Virginia Forest Products Association Hosts 67th Annual Convention At Virginia Beach
The Virginia Forest Products Association (VFPA) gathered recently at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront to “board the VFPA Voyager” for its 67th annual convention. Made possible by event sponsors including Diehl-Clayton Equipment and the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation, the convention drew more than 100 attendees and their families for a weekend of industry updates, networking and time together at the beach.
The event opened with a lively welcome reception sponsored by Stringer Industries. Saturday’s business meeting began with the Admiral’s Breakfast, featuring updates from state leaders with the secretary of agriculture and forestry, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Forestry, followed by reports from VFPA Executive Director Lesley Moseley, Chairman Kennon Morris, Treasurer John Diehl and Director of Government Affairs Susan Seward.
The morning continued with an update on the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation from Executive Director Nicole McAllister. Two keynote speakers followed with market-focused presentations: Hardwood Market Trends: Past & Present by Andy Johnson of Hardwood Market Report and Charting the Course: Navigating Opportunities and Rough Seas in the Softwood Lumber Market by Crystal Gauvin of Forest Economic Advisors. These sessions gave members valuable insights into challenges and opportunities shaping today’s marketplace. Saturday’s breakfast and break were graciously sponsored by Combilift, Farm Credit and Forest Pro.
The evening concluded with a Sunset Reception sponsored by Dominion Wood Preservers, followed by a buffet dinner featuring entertainment from the yacht rock band Schooner or Later, and wrapped up with a nightcap in the hospitality suite, sponsored by Gaines & Critzer Ltd., Gregory Poole Lift Systems/Hyster, ISK Biocides and McClung-Logan Equipment.
The convention was made possible through the support of these generous sponsors, whose commitment helps VFPA continue its mission of serving Virginia’s forest products community. From receptions and family activities to industry discussions, the weekend provided a balance of professional development and personal connection.
For VFPA Chairman Kennon Morris and the VFPA board, the convention also provided an important platform to highlight a critical issue: the role of biomass as a viable, sustainable fuel alternative. With Virginia’s forest products industry employing more than 108,000 people, residual wood material has the potential to not only provide renewable energy but also sustain markets that are essential for landowners, sawmills and rural communities across the commonwealth.
Looking ahead, VFPA is preparing for EXPO Richmond 2026, the 40th edition of the East Coast Sawmill, Logging, Pallet and Biomass Equipment Exposition, taking place April 17–18, 2026, at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA. For decades, EXPO has brought together serious equipment buyers and suppliers, offering unmatched opportunities to see technology in action and strengthen connections across the industry. Visit www.exporichmond.com for more information.
Bringing members and their families together remains at the heart of VFPA’s annual convention. As one attendee noted, “It’s the rare event where you can learn about markets, talk about policy, and still spend time with your family and friends on the beach.” That unique blend continues to define VFPA gatherings and strengthen the association’s community.
The 68th annual convention will be held Sept. 11–13, 2026, at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.
