Hear top-rated presentations from accomplished experts and leave with broadened perspectives on industry advances and opportunities. You'll learn about the trends shaping the future, the construction market landscape for 2024, the impact of A.I. on the industry, and how to lead authentically through the power of storytelling.

  

Wednesday, October 4

12:00 - 4:00 pm WDMA Board of Directors Meeting
(board members only)
5:00 - 6:30 pm   

Opening Reception


Thursday, October 5

7:00 - 9:00 am

CEO/Presidents Roundtable
This breakfast roundtable will be an opportunity for industry CEOs and presidents to discuss the key issues facing the industry and the strategic direction of WDMA.  It will also provide a forum for review and input into the strategies to enhance the effectiveness of WDMA.

9:15 - 10:30 am                                                                                                                             

Opening Keynote Session
The Emerging A.I. Landscape and its Implications for the Industry
Speaker: David Edelman, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School 

Harvard Business School’s David Edelman will provide WDMA leaders a lens on how to understand the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)—machine learning, natural language processing, generative A.I., and others—focusing on how it will change businesses and what it takes for businesses to tap the value. Going beyond just what A.I. does, he'll share how leaders—especially from more traditional businesses—are using A.I. to create an advantage and drive their financial performance. He'll provide models for how WDMA members could consider playing in the A.I. space and what risks to manage along the way.

10:30 - 10:45 am              

Networking Break

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

2024 Residential, Remodeling & Commercial Market Outlook
Speaker: Kermit Baker, Chief Economist, American Institute of Architects (AIA)

This session will review building and construction market landscape as we enter the final quarter of 2023 and will provide a forecast for 2024 and beyond for new residential, remodeling, multifamily and commercial building. The session will also look at economic fundamentals, housing market strengths and weaknesses, and insights about consumer demand. 

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Networking Lunch

1:00 - 2:15 pm

Insight from the Window and Door Market 
Speaker: Casey Olson, Senior Industry Analyst, Principia Consulting 

This session will provide comprehensive insights from Principia Consulting, powered by Dodge Construction Network, on current residential window and door demand, including product trends and voice of customer research with homeowners, dealers, and contractors regarding product usage and evaluative criteria. The session will also review product-level demand, including Principia's forecast through 2027.

2:15 - 2:30 pm

Networking Break

2:30 - 3:30pm

Closing Keynote Session
Storytelling for Business

Speaker: Matthew Luhn, Award-Winning Filmmaker,
Director, and Former Lead Storyteller and Animator at Pixar Studios 


Storytelling is the #1 business skill necessary to connect, motivate, and lead people in today’s world. Stories compel us to engage in experiences, learn lessons, and define our values and ourselves within our organization. Matthew Luhn, a 20-year Pixar story veteran, brings his experience creating and developing 10 blockbuster films at Pixar, and provides practical strategies that teach and inspire people and teams to connect more effectively with audiences on an emotional level. Matthew uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between business and heart, driving your story toward one unforgettable selling point.