Building Dreams

A Networking Event Presented by Youth for Youth

By Stacey Gualandi

If you build it, they will come.

That might be the perfect tagline for the upcoming “Building Dreams Las Vegas” premiere lunch and panel presentation, set for Oct. 15 at World Market Center in downtown Las Vegas.

The afternoon event is bringing together professionals from across the Valley’s housing, design, construction, real estate and business industries to talk, network and build valuable connections.

It’s also a chance to give back to our community.

This debut luncheon is presented by Youth for Youth to benefit its chosen charity, The Just One Project, an organization dedicated to helping provide food and essentials to Southern Nevada families in need.

Youth for Youth co-founder Skai Jones said this will not only help raise awareness about The Just One Project’s mission but also jump-start her goal to reach $100,000 at the annual Youth for Youth Holiday Concert on Dec. 5.

“I feel like if we set an even bigger goal, and if we really try harder, I think this time we could reach it,” she said.

Jones added that the “Building Dreams” theme has dual meanings.

“Since we're talking about homes and design, that's one aspect to the actual building part of it,” she said. “And then we're also helping people in our community build more stable futures.”

The engaging industry panel, moderated by yours truly, will include:

• Claire Nagel, luxury real estate adviser, Sotheby’s International Realty
• Joyce Smith, senior vice president of commercial banking, MidFirst Bank
• Lisa Czajka, loan officer, Premier Mortgage Resources
• Durette Candito, owner of Urban Ranch
• Nate Jones, owner of Infinite Trend
• Lizzy Thomas, founder of Set the Stage

“There will be several topics, including buying and selling, the current market, design renovations and basically how design can affect the marketability of a house,” Jones said.

The Las Vegas Design Center will host and sponsor the event.

Cain Brodie, the center’s general manager, said the setting is perfect for this subject and will provide a terrific backdrop for a comprehensive discussion on “all-things-busy-Vegas-home-market.”

“We're trying to utilize the assets that we have for a great endeavor,” Brodie added.

In addition to lunch, the panel discussion and networking opportunities, the Las Vegas Design Center will provide vendor tables and showcase an interactive showroom “passport” experience.

You will be able to walk around, talk with the vendors, visit the showrooms, get your passport stamped and, once you get enough stamps, be entered to win a prize.

“My ultimate goal is to try and offer this venue and provide them a platform for as close to nothing as I can so that every single penny that gets raised from the event can get donated through The Just One Project through Youth for Youth,” Brodie said.

Chic Compass is the sponsor of the Building Dreams event. For tickets and more information, visit chiccompass.com.

To learn more about the 2026 Youth for Youth Holiday Concert, visit youthforyouth.vegas.