The lights have dimmed, the booths have been packed away, and AVANCE 2026 is officially in the books. But while the conference may be over, the real work is just beginning.
For the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA), AVANCE 2026 was another important milestone in our mission to expand Hispanic voice, presence, and prosperity within the construction industry. Across the conference, our partners showed up with energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in understanding the growing opportunity within the Hispanic construction community.
Lowe’s, ProWood, Fifth Third Bank, Simply PMG, DEWALT, Metabo HPT, Valspar, Electrolux, 3M, FBM, Cali Flooring, Daltile, SPAX, ITW, ASSA ABLOY, GAF, and many others engaged with NHCA members throughout our Welcome Reception, Corporate Breakfast, Construction Track, and Expo. Their participation demonstrated something we have been saying for years: Hispanics are not simply participating in construction—they are helping shape its future.
A major highlight was the launch of our new Construction Village. The excitement was tangible as contractors, builders, developers, manufacturers, suppliers, lenders, and other industry leaders came together in one dedicated space. The Village represents what NHCA believes is possible when the entire construction ecosystem works together to create opportunity, address housing needs, and strengthen the businesses and communities that build America.
Our partners also experienced the momentum behind several of NHCA’s key initiatives.
Build the Builder continues to create pathways for Hispanic builders, developers, flippers, and entrepreneurs to move from opportunity to ownership and expand their role in housing production.
Our Emergency Response Team (ERT) platform is also gaining momentum, connecting construction professionals with resources, education, contractor verification, permitting guidance, and recovery opportunities when communities are impacted by disasters.
And coming in 2027 is our next State of Hispanics in Construction Report, providing critical data on workforce participation, business ownership, economic impact, and the expanding role of Hispanics throughout the construction industry.
Perhaps most exciting is the continued growth of our chapter network. NHCA now represents more than 3,500 members across 13 markets, with additional growth ahead. We are preparing for forthcoming chapter launches in San Antonio and Kentucky, while continuing to build strength in markets across the country. Every new chapter creates another platform for education, networking, workforce development, supplier engagement, and business growth.
For our partners, AVANCE was more than an opportunity to exhibit. It was a chance to experience firsthand the scale, energy, and potential of the Hispanic construction community—and to see why NHCA is becoming an increasingly important bridge between industry and opportunity.
To every partner, sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, volunteer, and attendee who helped make AVANCE 2027 a success: thank you. Your participation, investment, and belief in this mission matter.
And to the companies, organizations, industry leaders, and community stakeholders who are watching NHCA’s growth and wondering how they can be part of it—we invite you to reach out. Whether you are interested in partnering with NHCA, supporting a local chapter, engaging with our programs, or helping us expand into new markets, we want to hear from you.
Our chapter and partner networks are growing, and there is room at the table for those who share our commitment to expanding opportunity throughout the construction industry.
AVANCE is over. The conversations have started. The relationships have been strengthened. The opportunities are in front of us.
Now the real work begins.
Sergio Barajas is the executive director of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance, where he leads the organization’s work to expand capacity building, access to capital, and business opportunities for Hispanic contractors and construction professionals. Over a 30-year career spanning housing development, construction, and financing, he has held roles with 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, Sergio writes about workforce development, advocacy, and the role of the Hispanic construction workforce in building a stronger and more equitable industry.
Keep up with Sergio Barajas HERE!
