Educational opportunities at the NFBA Building Expo 2026

By Jenny Yu.  

Find out what’s new at the association’s upcoming 58th annual event! 

In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with the key leaders from the National Frame Building Association (NFBA) to discuss the 58th Annual NFBA Building Expo 2026. For the first time, the Expo will take place in Oklahoma City. "It's exciting to bring the show a little further west, a little further south and incorporate more of the nation into our show,” Morgan Arwood, NFBA membership director, stated. “There are so many fun things to do in Oklahoma City.”  

Another development to debut at the 2026 Expo is a new category for the Building of the Year Awards, NFBA’s annual awards program for members to showcase their best work. Previously, applicants could apply under the “Masters” and “Experts” categories based on company revenue, one from $0 to $6 million and the other $6 million and up. "There’s a big difference between a $1 million company and a $6 million company, so we’ve added a third category,” Morgan explained. “Now, we’ve got zero to $3 million, $3-$6 million and $6 million and up. This is going to give even smaller builders a chance to showcase their work.” 

On top of the fun events and awards the NFBA has planned, opportunities for learning and certification are the cornerstones of the conference and expo. “The education sessions are my favorite part,” Josh Nowlin, NFBA vice president, shared. With different tracks available in topics like leadership, sales and marketing, and safety, there’s something for everybody. “There’s something for the business owner, the crew members, the leadership of the organization,” he added. “I’ve learned something new every year.” 

By attending sessions, members can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward accreditation. “Getting certified is more than just certificate on the wall; it's a commitment to post frame construction and learning,” Joe Shimp, NFBA president, stated.  

NFBA currently offers the only post-frame-specific education in the nation. “It's a great way to onboard new employees, and it's a great way to certify seasoned employees,” Morgan added. “This will be the second time that we've offered certification testing at the conference and expo, and last year was the first year we had graduates at the award ceremony. We're so excited to do that again this year.” 

In this commitment to offer valuable educational opportunities, NFBA is looking to expand their reach even further. “The end goal is that we get into the Department of Labor with our own post-frame journeyman program,” Morgan shared. “Just this year, we've talked to some schools in California, and they're going to be integrating our curriculum into their summer programs. It’s going to take time, but it’s certainly gaining steam.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the 58th annual NFBA Building Expo 2026.