwealth to share what they’re building in their local markets and, more importantly, what those experiences are teaching them about leadership. Attendees will hear what’s working, steal ideas worth taking home, talk candidly about the realities of leadership, participate in the conversation, and leave with new connections.

Contributors include Mya Tran-Harter, WBV Chair, Dianne Gordon, CVBIA PWB Chair, Tonya Kern, HBAR PWB Chair, Debbie Rosenstein, NVBIA Executive Officer, and Alicia Skoug, HBAV 1st Vice President

Presented by Ryan Price, Chief Economist, Virginia Realtors

Get the latest insights into Virginia's housing market with Ryan Price, Chief Economist at Virginia REALTORS. This session will cover current economic conditions, housing supply and demand trends, interest rates, and what to expect in the months ahead. Whether you're a builder, remodeler, or industry professional, you'll leave with valuable data and forecasts to help guide your business decisions in a shifting market.

Join us on the exhibit floor to close out the day. At 3:30 pm, grab a drink and gather for door-prize drawings with HBAV.