BLC Speakers
2026 Business & Leadership Conference
Thank you for a great BLC 2026!
NSCA’s Business & Leadership Conference brings the systems integration industry together like no other conference. Plan for 2027 and extend your network Feb. 23-25, 2027, at Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.
BLC 2027: Registration Now Open!
Connecting the Integration Industry
BLC offers incredible value for integration professionals who are serious about business.
Top-Tier Networking
This is not a tradeshow. It’s a chance to build real relationships with industry leaders.
BLC HomeExclusive Sessions
Find solutions for your biggest business challenges, from labor to profitability.
View ScheduleImpactful Speakers
Get inspired by thought leaders on topics like AI, change management, business growth, and culture.
View SpeakersBLC 2026
Get Inspired by our Keynote Speakers
Tuesday, Feb. 24-Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas
4150 North MacArthur Boulevard
Irving, TX 75038, US
Prepare to elevate your leadership and business strategies with insights from top industry experts and thought leaders.
Each year, BLC keynote speakers deliver fresh perspectives, practical advice, and actionable strategies to help you tackle today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Aligned with the 2026 theme, Plan Today, Succeed Tomorrow, these sessions will inspire you to think ahead—navigating obstacles, fostering healthier habits, focusing on what’s within your control, and understanding the economic outlook for integrators—so you can drive lasting growth and success well into the future.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from:
- Amanda Gore helps leaders bridge the growing communication gap with their teams—addressing shifting employee expectations, generational divides, and the challenges of leading effectively in an always-connected yet increasingly distracted workplace.
- Carlos Whittaker will inspire attendees with a powerful look at how empathy, trust, and self-leadership create stronger, more connected teams. He’ll share practical ways to help leaders move their people from burnout and busyness to purpose and meaningful progress.
- DeDe Halfhill reveals how the most powerful leadership advantage lies in mastering the unseen—recognizing the hidden dynamics of trust, engagement, and emotion that determine whether teams truly commit or quietly fall apart.
- Dr. Chris Kuehl delivers an engaging, data-driven look at the economic forces shaping the integration industry—using new NSCA-specific research to help leaders prepare for the impacts of inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, and global trends in 2025 and beyond.
- Frankie Russo challenges integration leaders to move from reactive to proactive by embracing AI, cybersecurity, and workforce evolution—not just as technologies, but as opportunities to redefine their role as strategic partners driving the future of the industry.
- Josh Sundquist delivers a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of “adaptive resilience,” showing how his motto—One More Thing, One More Time—can help anyone turn adversity into strength and find courage to overcome life’s biggest challenges.
- Randy Schwab helps integrators cut through the hype and face the new AI reality head-on. Drawing from deep experience building collaboration and IoT solutions, he shows leaders what it really takes to adapt, stay competitive, and turn AI into a practical advantage across AV, security, life safety, and more.
2026 Keynote Speakers
Amanda Gore
As a renowned expert in connection, communication, and performance, Amanda Gore combines the latest breakthroughs in psychology, neuroscience, epigenetics, and quantum physics to create engaging stories that captivate, inspire, and motivate. Her philosophy centers on a powerful secret: joy is the ultimate competitive advantage. She equips organizations and individuals with tangible tools and skills to embrace change, eradicate fear, and foster joyful workplaces that boost productivity and creativity. As the author of the bestselling book Joy is an Inside Job, Gore is on a mission to create a global movement, teaching individuals and teams to rediscover joy in their professional and personal lives.
Carlos Whittaker
Carlos Whittaker is a best-selling author, expert storyteller, and impactful speaker. His message is clear: When we’re good to ourselves, we can be even better for others. He’s passionate about helping people live more connected and purposeful lives, known for creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue and community-building. With a background in leadership, mental health advocacy, and digital community-building, he draws from a wide range of personal and professional experiences—including time spent with Benedictine monks and Amish communities—to deliver deeply human insights that resonate across industries.
