It has been three years since the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) had plans to hold its annual Wood Flooring Expo in Milwaukee, but just a little more than a month before the show was to start, the NWFA was forced to cancel the event due to the Coronavirus. Our staff quickly pivoted and was able to launch a virtual Expo on the same dates that the in-person event was to take place, but it has taken us three years to get back to Milwaukee in person. Fortunately, it has been worth the wait.
This year’s Expo is on track to be one our busiest ever. The show will be held May 2 – 4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Center. This year’s event will feature 45-plus hours of industry-specific education and product demonstrations, 220-plus booths on the trade show floor, and more than 50 networking opportunities.
If you’ve never been to the NWFA Expo, and you’re wondering why you should attend, consider that the show is the only one anywhere that brings together 3,000-plus Hardwood professionals all under one roof. And this year’s show offers something for everyone at every phase of their Hardwood career.
Are you new to the industry? Consider attending the New Members Reception. During this networking event, you will have the opportunity to meet others who are new to the industry, while connecting with industry veterans. NWFA Board members and committee members will be in attendance to open doors and facilitate introductions for you.
Are you young and just starting your Hardwood career? Consider attending the Emerging Leaders Reception. During this event, you will network with industry peers from across the country, all under the age of 40, to connect and establish relationships that will build a strong foundation for your industry future.
Are you a woman trying to navigate your way through our male-dominated industry? Consider attending the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) Breakfast. During this event, you will meet inspiring women from our industry to network, support, and learn from one another, as we discuss issues facing women in our industry.
Are you interested in establishing new business relationships, and strengthening existing ones? Consider attending the Manufacturer & Distributor Reception. During this event, you will meet manufacturers and distributors from across the globe, all of whom are looking to buy and sell Hardwood products.
Are you a student, or do you know a student, who is interested in learning more about our industry? Consider attending the Student Day. During this event, high school students will have an opportunity to meet with professionals from different sectors of the Hardwood supply chain, learn about career opportunities, and explore the show floor.
Are you considering retirement and interested in learning more about selling your business or passing it on to the next generation of your family? Considering attending the Succession Planning session? During this event, you will learn about all the practical and legal considerations needed to plan for your future and the future of your company.
Are you looking to expand your industry knowledge and expertise? Consider attending the education sessions and skills demonstrations being held throughout the three-day event. During these sessions, you can attend specific tracks dealing with issues occurring in the Front Office, on the Jobsite, in the Showroom, and In the Field.
Are you a Harley-Davidson enthusiast? Consider attending the Opening Session and Welcome Reception. During this event, you will have an opportunity to attend a private cocktail party at the Harley-Davidson Museum, where you can tour the exhibits, learn about Harley’s history and culture, and pick up a souvenir at the Harley-Davidson Shop. And, one lucky attendee will win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle compliments of NWFA exhibitor, Bostik.
Because the NWFA Expo is the only trade show anywhere dedicated exclusively to wood flooring, it offers Hardwood purchasers and suppliers a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the largest gathering of wood flooring professionals anywhere, all under one roof, all within a few days, and all across the supply chain. It is one of the most-efficient and cost-effective ways to increase your industry contacts, so consider exhibiting to showcase your products, or plan to attend to meet a highly targeted Hardwood audience. More information is available at nwfaexpo.org.
The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA can be contacted at 800-422-4556 (USA & Canada), 636-519-9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.
