2026 Women's Summit for Construction & Real Estate

The 2026 Women's Summit for Construction & Real Estate will take place at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, from September 16 to 18. It brings together decision-makers from across the lumber and building materials sector for three days of learning and networking.

Set against a resort backdrop rather than a convention center, the three-day event blends structured sessions with open networking, and while it's organized by and centers women in the Lumber Building Materials (LBM) industry, it's open to anyone in the trade. 

For construction executives and developers weighing which conferences deserve a spot on this year's calendar, this one stands out as one of the top women's summits focused on construction and real estate for its focus on real, applicable skill-building over ceremony.

Who's Behind the 2026 Women's Summit for Construction & Real Estate

Organized by the Florida Building Materials Association, the summit is presented in partnership with the Small Business Administration, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the North Eastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA), and D&A Construction Advisors' President Andrea Mesis-Bruno, who has also joined eCore Summit as VP of Business Development.

This coalition underscores a shift in how the industry approaches leadership development, treating it as a strategic business investment rather than a symbolic gesture, with Built America Magazine serving as the official media partner.

The summit's list of affiliated partner organizations spans several corners of the industry:

• Small Business Administration (SBA), represented by Administrator Kelly Loeffler

• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), led by President Rita Brown

• North Eastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA), led by President Rita Ferris

• Pulse International Realty and Real Deal Magazine, founded by Rena Kliot

• Cohen Seglias, represented by partner Cherylyn Harley LeBon

2026 Women's Summit Confirmed Speakers

• Emily Overson, CEO of Emily Overson Consulting

• Perlla Deluca, who leads Southeast Constructors and President of the Iowa School of Construction

• Barb Allen, a former tradeswoman turned author of One Ladder to Leadership

• Dena Cordova-Jack -Founder of Cordova Jack Consulting

Additional speakers are still being confirmed, and organizers have indicated the lineup will continue to grow as the event date approaches.

Construction Leadership Summit Panel Sessions

Two panel tracks anchor the event's mentorship focus. 

The Student & Industry Leadership Panel gives space for career-path guidance, covering how to break into leadership roles and where the next wave of opportunity is emerging across the trade, a session organizers describe as especially valuable for students and early-career professionals trying to map out a realistic route upward. 

The Confidence Panel invites women in LBM to speak candidly about the personal obstacles they've cleared en route to leadership, a format designed less for polished soundbites and more for honest exchange about setbacks, self-doubt, and the moments that shaped their leadership style.

2026 Women’s Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Still Open

Two companies have already signed on as Gold sponsors:

• Woodgrain: a major moulding, door, and window manufacturer with more than 30 locations across the U.S. and Chile.

• Simpson Strong-Tie: a leading wholesale building materials supplier.

Additional sponsorship tiers remain available for companies looking to align with this construction leadership conference, and organizers note that both tiers are structured to give sponsoring companies direct, sustained visibility with an audience of decision-makers rather than a single day's exposure.

Companies interested in becoming a sponsor can secure their spot through FBMA's official sponsorship portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top women's summits focused on construction and real estate? 

The 2026 Women's Summit for Construction & Real Estate ranks among the leading gatherings in the space, backed by FBMA, NAWIC, the Small Business Administration, and D&A Construction Advisors, with programming that spans financial management, project leadership, and workforce development across the LBM industry.

Where can I find tickets for a women's summit in construction and real estate? 

Tickets for a summit like this are typically available online through the hosting organization's official event or registration page. For the 2026 Women's Summit in Orlando, tickets and registration are available through the Florida Building Materials Association's official registration portal, which also handles sponsorship and exhibit table reservations.

Can I register online for upcoming women's summits in construction and real estate? 

Yes. Registration and sponsorship reservations for the event are handled through the Florida Building Materials Association's online portal, with tiered options for attendees, speakers, and sponsors.

Which companies sponsor women's events in construction and real estate? 

Confirmed sponsors for 2026 include Woodgrain and Simpson Strong-Tie, with additional Gold and Silver tiers still open to building materials suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers looking to reach a construction-focused audience.

How to find hotels near the venue for the 2026 women's construction and real estate summit? 

The event takes place at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, which offers on-site accommodations; attendees can also look at nearby Orlando-area hotels for additional lodging options.

Are there networking opportunities at women's summits for real estate leaders? 

Yes, beyond the panel sessions, the summit includes a pickleball tournament, shared meals, and exhibit-hall time built specifically for relationship-building among construction and real estate leadership conference sponsors and attendees alike.

What are the benefits of attending a women's summit for construction professionals? 

Attendees gain access to practical sessions on financial management, project oversight, and leadership development, along with direct exposure to women leaders in construction, women leaders in real estate, and decision-makers shaping construction workforce development strategy industry-wide.

As construction workforce development becomes a defining challenge for the trade, gatherings like the 2026 Women's Summit for Construction & Real Estate offer more than a conference badge. They offer a working blueprint for the women in the construction industry steering the next chapter, and for the executives who partner with them.