DeDe Halfhill
Colonel DeDe Halfhill (USAF, Ret.) brings 25 years of frontline leadership experience to helping senior executives and teams master the unseen forces quietly shaping their success. She guided teams through combat zones and advised top military leaders on navigating hidden dynamics that can influence success. With insights featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes and in Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, DeDe equips today’s executives to master the subtle forces—mistrust, resistance, hesitation—often overlooked in fast-moving organizations. Her signature approach, Master the Unseen™, shows leaders that the greatest advantage is having the clarity and courage to face the challenges that others avoid.
Dr. Chris Kuehl
Dr. Chris Kuehl is an economist based in Kansas City. His firm provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate clients around the world. He is also the chief economist for several national and international organizations, including NSCA.
Frankie Russo
Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination, and growth. As a CEO and builder of AI-powered businesses, he specializes in helping organizations break out of stagnation, embrace disruption, and lead through change with clarity and momentum. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth, landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list for eight years in a row. Organizations that that embrace his “Love Your Weird” movement are able to adapt, innovate, and grow through massive uncertainty and change. He’s the author of two bestselling books and was named Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 20 Under 40, and a Founders to Watch in 2019.
Josh Sundquist
Josh Sundquist is a bestselling author, Paralympian, and Emmy Award-winning TV creator known for his infectious humor and powerful storytelling. A childhood cancer survivor and former member of the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team, Josh inspires audiences worldwide through keynotes that blend resilience, comedy, and research-backed advice. His journey from cancer and amputation to international competition, bestselling books, and Apple TV+ success has made him a sought-after speaker for leaders, sales teams, and professionals seeking fresh perspective and motivation.
Mark Fenner
Mark Fenner is a force multiplier, growth dynamo, transformative leadership expert, and coach for unstoppable mid-market companies. The mastermind behind RISE Performance Group, Mark’s journey spans more than 25 years as a sales leader in the software, technology, and services industries. In 2011, he founded RISE Performance Group to empower the growth-oriented leaders of mid-market companies to achieve more and give more. With a proven track record in propelling hundreds of organizations to build high-performing cultures, nurture world-class leaders, and push the envelope of profitability, Mark is a sought-after authority in leadership, organizational growth, and excellence.
2026 Industry Speakers
Bill Chamberlain
Verrex
Brian Banks
Core Consultor
Sunil Botadra
AV Design Labs
Jeff Bronswick
Bronswick Benjamin P.C.
Jeff Brum
Mechdyne
Michael Castiglione
Automated Systems Design
Brad Dempsey
Solutions360
Joel Harris
Solutions360
Lori Hudnall
SAGE Integration
Jon Kiley
Red Thread
Shedan Maghzi
Avidex
Don Mastro
FORTÉ
Jeff Oakes
D-Tools
Chris Peterson
Vector Firm
Jon Ray
Revenueify
Pat Richter
Basepoint Building Automations
Dan Schmidtendorff
Communication Company
Chris Stephenson
alliantgroup
Matt Thorne
ECC
Michael Tremble
Valley Communications
Chris Turner
New Era Technology
Chris Wasp
Ronco
Chuck Wilson
NSCA
Marquis Woodard
Lone Star Communications
Registration for BLC 2027 is Now Open!
Call our office at 1-(800)-446-6722 for any questions or concerns.
Guest Admission, Substitutions, and Cancellations:
Guest Admission
Available to guests of NSCA member companies (excludes employees).
Includes:
- Opening-night reception and dinner
- Wednesday breakfast and evening reception/dinner
- Thursday breakfast and evening reception/dinner
Please note: Guest admission does not include lunches, conference materials, or access to general sessions.
Substitution & Cancellation Policy
- Substitutions can be made at any time.
- Cancellations received in writing at least 30 days before the event will be refunded, minus a 25% cancellation fee.
- For cancellations made less than 30 days but at least one week before the event, a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
- No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than one week before the event.
NSCA is not responsible for weather-related interruptions that may affect attendance. By submitting payment, you agree to these cancellation terms for BLC.
