IWPA’s 2024 World Of Wood Convention Hailed As A Success

281 Registrants from 24 Countries Attend 68th Annual Meeting In San Diego

The International Wood Products Association (IWPA), based in Alexandria, VA, declared the 68th World of Wood Convention a success. The annual event was held recently at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, CA and brought together 281 professionals from over 24 countries, showcasing a rich exchange of industry knowledge, market intelligence, and regulatory expertise.

“This year’s World of Wood was another big success, offering vital networking opportunities and expert insights into the evolving landscape of the globally sourced wood products industry,” said IWPA Executive Director Ashley Amidon. “Participants gained invaluable perspectives on regulatory compliance, corporate leadership, and the latest design trends and technological tools.”

The convention featured a diverse lineup of speakers and panel discussions, providing attendees with forward-thinking strategies and practices:

• “Powered Productivity” and “Tech Tools for Serious Self Care” by Beth Ziesenis, Founder of YourNerdyBestFriend.com
• “New Trends in Design” by Tatiana Machado-Rosas, Senior Interior Designer, Qualcraft Construction, Inc.
• “U.S. Customs & Border Protection – An Introduction to Wood Products Classification” by Laurel Duvall, National Import Specialist with Customs and Border Protection
• Update sessions on Homeland Security Wood Investigations, Overseas Perspectives on EUDR, Lacey Act and Formaldehyde Regulations

Six IWPA board members were reappointed for another term including Jim Canter, NWH; Jordan McIlvain, Alan McIlvain Company; Colin Miller, Clarke Veneers and Plywood; Paul Platts, PRS Guitars; Alan Futscher, CDC Distributors; and Hugh Reitz, UCS Forest Group. Darren Thomas of Double Helix Tracking Technologies Pte Ltd. was selected to join the Board as an Associate Director.

IWPA concluded its annual gathering with a passing of the gavel where outgoing IWPA President Jordan McIlvain of Alan McIlvain Company closed his term and handed off leadership of the association to incoming President Colin Miller, Clarke Veneers and Plywood. In other IWPA board moves, Bryan Courtney, Genesis Products moved from Treasurer to Vice President and Colin Hotalen, Rex Lumber Company has moved into the Treasurer role.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of this year’s event and the positive feedback from participants and thank all our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and the San Diego’s Gaslamp District for making the 2024 World of Wood a success. We look forward to gearing up for next year’s World of Wood gathering March 26–28, 2025 in New Orleans, LA, with details to be announced later this year,” added Amidon.

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.

Visit www.IWPAwood.org to learn more.