June 25–27, 2026 · Virginia Beach
Annual Conference & Housing Excellence Awards
Virginia's premier annual gathering of home builders, remodelers, suppliers, and industry leaders — two nights of networking, education, and celebrating the Commonwealth's finest.
2026 Event Details
Why Attend
Virginia's Building Industry, All in One Place
From first-time attendees to long-time regulars, the Annual Conference delivers something every member of Virginia's building community can build on.
Network
Connect with Virginia's 3,200+ home building professionals — builders, remodelers, suppliers, and trade partners — all under one roof.
Learn
Hear from industry-leading voices on AI, design trends, and the forces shaping Virginia's residential construction landscape.
Celebrate
The Housing Excellence Awards Celebration — Virginia's highest industry honors, recognizing the best builders, projects, and professionals of the year.
Retreat
Two nights at Virginia's premier oceanfront resort. Fun After Five, family-friendly events, and time to recharge with your team at the beach.
2026 Program
Conference at a Glance
2:00 p.m.
Registration
Stop by HBAV’s registration desk to check-in, pick up your conference name badge, program of events, and attendee welcome gift!
6:00 p.m.
Fun After Five
The welcome party kicks off the 2026 Annual Conference & Housing Excellence Awards! Fun After Five is a family-friendly, oceanfront event, including a live band, dinner and drinks, and networking for all.
Summer Casual8:00 a.m.
Builders & Breakfast
Visit with vendors from across the state as they showcase the latest building industry products and services. Join us for a delicious breakfast before attending industry education sessions. Breakfast is open to all conference registrants.
Business Casual9:00 a.m.
HBAV Board of Directors Meeting & State of the Association
Join us for an update on the Home Builders Association presented by HBAV Staff and Leadership. This session is open to all conference attendees and attendance is highly encouraged.
Business Casual10:00 a.m.
Industry Education: AI and the State of hte Industry + AI Use & Policies
Join husband and wife duo, Justin and Morgan Knox with Knox Out AI, for Ai and the State of the Industry + AI Uses & Policies. Know Out AI helps operational teams turn AI into a practical advantage – not a science project. KOAI focuses on skilled trade communities – builders, remodelers, mechanical trades, and other local service contractor industries. This is a can’t-miss session!
Business Casual11:00 a.m.
Industry Education: Home Design Trends Panel
The Design Trends Panel is an HBAV member favorite! Join moderator, Noelle Graves with Builders Concierge, for this informational and exciting panel, highlighting design trends as it relates to architecture, interiors and exteriors, and identifying what homebuyers are looking for this year & what’s to come.
Business Casual12:00 p.m.
Enjoy Virginia Beach
Enjoy all that The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort has to offer and open networking with industry professionals.
1:00 p.m.
Netwalking with HBAV's Women Building Virginia
Join HBAV’s Women Building Virginia for a fun and refreshing way to connect during conference! This Netwalk is the perfect blend of networking, fresh air, and coastal exploration along the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Kick things off at the Marriott Oceanfront, and take a short, scenic 1.8 mile stroll along the boardwalk – ocean views on one side, energy and excitement on the other. Along the way, feel free to stop at Tortugas Tiki Bar for a casual drink before continuing to the King Neptune Statue for a WBV group photo. This Netwalk is open to all conference attendees!
6:00 p.m.
Housing Excellence Awards Reception
Celebrate HBAV’s 70th Anniversary at this reception and reflect back on where HBAV’s been, and where it’s set to go!
7:00 p.m.
HBAV Education Foundation Charity Auction & Housing Excellence Awards Celebration
The Housing Excellence Awards Celebration recognizes and honors HBAV members from across the state who exemplify leadership, engagement, and dedication to the HBA and the housing industry in Virginia. Join us as we present over 20 prestigious awards such as Builder & Associate of the Year, Community of the Year, Innovation in Construction, and more! This celebration includes the Education Foundation Charity Auction, sponsored by Cardinal Insulation, awards program, dinner, and open bar.
Semi-Formal with a coastal twist9:30 p.m.
After-Party
Join Virginia Beach’s DJ Joe Fu for a lively after-party to celebrate our winners and round out the Annual Conference with some dancing and fun.
2026 Industry Education
2026 Industry Education Sessions
10:00 a.m.
AI and the State of the Industry + AI Use & Policies
Justin & Morgan Knox | Knox Out AI
Join husband and wife duo, Justin and Morgan Knox with Knox Out AI, for Ai and the State of the Industry + AI Uses & Policies. Know Out AI helps operational teams turn AI into a practical advantage – not a science project. KOAI focuses on skilled trade communities – builders, remodelers, mechanical trades, and other local service contractor industries. This is a can’t-miss session!
11:00 a.m.
Home Design Trends Panel
Noelle Graves | Builders Concierge
The Design Trends Panel is an HBAV member favorite! Join moderator, Noelle Graves with Builders Concierge, for this informational and exciting panel, highlighting design trends as it relates to architecture, interiors and exteriors, and identifying what homebuyers are looking for this year & what’s to come. Panelists introductions coming soon!
Friday Evening, June 26
The Housing Excellence Awards
The centerpiece of every Annual Conference — an evening celebrating Virginia's finest builders, remodelers, projects, and professionals across 27 award categories. Nominations are open.
- Builder of the Year
- Associate of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- Custom Home of the Year
- Community of the Year
Sponsorship
Reach Virginia's Building Industry
The Annual Conference is the Commonwealth's highest-profile gathering of home builders, suppliers, and industry professionals. Keystone Club partners receive premier placement and recognition throughout the event.
Get in Touch
Questions?
Contact our team for information about registration, accommodations, or sponsorship opportunities.
Emily’s area of responsibility includes oversight of HBAV programs and events, partner relationships and development, communications, non-dues revenue and fundraising, committee management, and workforce development efforts. Emily oversees the HBAV Education Foundation, the Annual Report & Membership Directory, and the HBAV Keystone Club Partnerships. Emily is a graduate of Longwood University and joined HBAV in October of 2019.
Channing serves as the HBAV Development & Member Relations Specialist. Channing is responsible for expanding member engagement through knowledge and utilization of HBAV membership services, supporting fundraising for HBAV Education Foundation and HBAV Build PAC, and being a point of contact for member inquiries, concerns, and feedback. She also oversees membership records and dues billing for several local associations. Channing joined HBAV in September of 2024 and is a recent graduate from the University of Virginia.