Freshly Redesigned Traders Market: 2025 Event Recap
Recently, the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) brought the industry together in Kansas City, MO, for one of the biggest events of the year: Traders Market. This year’s gathering had a fresh energy with a redesigned tradeshow floor including expanded networking hours and new interactive experiences. Attendees had more ways than ever to connect, learn and explore what’s new in the lumber and building materials industry.
One of the biggest changes in 2025 was the addition of four extra hours on the tradeshow floor, giving participants a full 12 hours to walk the exhibits, meet new partners and catch up with familiar faces. The new Biergarten quickly became a popular spot to take a break and chat, while the golf simulator and axe-throwing station added a fun twist that kept conversations going throughout the event.
Traders Market officially kicked off on Wednesday, Nov. 5, with in-person committee meetings and 10 Group meetups — an important chance for NAWLA members to reconnect, collaborate and set priorities for the year ahead. That evening, the Welcome Party set the tone for the week, offering a lively opportunity for attendees to reunite with long-time industry peers and meet new faces before the tradeshow floor opened.
Thursday morning started strong with a forward-thinking education session led by industry experts Carl Lamb, Snavely Forest Products; Henry German, DMSi; Sarah Smith, Roseburg Forest Products; and Grant Phillips, Wildwood Trading Group (moderator). They discussed the major shifts happening across the supply chain and how companies can stay ahead by embracing innovation. Attendees left with plenty to think and talk about before heading into the rest of the day.
Also on Thursday morning, NAWLA hosted its new Business Meeting Breakfast, where our refreshed vision and mission were unveiled — reflecting our continued commitment to supporting members and advancing the entire industry.
Following the Business Meeting Breakfast, the highly anticipated tradeshow floor opened with newly expanded hours. With more than 200 exhibitors, attendees were able to browse new products, explore business opportunities and have in-depth conversations that moved far beyond the typical exchange of business cards. These valuable, face-to-face interactions continue to be the hallmark of Traders Market, providing a space where deals are made, ideas are shared and partnerships take shape.
After a day of learning and networking, attendees rounded out the day with a networking reception on the tradeshow floor.
The third and final day of the event was dedicated to networking with exhibitors on the tradeshow floor, in which attendees were able to have brunch with representatives from various companies as well as one another before heading home. NAWLA also welcomed students from Oregon State University to the convention center to learn about career opportunities and network with industry professionals on the tradeshow floor.
In total, NAWLA welcomed 1,150 national and international industry professionals to Kansas City for another great event — leading to record-breaking pre-sales for the 2026 event.
“One of the greatest strengths of NAWLA is the sense of community our members create,” said Matt Bruno, NAWLA Executive Director. “Even during difficult times in our industry, Traders Market once again showed how powerful it is when professionals from all over North America come together.”
Be sure to mark your calendars to join NAWLA next fall for the 2026 Traders Market, taking place Nov. 4-6, 2026, in Anaheim, CA. Attendees, as well as prospective exhibitors and sponsors, are encouraged to watch the NAWLA website (nawla.org/events/tradersmarket) for details about next year’s exhibitions, education sessions and networking opportunities.
