The lights have dimmed, the exhibition booths have been carefully packed away, and AVANCE 2026 has officially entered the record books. Yet, for the leadership, members, and partners of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA), the conclusion of this flagship event marks not an ending, but a resounding beginning. Across the industry, stakeholders recognize that while the conference schedule is complete, the substantive, day-to-day work of transforming the American construction landscape is accelerating rapidly.
For the NHCA, AVANCE 2026 served as yet another vital milestone in its ongoing mission to expand the collective voice, deepen the professional presence, and drive the economic prosperity of Hispanic professionals within the broader construction sector. Throughout the multi-day conference, allied organizations and corporate partners demonstrated high levels of energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to understanding the expanding opportunities within the Hispanic construction community.
A broad coalition of industry leaders engaged directly with NHCA members during key gatherings, including the Welcome Reception, the Corporate Breakfast, the specialized Construction Tracks, and the bustling Expo floor. Prominent corporate participants included Lowe’s, ProWood, Fifth Third Bank, Simply PMG, DEWALT, Metabo HPT, Valspar, Electrolux, 3M, FBM, Cali Flooring, Daltile, SPAX, ITW, ASSA ABLOY, and GAF, alongside many others. Their robust participation validated a fundamental truth that the NHCA has championed for years: Hispanic professionals are not merely participating in the construction industry—they are actively helping to shape its future.
The Construction Village and Collaborative Momentum
A major highlight of this year’s conference was the official launch of the new Construction Village. The excitement inside the dedicated space was tangible as contractors, independent builders, commercial developers, equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, financial lenders, and other key industry leaders converged under one roof. The Village stands as a physical and symbolic representation of what the NHCA believes is possible when the entire construction ecosystem collaborates deliberately to create new opportunities, address pressing housing needs, and strengthen the local businesses and communities that literally build America.
Beyond networking and exhibition spaces, conference partners experienced firsthand the powerful momentum driving several of the NHCA’s signature initiatives forward. These core programs are designed to address structural challenges and unlock new pathways for growth across the marketplace.
The "Build the Builder" initiative continues to establish reliable pathways for Hispanic builders, residential developers, property flippers, and entrepreneurial tradespeople to transition from basic opportunity to true business ownership, thereby expanding their overall role in regional and national housing production.
Simultaneously, the organization’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) platform is gaining significant traction across multiple markets. This vital platform connects construction professionals with essential resources, targeted educational programming, contractor verification services, permitting guidance, and structured recovery opportunities whenever local communities are impacted by natural disasters or economic shocks.
Looking ahead, the organization is already preparing for the release of its next State of Hispanics in Construction Report, scheduled for 2027. This upcoming publication will provide critical, data-driven insights into workforce participation rates, business ownership trends, broader economic impacts, and the increasingly influential role of Hispanics throughout every tier of the construction industry.
Expanding the National Chapter Network
Perhaps most exciting for the long-term trajectory of the organization is the continued, rapid growth of the NHCA chapter network. The alliance now proudly represents more than 3,500 individual members spanning 13 distinct markets nationwide, with substantial additional growth projected on the horizon. Preparations are already well underway for forthcoming chapter launches in San Antonio and Kentucky, even as the organization continues to reinforce its operational strength in established markets across the country.
Every new chapter established by the alliance creates another localized platform for professional education, peer networking, workforce development, supplier engagement, and sustainable business growth. For the corporate partners who traveled to AVANCE, the event provided far more than a standard corporate exhibition opportunity. It offered a firsthand immersion into the sheer scale, dynamic energy, and immense potential of the Hispanic construction community, illustrating clearly why the NHCA has become an increasingly vital bridge connecting major industry players with untapped market opportunities.
Executive leadership at the alliance expressed profound gratitude to every partner, corporate sponsor, trade exhibitor, keynote speaker, dedicated volunteer, and registered attendee who contributed to the success of the gathering. The participation, financial investment, and shared belief in the mission are viewed as essential components of a collective journey toward a more inclusive industry.
At the same time, organization leaders extended an open invitation to the broader corporate community, industry associations, and local stakeholders who have observed the rapid growth of the NHCA and are exploring ways to get involved. Whether companies are interested in establishing a formal partnership, supporting a local regional chapter, engaging with specific workforce programs, or assisting the alliance as it expands into new geographic markets, the organization remains eager to collaborate.
As the chapter network and partner ecosystem continue to expand, leadership emphasizes that there is ample room at the table for all organizations that share a steadfast commitment to broadening economic opportunity throughout the construction sector.
The formal conference events have concluded. Important industry conversations have been initiated, vital professional relationships have been significantly strengthened, and clear opportunities lie directly ahead. Now, the real work begins.
Sergio Barajas serves as the executive director of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance, where he leads the organization’s strategic efforts to expand capacity building, improve access to vital capital, and generate new business opportunities for Hispanic contractors and construction professionals. Over a distinguished professional career spanning three decades in housing development, construction execution, and real estate financing, Barajas has held leadership roles with prominent organizations including the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Freddie Mac, the National Community Stabilization Trust, and the Los Angeles Housing Department. Based in San Diego, California, Barajas writes and advocates frequently on topics related to workforce development, industry advocacy, and the indispensable role of the Hispanic workforce in building a stronger, more equitable construction industry.
