St. Louis, MO, recently welcomed the 2024 National Hardwood Lumber Association’s (NHLA) Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase at the America’s Center Convention Complex with 811 people in attendance.
Organizers now turn their attention to planning for the 2025 edition of this annual event, which will be held Oct. 1-3 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas.
The NHLA hosts this convention to gather the global hardwood community and offers opportunities for attendees to explore cutting-edge products, discover industry trends and connect with fellow professionals from around the world.
This year’s event was no exception as the multi-day event provided networking with a golf game, multiple receptions, dinners and large exhibit hall.
The education sessions did not disappoint either and offered a wide variety of topics.
The first day opening session keynote speaker was Mara Liasson, a well-known political correspondent with National Public Radio and Fox News.
Education sessions over the next two days included the following:
• Navigating the Forest Service Wood Innovation Grants with speakers Claire Getty, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, Charlie Becker, U.S Forest Service and Joel Dulin, Jozana Grant Services
• Hardwood End User Market Outlook: Trends Shaping the Future of Hardwood Lumber with speakers Tony Honeycutt, Mullican Hardwood Flooring, Susan Pilato, Mantra Inspired Furniture and Jeff Eichenseer, Conestoga Wood Specialties
• Expanding Horizons: International Markets for U.S. Hardwoods with speakers David Venables, AHEC Europe, John Chan, AHEC China and SE Asia, Rod Wiles, AHEC India/Middle East/Africa, Luis Zertuche, AHEC Latin America and Takhiro Tsuji, AHEC Japan.
