As announced last month, HMA’s National Conference and Expo 2021 is a GO! All roads lead to the Hyatt Regency Austin, March 24-26. And all industry stakeholders are welcome to attend this hybrid event of live and virtual presentations, safe, socially distanced networking events, and a long-awaited Expo comprised of the industry’s best suppliers!
We all are coming off an extraordinary year. But, if the Hardwood industry is anything, it is tough! It is resilient! And it is comprised of amazing people who year after year demonstrate the awesome ability “to recover quickly from difficulties.” And so, I feel that our Conference theme, “Resilience,” couldn’t be more apropos. Resilience – such a wonderful word!
As you might expect, COVID safety protocols are somewhat modifying the event. But with the expert guidance of the Hyatt Regency staff, coupled with the spaciousness of the Austin property, I am quite confident that Conference attendees can safely participate.
On the Dais …
ITR Economics™, no stranger to HMA events, will be with us in Austin. After such a challenging year, we felt it important to once again call upon their expertise to provide insight, analysis, and strategy. So in March, plan on hearing from ITR economist, Connor Lokar.
- In his presentation entitled, “Moving Forward,” he’ll be exploring all the economic changes that have occurred, and what they mean to our future.
- He’ll also “assess business demand in 2021 and into 2022; present the unintended consequences of the massive stimulus programs that will impact businesses in the years ahead; and present clear, actionable Management Objectives that are right for the coming years, as we adapt to the ‘new normal.’”
We’ll be hearing from the pros at LastLine Cyber, Inc., because if you think your company is safe from the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, think again. Every business is at risk. And in the presentation entitled, “The Scary Truth About Cybercrime,” LastLine Cyber, Inc. President and Co-Founder, Josh Pribanic, will demonstrate common methods used to defraud organizations; identify what to look for, and ways to avoid these kinds of attacks, and provide guidance regarding implementing a cyber security strategy, even with limited resources.
And industry representatives from the American Hardwood Export Council, the Hardwood Federation, and the Real American Hardwood Coalition plan to participate in the Conference, providing industry and sector updates, and of course, answering questions. Other Conference details – agenda, meeting registration, hotel information, a listing of participating exhibitors, and available event sponsorships – can be found at www.HMAmembers.org.
In closing, a few sentences regarding the hotel and the city of Austin:
- The Hyatt Regency Austin, nestled on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, offers contemporary accommodations, deluxe amenities, resort-like tranquility, and sweeping views of Austin’s downtown skyline.
- Austin, Texas’ capital city, has it all – trendy shops and quirky boutiques, food trucks, themed bars and restaurants, cool, live music venues, and scenic outdoor destinations. I look forward to seeing you there!
