Leaders from NAHB, Zillow, and Metrostudy to speak at Dallas Builders Association's State of the Industry Summit — From left, Metrostudy regional director Paige Shipp, Zillow Group Insights Director Mary Kaye O’Brien, and NAHB CEO Jerry Howard will speak at the Dallas Builders Association’s State of the Industry Summit on March 26.

The Dallas Builders Association Presents: State of the Industry Summit – Navigating Tomorrow’s Housing Market

From the Dallas Builders Association

The housing and construction industries are constantly evolving, presenting both formidable challenges and exciting opportunities for professionals across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. To equip local businesses with the foresight and strategies needed to thrive, the Dallas Builders Association proudly announces its highly anticipated State of the Industry Summit. Presented by Zillow Group, this flagship event promises an unparalleled morning of expert insights, crucial market analysis, and strategic discussions designed to shape the future of residential development in North Texas.

Scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with doors opening for networking and breakfast at 8:30 a.m., the Summit will convene at the elegant Venue Forty|50 in Addison. This essential gathering will feature a distinguished panel of nationally recognized leaders and local market authorities, offering attendees a comprehensive outlook on the economic, regulatory, and consumer trends impacting the Dallas housing market and beyond.

Leading the Charge: Advocacy and National Housing Policy with NAHB CEO Jerry Howard

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Jerry Howard, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). As the head of one of the nation’s most influential trade associations, Howard’s leadership is instrumental in advocating for policies that support a robust and accessible housing market. His insights are particularly vital during what he describes as “contentious times on Capitol Hill,” where the legislative landscape can dramatically impact everything from building codes to financing options.

Howard’s tenure at NAHB has been marked by significant victories that directly benefit home builders and property owners. He played a pivotal role in ensuring that housing remained a top priority during recent tax legislation, a critical effort that helped mitigate potential adverse impacts on development and affordability. Furthermore, under his guidance, NAHB has achieved key milestones in regulatory reform, tirelessly working to streamline processes and reduce the bureaucratic burden that often slows down projects and increases costs for builders and ultimately, for homebuyers.

Beyond legislative advocacy, Jerry Howard has championed efforts to address the rising cost of construction materials, notably scoring crucial wins in combating volatile lumber prices that have historically squeezed builder margins. His commitment extends to safeguarding property rights, where NAHB has provided invaluable assistance to property owners facing regulatory overreach, even taking cases to the U.S. Supreme Court. Howard’s presentation at the Summit will not only delve into these national issues but also connect them directly to the local challenges and opportunities facing the Dallas-Fort Worth residential construction community. His expert analysis will empower attendees to anticipate policy shifts and strategically position their businesses for future success.

Unveiling Local Market Dynamics: Paige Shipp’s Dallas Housing Analysis

Delivering indispensable local market intelligence will be Paige Shipp, the esteemed Regional Director for Metrostudy. Renowned as one of the leading housing analysts in the Dallas area, Shipp possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge regarding the nuances of the North Texas real estate landscape. Her meticulous research and detailed reports are the bedrock upon which thousands of residential construction professionals, including the Dallas Builders Association itself, formulate their strategies and make critical business decisions.

Paige Shipp’s insights transcend mere data points; she provides a narrative that explains the “why” behind market trends. Her analysis covers a spectrum of vital metrics, including new home starts, inventory levels, absorption rates, land development, and demographic shifts impacting demand across various submarkets in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Her ability to forecast emerging patterns, identify areas of growth, and pinpoint potential challenges is invaluable for builders, developers, investors, and suppliers looking to maintain a competitive edge. Attendees will gain actionable intelligence on where to build, what product types are in demand, and how to navigate the specific economic factors influencing buyer behavior in our dynamic region.

Decoding Consumer Behavior: Mary Kaye O’Brien from Zillow Group Insights

Joining this powerful lineup is Mary Kaye O’Brien, Zillow Group Insights Director. As a founding member of Zillow Group’s pioneering Insights team, Mary Kaye brings a wealth of experience and an innovative approach to understanding the modern homebuyer. With over three decades of experience dedicated to helping companies cultivate holistic views of their customers and brands, she possesses a unique talent for translating complex data into compelling, actionable narratives that inspire and inform every facet of business strategy.

