HBA: Beyond the Business Card: The Art of Strategic Networking

Beyond the Business Card: The Art of Strategic Networking Networking isn’t about collecting business cards, working every corner of the room, or knowing exactly what to say. It’s about building genuine relationships—and learning how to walk into any room with confidence, curiosity, and purpose. Join PWB’s Ladies Who Lead for Beyond the Business Card: The Art of Strategic Networking, an interactive two-hour experience featuring Kissy Slaughter, Andrea Mercury, and Catherine Meyer. Over brunch, these three dynamic industry professionals will share their personal approaches to building and maintaining networks that have supported their careers, businesses, and leadership journeys. This isn’t a panel where you sit back and take notes. Expect candid conversation, real-world scenarios, audience interaction, and practical strategies you can start using at your very next event. Together, we’ll tackle the parts of networking that most people struggle with: deciding which events are actually worth your time, walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, putting your ego aside, leading with generosity before asking for something in return, and making networking feel more natural and authentic. You’ll also learn how to turn a great conversation into a lasting professional relationship through intentional follow-up, simple ways to track and nurture your network, and strategies for staying connected long after the event is over. Whether you’re a natural connector or someone who would rather do almost anything than walk into a room full of strangers, you’ll leave with a stronger strategy, greater confidence, and a new perspective on what it really means to network. Come for brunch. Stay for the conversation. Leave ready to work the room. Blueprint for Growth is presented by HBA Greater Austin Professional Women in Building. This event is designed to champion women in our industry while welcoming all professionals who want to strengthen their networking skills. Featured Panelists Andrea Mercury Andrea Mercury is a sales and business development professional, entrepreneur, and networking strategist with a background spanning construction, B2B sales, executive leadership, consulting, and community service. She is passionate about helping people build stronger relationships, create meaningful partnerships, and network with more intention. Andrea currently serves as Treasurer for Texas Women in Business Austin, Building Chair for Chateau Bellevue with the Austin Woman’s Club, and a Board Member of the Westlake Chamber of Commerce. Catherine Meyer Catherine Meyer is a connector and growth strategist who helps Austin’s builders, architects, interior designers, and vendors turn trade partner relationships into real opportunities. With two decades across design, sales and business development, she knows who to talk to and how to turn an introduction into a project. Kissy Slaughter Kissy Slaughter is a seasoned executive with extensive experience across residential new construction, sales and operations, luxury home finishes, and the building materials industry. Having worked across the builder, supplier, and manufacturer sides of the business, she brings a uniquely comprehensive understanding of how each part of the industry comes together to shape the finished product and ultimately the customer experience. Her leadership has centered on building strong teams, driving growth, and creating meaningful industry relationships. An active leader within the home building community, Kissy serves on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and as Chair of Professional Women in Building, where she champions leadership development, mentorship, and greater representation for women throughout the industry. ** THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL HBA MEMBERS and presented by our Professional Women in Building Council - By signing up, you are agreeing to allow us to film and photograph the event for marketing purposes. - Not sure if you are a member or want to learn more about the Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council? Email info@HBAAustin.com. - The Professional Women in Building Council is open to all HBA members. Interested in joining PWB? Learn More Here

November 3, 2026

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

HBA Classroom — 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Ste 225-E (that's 2nd floor, East wing, all the way at the end of the hall), Austin, TX 78757

Home Builders Association of Greater Austin

In-Person

Training & Education