Another Great Year for NAWLA
As 2025 draws to a close and we look toward opportunities of 2026, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on our shared successes as an organization and industry as a whole. While 2025 brought its share of challenges — from market uncertainty to evolving policy changes — it is important to recognize the resilience, innovation and collaboration that have defined this year. Despite the shifting landscape, NAWLA members continued to find ways to connect, grow and drive the industry forward.
Traders Market
This year’s Traders Market marked an evolution in how NAWLA brings people together. The 2025 event was reimagined to enhance the attendee experience, featuring 12 hours of dedicated networking time — four more than previous years — and fresh opportunities to engage right on the tradeshow floor. Additions such as a biergarten and golf simulator created new spaces for conversation, relationship-building, and authentic connections. These updates reflect NAWLA’s ongoing commitment to making the Traders Market not just a place to do business, but a place to foster community and collaboration in new and meaningful ways.
Regional Meetings
From April through September, NAWLA and its Regional Meeting Committees hosted five gatherings across the United States and Canada — in Montreal, Vancouver, Portland, Biloxi, and Stowe — bringing together more than 500 industry professionals from coast to coast. Each event offered valuable peer-to-peer networking and the chance to exchange insights with colleagues from neighboring regions. These meetings exemplify the spirit of NAWLA — bringing people together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and advance the industry. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s meetings such a success. We look forward to seeing even more new faces in next year’s lineup.
Wood Basics
Education remained at the heart of NAWLA’s mission in 2025. Held in Vancouver, Canada, and Corvallis, Oregon, the Spring and Fall sessions of Wood Basics offered immersive, hands-on learning experiences for a new generation of lumber professionals. 50 participants explored the full journey of wood — from seed to tree, through milling, grading, logistics and negotiations — gaining the foundational understanding needed to excel in the industry. Companies that invested in sending their employees to Wood Basics this year helped shape the next wave of leaders who will carry the industry forward.
Scholarship Program
NAWLA’s commitment to supporting education extended beyond professional training. Thanks to the generosity of member companies, 20 college students each received $2,500 scholarships — a $50,000 investment in the next generation of leaders to help them pursue higher education. Recipients were selected for their academic achievement, community involvement and dedication to their goals. NAWLA encourages students from all fields to apply for the 2026 scholarship program — keep an eye out for when applications open.
Introducing T-100
One of the most exciting announcements of the year was the introduction of T-100, a new, exclusive, event for top owners and executives in the lumber and building materials supply chain. Taking place March 16–18, 2026 in Dana Point, California, T-100 will offer a premier setting for leaders to collaborate on the future of the industry. With a program featuring renowned speakers and exclusive experiences — from whale watching to private e-bike tours — this event promises to be as memorable as it is meaningful.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to 2026, NAWLA is energized by the possibilities on the horizon. Guided by a refreshed mission and vision and supported by a new three-year strategic plan, we’re setting the stage for even greater industry engagement, expansion and education. The foundation built in 2025 has positioned us for meaningful growth — and we’re just getting started.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our members and partners for their unwavering support and commitment. Together, we’ll continue to strengthen the lumber industry and build on the successes of 2025 — and beyond.
