Keynotes - Build Smarter 2026

Keynote Speakers

The pressure to "do something" about AI is enormous. But Rich Swier Jr., Founder of raia AI, argues that the builders who win won't be the ones who move fastest — they'll be the ones who move smartest.

In this keynote, Rich introduces the "ABC Effect": three forces reshaping every business whether you're ready or not — Acceleration, Behavior (the shift from the Attention Economy to the Interpretation Economy), and Complexity (AI isn't just an iceberg; most businesses will struggle not because they failed to adopt it, but because they underestimated what adoption really takes).

But the talk doesn't stop at what's changing. Rich makes an equally compelling case for what shouldn't: being human as your competitive advantage, your system of record as the foundation AI depends on, and the reality that your brand will be defined not by how AI handles routine interactions — but by how your people handle the exceptions.

Attendees will leave with a clear-eyed framework for getting their house in order: curating their knowledge, redesigning their workflows, and building AI on a foundation they actually trust.

Biography:

Rich Swier Jr is a Sarasota-based serial entrepreneur and the founder of raiaAI.com, where he helps businesses deploy AI Agents that automate work, improve decision-making, and accelerate growth.

With a 30-year track record building and exiting tech companies, his successes include Sarasota Online (acquired by Comcast), Backsoft (acquired by SAP), and Offrs.com (acquired by Constellation Software).

His early career included leading key milestones in Comcast’s broadband rollout to 60+ cities, including work tied to the first cable modem and a $1B Microsoft investment that helped speed national broadband adoption.

With a foundation in mathematics and machine learning, Rich now focuses raia on enabling CSI software businesses to roll out safe, practical AI Agents across their products and internal operations.

In this keynote, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems President Chris Graham delivers an honest look at where the company stands — and where it's going. From the continued strength of NEWSTAR and the rapid momentum of NX to the explosive growth of TouchPoint and the AI foundation being built through BuilderMetrix, Chris maps out a clear strategy built on three pillars: stability, trust, and innovation.

The session culminates with a live look at advances in Stella AI - Constellation's intelligent agent for homebuilders — showing how smart builders are already using it to get instant answers, spot cost variances, book meetings, and build dashboards, wherever they work: inside their ERP, in Excel, in Teams, or in ChatGPT. Whether you're at Stage 1 of your AI journey or ready to automate, you'll leave with a roadmap for getting there - and a partner committed to every step.

"We don't control everything" isn't the same as "we control nothing."

Between every challenge and every outcome sits a moment of choice, our response. That response comes from our character. And under pressure, our character doesn't hide. It shows up in how we lead, how we communicate, and how we perform when it counts.

In this Keynote Concert, Andrew Allen introduces The HYDA Theory: How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything, a practical framework for revealing the character traits already driving our results, celebrating what's working, and intentionally developing what isn't.

Drawing on two decades of high-pressure performance in the music industry, Andrew blends live music, storytelling, and a proven framework to help audiences see themselves clearly and build from there.

This is not about trying harder. It's about designing the internal architecture that makes excellence natural.

Biography:

Andrew Allen is a multi‑platinum singer‑songwriter and keynote performer known for igniting audiences through a powerful blend of live music, inspiring storytelling, and actionable insight. With a focus on character development, resilience, growth, and wellness, Andrew empowers people to build intentional habits and unlock their full potential - both professionally and personally.

For nearly two decades, Andrew has toured internationally as a recording artist, achieving five Top 10 hits in Canada and earning multi‑platinum record sales. His music career has included collaborations with artists such as Meghan Trainor and Carly Rae Jepsen, co‑writing credits on Platinum‑certified singles and Grammy‑nominated projects, and performances alongside global acts including Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, and Train. His songs have also been featured across film, television, and national advertising campaigns.

Drawing from the highs and lows of life on the road and the lessons learned behind the scenes of the music industry, Andrew brings a rare authenticity to the stage. His keynote concerts seamlessly weave original music with real‑world insights, challenging audiences to reflect on how they lead, live, and show up every day. The result is an engaging, energizing experience that resonates long after the final song is played.

Biography:

Tobias Peter is a senior fellow and the codirector of the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, where he focuses on housing risk and mortgage markets. Working closely with Edward J. Pinto, codirector of the AEI Housing Center, Mr. Peter has coauthored a variety of reports on housing policy, specifically on federal policy’s impact on housing demand and homeownership, housing finance risks, and first-time home buyers. He has testified before Congress, and his pieces have been published in policy journals and in the popular press, including in The Wall Street Journal, American Banker, and Business Insider.

He has an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School and a BA in history and applied economics from the College of St. Scholastica.