The Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) and National Framers Council (NFC) will bring component manufacturers, framers, suppliers, and other industry professionals together in Charlotte, North Carolina, December 8–10, 2026, for their final Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM) of the year. Held at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, the three-day event will offer opportunities to explore new technologies, discuss business strategies, connect with peers, and participate in initiatives shaping the structural building components industry.
Open Quarterly Meetings have long been an important part of SBCA’s commitment to bringing the industry together. Unlike larger conferences and trade shows, OQMs provide an environment where attendees can engage directly with one another, share experiences, and contribute to conversations that influence the association’s direction. These meetings are open to anyone interested in the industry, whether they are longtime members, first-time attendees, or professionals looking to become more involved.
For BJ Louws, President of Louws Truss, SBCA Board Member, and longtime OQM attendee, the meetings offer an opportunity to step away from the demands of running a business and consider what’s happening throughout the industry. “It’s a quarterly pulse check on what’s happening across the country,” says BJ.
The December meeting will feature a diverse agenda addressing several topics relevant to businesses throughout the industry, including artificial intelligence (AI), marketing, economic conditions, workforce development, and emerging technologies.
Firsthand Look at Manufacturing Innovation
The meeting begins Tuesday, December 8, with an optional tour of Rafters and Walls LLC. Attendees will visit the company’s manufacturing facility for a firsthand look at its operations and see JAX, The Wood Retriever, in action. The tour will highlight how technology is being incorporated into production processes and provide an opportunity to hear directly from the company about its approach to operational improvements.
Tuesday afternoon’s official OQM Kick-Off will include an introduction and moderated Q&A with SBCA’s new Executive Director, Steve Skodak, CAE, CFRE. Having joined the association in September, Steve will have an opportunity to connect with members, share his perspective, and engage in conversations about the organization’s priorities and opportunities.
Additional sessions will include a panel on the Housing Innovation Alliance and updates on SCOUT and Betty AI. It will also explore professional development within the industry, with Abby Yoder of Stark Truss sharing her experience transitioning from truss design into sales, demonstrating how technical knowledge can support customer relationships, problem-solving, and career advancement.
Practical Education for Today’s Businesses
Wednesday’s educational programming will focus on helping component manufacturers and other industry businesses identify opportunities to strengthen their operations and prepare for the future.
A session titled “Marketing Your Business: More Than a Logo” will examine how companies communicate their value to customers, employees, and communities. The discussion will extend beyond traditional branding to consider how everyday interactions, company culture, and employee engagement influence a business’s reputation and market presence.
AI will also take center stage through two complementary sessions. “Putting AI to Work” will introduce practical applications for businesses throughout the industry, moving beyond familiar uses such as drafting emails and summarizing documents to explore how AI can support workflows, business processes, and decision-making.
A follow-up interactive workshop will give attendees an opportunity to apply those concepts. Through guided activities and real-world examples, participants will explore building and adapting AI tools to organize information, streamline processes, and support collaboration within their organizations.
With economic conditions continuing to influence the construction industry, attendees will also hear from Chris Beard with an economic forecast examining trends affecting housing, construction activity, and the broader business environment. The session will provide perspective on factors that may influence business planning and opportunities in the months ahead.
Building Relationships and Shaping the Industry
Beyond the educational sessions, the Charlotte OQM will provide opportunities for component manufacturers, framers, suppliers, and other industry professionals to participate in committee meetings, collaborate on association initiatives, and strengthen relationships with peers.
Committee meetings offer an important avenue for members to contribute their expertise and help guide SBCA’s work across areas such as education, membership, marketing, advocacy, and industry advancement. Networking activities, team-building opportunities, and a group dinner will provide additional time for attendees to exchange ideas and learn from one another. The meeting will conclude Thursday morning with the SBCA Board Meeting and a strategic plan update, providing insight into the association’s priorities and ongoing efforts to support its members and the broader industry.
Bringing together professionals from different segments of the industry creates opportunities to better understand shared challenges, exchange perspectives, and identify ways to work together. From manufacturing and supply to installation and construction, these conversations help strengthen connections throughout the industry.
For Luke Wiesen, Division General Manager of PBS – Comtech – US LBM, OQMs provide an opportunity to gain a broader perspective on the industry and return to day-to-day operations with new ideas.
“It’s when you go to BCMC and Open Quarterly Meetings that you allow yourself to think about the big picture and dream bigger. It provides a space to think about all the great things that we, as an industry of component manufacturers, are doing across the country. It’s exciting for me to come back to my operation after these events with new ideas and a broader understanding of the industry before getting back to the daily grind,” says Luke.
As businesses throughout the structural building components industry navigate evolving technologies, changing market conditions, and new opportunities for growth, industry collaboration remains essential. The December OQM offers an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, build valuable relationships, and take an active role in conversations about the industry’s future.
Registration is open for the December 8–10 OQM in Charlotte. Attendees are encouraged to make plans early, as SBCA’s hotel group block at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel closes November 23. For additional information, the complete agenda, and registration, visit www.sbcacomponents.com/events/sbca-and-nfc-open-quarterly-meeting---charlotte-nc.