It’s hard to believe that we’re already wrapping up 2024, but with 2025 fast approaching, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the successful year NAWLA has had.
2024 Highlights
Traders Market
The 2024 Traders Market is gearing up to be another successful event for NAWLA. At the time of this article’s writing in early October, we predict that this year’s event will feature the largest tradeshow floor in NAWLA Traders Market history! We are thrilled to welcome over 220 exhibitors with 50 making their Traders Market debut, and over 1,200 attendees making this one of the largest Traders Markets in recent history.
Regional Meetings
From April through September, NAWLA and its Regional Meeting Committees hosted six local meetings across the United States and Canada. These meetings brought together 772 industry professionals and offered peer-to-peer networking opportunities with local members while connecting and educating members of other regions. NAWLA thanks all who attended these regional events and invites all members and non-members to take part in next year’s regional meeting lineup.
Wood Basics
NAWLA provided 72 attendees with an immersive learning experience at Spring and Fall Wood Basics this year. Wood Basics allows companies and employees to invest in the future through classroom training and hands-on field experience. Newcomers to the industry were able to see the full lifecycle of lumber — seed to tree — to mill tours, education on the supply chain and logistics, lumber grading, and negotiations. We’re excited to see new industry professionals benefit from this comprehensive training.
Scholarship Program
Thanks to the support of its member companies, NAWLA was able to award 20 higher education students with scholarships this year. Based on school and community involvement, academic performance, and educational goals, NAWLA invites students in any career field or major to apply for a 2024 scholarship — keep an eye out for when applications open.
Leadership Summit
Earlier this spring, we welcomed 199 emerging leaders and seasoned industry professionals for a week of networking, learning, and career development at the 2024 Leadership Summit in Tucson, Arizona. One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the 2024 John J. Mulrooney Award to industry leader, Steve Killgore.
On the Horizon and Beyond
2025 is already shaping up to be a year to remember for NAWLA. With impactful events and new initiatives coming up, we are excited to see what this next year will bring. We would like to thank our members and the industry for their continued support of NAWLA. We look forward to serving the industry well in the new year!
