NEW ORLEANS – The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) announces its 2026 Awards Gala & Board Installation Ceremony, an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, excellence, and 85 years of service as the region’s trusted voice of local, licensed residential contractors.
This year’s gala takes place Thursday, Dec. 3, 6-9PM, in the elegant main ballroom of the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center, bringing together members, industry partners, and distinguished guests for one of HBAGNO’s most anticipated annual traditions. Bob Peterson, Vice Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, will install 2027 HBAGNO President-elect Bruce Layburn, owner of JBL Properties, LLC.
The 2026 Gala will feature a festive evening of premium dining and dancing, with entertainment by the National World War II Museum’s Victory Belles, the beloved vocal trio known for their patriotic harmonies and timeless charm, and live music by The Top Cats, New Orleans’ legendary party band rocking the Big Easy for more than four decades.
During the ceremony, the 2027 Board of Directors will be installed. They include Vice President-elect: Anthony Quillen, Quillen Construction Group; Treasurer-elect: Nicholas Zepeda, Right 4U Construction, LLC; and a soon-to-be named Secretary. These individuals will help guide HBAGNO into its next chapter of advocacy, growth, and industry leadership. HBAGNO will also recognize outgoing board president Marcus Campo, owner of Nola Construction & Design, for his service and leadership.
Additionally, HBAGNO will honor outstanding contributions across its nearly 1,000-member association with awards for Builder of the Year, Associate of the Year, Council of the Year, Most Engaged Member, and Extraordinary Service Award.
“For 85 years, HBAGNO has stood at the center of housing policy, industry advancement, and community resilience in Southeast Louisiana,” said Dan Mills, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans. “As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our work to ensure that builders are better trained, supported and protected, so they can continue strengthening our communities.”
Sponsors of the HBAGNO 2026 Awards Gala & Board Installation include Housing Sponsors: American Safety, Atmos Energy-Louisiana, Delta Utilities, SIF Homebuilders, The Quillen Group, Shade Doctor; Top Cats Sponsor: Bank Plus; Victory Belles Sponsor: Kraft & Company LLC; Commemorative Gift Sponsor: HBA EZ Build Builders Risk Insurance Program; Bar Sponsor: The Brand Constructors.
For tickets and event details, visit hbagno.org. Secure garage parking is conveniently located next door to the Higgins Hotel.
About HBAGNO
Founded in 1941, the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) provides members with continuing education, events for networking opportunities and advocacy to protect the home building industry. The HBAGNO is a non-profit professional organization serving nearly 1,000 builder and associate members encompassing seven parishes throughout Louisiana, including Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, St. James, St. Charles, Plaquemines, and Orleans. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, now in its 85th year, continues to proudly serve as the home of local, licensed residential contractors.