Coming up on its 27th year, NAWLA is excited to welcome lumber and building materials industry professionals to Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 8-10 for this year’s Traders Market. A unique event featuring eight hours of tradeshow floor time, dedicated networking opportunities and unmatched education, this year’s conference is one you will not want to miss.
NAWLA recently spoke with three members and past Traders Market attendees — Mauricio Bravo (Weston Wood Solutions, NAWLA Traders Market committee member), Judy Haney (Boise Cascade, NAWLA Traders Market Committee chair) and Rob Latham (Tri-State Forest Products Inc.) — on what they’re most looking forward to at this year’s event, advice for first-time attendees, what excites them about Columbus and more.
Mauricio Bravo, Executive Vice President – United States and Chile, Weston Wood Solutions
What initiative have you and the Traders Market Committee been working on that you’re excited to see come to fruition?
Having meeting rooms on the show floor. This will help to avoid people leaving the space.
What advice do you have for someone attending Traders Market for the first time?
Traders Market is a great opportunity to meet several business partners at the same place as well as new ones. I suggest all attendees be open to new opportunities, come with a great attitude and be ready to stop at every booth, ask questions and interact with people.
What advice do you have for attendees visiting Columbus, Ohio?
There have been concerns about Columbus, but I want everyone to come to this great city with an open mind. I am sure everyone will be surprised.
Judy Haney, Region Commodity Procurement Manager, Boise
Cascade
What can Traders Market attendees expect from this year’s event?
A great venue with the downtown convention center and adjoining hotels, and plenty of local restaurants for networking with customers, suppliers and old friends. There will also be pertinent educational opportunities.
What has been a focus for you as the Traders Market Committee chair in planning this year’s event?
Working with NAWLA staff to highlight all the fun and interesting things to do and see in Columbus. Our membership, while reluctant to change, will enjoy the new venue once they are there.
What are you most looking forward to in welcoming industry professionals to Columbus, Ohio?
Exploring a new venue, meeting new people and reconnecting with friends!
What advice do you have for someone attending Traders Market for the first time?
Check out the attendee list on the NAWLA website or app and see who will be attending. Reach out and set up time to meet new business partners and reconnect with current ones. Also plan time in your schedule to walk the show floor and know which vendors you want to have conversations with.
Rob Latham, President, Tri-State Forest Products Inc.
What aspects of the Traders Market event do you enjoy the most and why?
Traders Market allows my company to meet face to face with current vendors to continually evolve our relationship so that we both are getting the most from it. To be able to meet with so many key vendors in one place is a huge benefit. I’ve been going to Traders Market since the late ‘90s and the event has never disappointed. The networking aspect is always there, but I’ve also built some meaningful relationships over the years and I always look forward to reconnecting.
What advice do you have for someone attending Traders Market for the first time?
Do your homework and know which suppliers are attending that are important to your business. Make sure you go see them to continue to build those relationships, and while you do, listen for things that have changed or opportunities to do more together. If you have challenges, come willing to engage and talk with peers to see if you can gain another perspective that might help you. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities in supply or things in general that might benefit your business.
As someone whose company is headquartered near this year’s host city, what advice do you have for attendees visiting Columbus and/or Ohio for the first time?
Columbus is a great city. In 2019, it was voted #31 out of 100 as one of the most up-and-coming cities for millennials to live. There are numerous great restaurants and bars in close proximity to the convention center and the area is popular and well visited by many, from both inside and outside of Columbus.
