This past November, the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) welcomed forest products industry professionals to Phoenix, AZ, for one of the industry’s largest gatherings, Traders Market. Featuring top-notch education, unparalleled networking opportunities, and a tradeshow like no other, the three-day event was one for the books.
Officially kicking off on Wednesday, Nov.13, NAWLA members were able to take part in in-person committee meetings and 10 Group meetups throughout the day. Later that evening, NAWLA hosted a block party reception where members could celebrate the start of Traders Market and network with one another.
Thursday morning began with more networking opportunities during the Peer2Peer Brewing Solutions session. Attendees connected over coffee where they discussed hot topics in the lumber industry, gained insights into new concepts and ideas, and brainstormed solutions to industry issues.
Following this session, members heard from Stefanie Couch, founder of Build Women and GRIT Innovations.
Stefanie shared her winning formula for the lumber industry by giving actionable takeaways to three key areas that attendees could implement at their companies. Her session explored hot topics, including using AI to improve business operations, building your personal brand, and tips for attracting and developing next-gen leaders.
During the keynote luncheon, Mike Rayburn, a two-time TED Talk presenter and Hall of Fame speaker, shared three simple tools for harnessing unrealized potential and creating and leading change.
After a morning of learning, attendees explored the largest tradeshow floor in NAWLA history before rounding out the day with a networking reception.
The third and final day of the conference 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 college-aged students to the convention center to learn about careers in the lumber industry and experience the tradeshow floor firsthand.
In total, NAWLA welcomed around 1,400 national and international industry professionals to Phoenix for another great event. “This year’s Traders Market was another great success for NAWLA,” said Matt Bruno, NAWLA Executive Director. “We were able to provide a space for members to build lasting relationships with professionals from every facet of the industry.”
Be sure to mark your calendars to join NAWLA in the fall for the 2025 Traders Market, taking place Nov. 3-8, 2025, in Kansas City, MO. Attendees, as well as prospective exhibitors and sponsors, are encouraged to watch the NAWLA website (nawla.org/events/tradersmarket) for details about the 2025 exhibitions, education sessions, and networking opportunities.
