Day 1 at BUILD26

BUILD 26 Kicks Off in the Crescent City

New Orleans didn't waste any time making an impression. Day 1 of BUILD26 hit the ground running with a full slate of board meetings and sessions covering everything from steel framing to talent retention — serious industry business set against one of America's most spirited backdrops.

First-timers and emerging leaders received a warm official welcome, a reminder that this industry's next chapter is very much in the room. The day closed on a high note. The Hilti-sponsored President's Welcome Reception turned up the volume with a full Mardi Gras theme: signature cocktails, local bites and live NOLA music that made it clear this wasn't just another industry mixer. It was a proper New Orleans welcome. Walls & Ceilings is on the ground this week. Stay tuned for continued coverage from BUILD26.

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Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Walls & Ceilings, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects construction professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She can be reached at kernt@bnpmedia.com.