Zillow Group stands at the forefront of real estate technology, collecting vast amounts of data on consumer search patterns, preferences, and market behavior. Mary Kaye O’Brien’s role is to distil this massive dataset into clear, strategic intelligence that can be applied to product development, marketing campaigns, sales processes, and overall customer engagement. Her expertise lies in identifying the psychological drivers behind purchasing decisions and helping businesses align their offerings with what today’s consumers truly desire. Attendees will learn how to leverage these macro and micro insights to create more effective marketing messages, optimize their service delivery, and build stronger, more resonant brands in a competitive digital landscape.

A First-of-Its-Kind Discussion: Deep Dive into Dallas Consumer Trends

A highlight of the State of the Industry Summit will be a truly “first of its kind” collaborative discussion between Paige Shipp and Mary Kaye O’Brien. This synergistic session will bridge national consumer trends with specific local market realities, offering attendees an unparalleled perspective on the Dallas housing consumer. They will delve into critical questions that every builder, developer, and real estate professional needs answered:

Who is Buying in Dallas? A detailed exploration of demographic shifts, including the rise of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers, the influx of out-of-state residents, and the evolving needs of active adult and empty-nest segments. Understanding these buyer profiles is crucial for targeting marketing efforts and designing homes that resonate with specific demographics.
What New Home Consumers Truly Want? Beyond basic square footage, Shipp and O’Brien will uncover the latest preferences in home features, design aesthetics, community amenities, and technological integrations. This includes insights into demand for smart home technology, energy efficiency, flexible living spaces, outdoor amenities, and preferences for urban versus suburban or exurban locations.
How to Increase Your Reach in Today’s Market? In an increasingly digital world, effectively connecting with potential homebuyers is paramount. This segment will provide actionable strategies for leveraging digital marketing, social media presence, online listing optimization, and personalized communication to expand market penetration and drive sales. Attendees will learn how to adapt to changing consumer search behaviors and build stronger relationships with their target audience.

This joint presentation offers a rare opportunity to gain both granular local market intelligence and broad consumer behavior insights, providing a holistic view that will empower businesses to make data-driven decisions for 2019 and well into the future.

Event Details: Your Investment in Future Success

Investing in your professional development has never been more accessible or valuable. The cost to attend the State of the Industry Summit is just $20 for Dallas Builders Association members, a testament to the DBA’s commitment to providing exceptional value to its community. Non-members are also welcome to attend for $30, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the benefits of the Association firsthand.

To further enhance the experience and encourage early networking, a complimentary breakfast will be provided by our generous sponsor, StrucSure Home Warranty. Breakfast service begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., allowing attendees ample time to connect with peers, discuss pressing industry issues, and prepare for a morning of transformative insights.

Partnership Opportunities: Elevate Your Brand Presence

For companies seeking to elevate their brand visibility and demonstrate their commitment to the Dallas building community, exclusive title partnership opportunities are available for this high-profile event. The State of the Industry Summit typically draws around 300 engaged and influential attendees, representing a concentrated audience of decision-makers across the residential construction and real estate sectors.

A title partnership offers unparalleled exposure, positioning your brand at the forefront of a critical industry discussion. Interested organizations are strongly encouraged to contact the Dallas Builders Association directly to explore these unique sponsorship packages. For details on how to become a title partner and maximize your impact, please call the DBA at 972-931-4840.

Secure Your Spot: Register Today!

Don’t miss this essential opportunity to gain strategic insights, understand critical market trends, and network with the brightest minds in the Dallas building industry. The State of the Industry Summit is more than just an event; it’s a vital platform for growth, learning, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Ensure your business is equipped with the knowledge needed to thrive in North Texas and beyond.

Click here for registration and/or partnership details. We look forward to welcoming you to the State of the Industry Summit and collaboratively shaping the future of housing in Dallas!