Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) 2011

In the most challenging economic environment in two decades, the Florida Home Builders Association-sponsored Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) & Green Building Show extended a lifeline of ideas and inspiration to more than 5,000 industry survivors during its July event in Orlando.

Themed “Reboot Your Recovery,” SEBC 2010 focused on tools builders and associates need to solve the industry’s biggest challenges, including building affordable housing, creative marketing, selling against foreclosures, complying with new national health care rules, and achieving more realistic appraisal values.

Leading manufacturers and suppliers showcased over 300 displays featuring the latest in building products and services, and presented valuable seminars on subjects ranging from color trends (Sherwin Williams) to effective construction contracts (Bonded Builders Warranty Group).

For pure motivation, it was hard to beat the SEBC’s patriotic opening ceremonies, where Sgt. Matt Eversmann shared lessons in leadership based on the incredible story of a 1992 military mission in Somalia that inspired the book and movie Black Hawk Down. “We’ve all faced adversity and we’re facing it today as an industry,” said SEBC Chair Ann Hagen of Bonded Builders. “Sgt. Eversmann showed us that faith and perseverance makes the difference even in the most seemingly hopeless circumstances.”

SEBC delegates also heard an insightful look at the economy from Wells Fargo senior economist Dr. Eugenio Aleman – Florida housing will continue to struggle in an uncertain time for consumers – and Gulf Power Company CEO Susan Story, who said virtually all energy sources, including nuclear, will be needed to meet growing worldwide demand.