IWPA’s 2023 World Of Wood Convention Hailed As A Success

Over 250 Registrants from 21 Countries, Double the Number of 2022 Paid Exhibitors at 67th Annual Meeting

Savannah, GA – The International Wood Products Association (IWPA), headquartered in Alexandria, VA, declared the 2023 World of Wood Convention, which was held here, a success. The vibrant gathering offered extensive networking and the opportunity to learn from and interact with leaders in market intelligence, regulatory compliance, and corporate problem-solving. More than 250 importers, U.S. manufacturers, wholesalers, offshore suppliers, and service providers to the global wood products industry from 21 countries attended IWPA’s premier annual event. The convention also featured 11 exhibitors, more than double the number of previous years.

“There was a high level of energy at this year’s World of Wood,” said IWPA Executive Director Ashley Amidon. “From the opening welcome by Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson to the passing of the president’s gavel on our closing night, this year’s gathering was among our best yet.”

Attendees heard from two dynamic keynote speakers—Reginald “Reggie” Chever II, vice president and regional executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and top sales expert Meridith Elliott Powell. General sessions included deep dives on the latest developments on the Lacey Act, CITES, and key producing countries as well as briefings on the latest market and regulatory trends.

IWPA concluded its annual gathering with a passing of the gavel where outgoing IWPA President JoAnn Gillebaard Keller of Holland Southwest International closed her term and handed off leadership of the association to incoming President Jordan McIlvain of Alan McIlvain Company.

Six IWPA voting board members were elected and announced at the board meeting. The board members are Cindy Newman, Newman Lumber Company; Colin Hotalen, Rex Lumber Company; Paul Gosnell, Patriot Timber Products; JoAnn Gillebaard Keller, Holland Southwest International; Kenny MacMaster, Argo Fine Imports; and Michael Schultz, Floor & Décor. Kathryn Stjernstrom, Shorepoint Insurance, Jeroen Hofenk, Rougier Afrique International, and Jonas Israel, McCorry & Co. Ltd. were appointed as new associate directors.

“A big thank you to all of our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and the City of Savannah for making the 2023 World of Wood a tremendous hit,” Amidon said. “We look forward to building on our success at next year’s World of Wood at the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego.” The IWPA 68th WOW Convention is set for April 10-12, 2024.

Established in 1956, the International Wood Products Association is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 170 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: U.S. importers and consuming industries, offshore manufacturers and the service providers that facilitate trade.

Learn more at www.IWPAwood.org.