NHLA: The Luxury Convention and Best-In-Class Value

August 5, 2024
by NHLA
Association ValueConvention ValueForest Products NetworkingForestry Industry EventsHardwood MattersJohn HesterManufacturing Industry EventsNHLA ConventionSee you in St. LouSupplier NetworkingWood Industry Networking

When I was a kid, I went car shopping with my parents. I grew up in a small town in Missouri, so you had to go to the big city of Jonesboro, AR, if you wanted any selection. The one memory I have from that trip was going into the showroom with a brand-new Jaguar on the floor. It was a V12, deep purple, with crystal clear windows and sparkling chrome. I had never encountered a Jaguar before, but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. There was no price on the car, and my dad, in all his redneck glory, asked a sales guy, “What’s something like that cost?” The guy looked at my dad and said, “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” At 9 or 10 years old, I didn’t know how offensive that was. I heard, “It’s beautiful, fast and expensive.” Needless to say, that dealership didn’t earn our business that day.

I found out later in life that even though the “sticker price” for a new Jaguar is higher than that of many luxury cars, it drastically loses its value faster than most other vehicles in its class. It’s considered mechanically unreliable, the maintenance is expensive, and they’re seen as not keeping pace with technology… among other reasons.

Just like the allure of a beautiful car, the NHLA Convention and Exhibit Showcase offers a luxurious experience—but unlike the fast-depreciating Jaguar, the NHLA Convention holds its value, providing unmatched benefits that make it an indispensable event for industry professionals.

At the NHLA Convention, the educational seminars are like getting the latest model with all the advanced features. These sessions offer cutting-edge insights and knowledge, ensuring attendees stay ahead of industry trends. The information gained here is invaluable and contributes significantly to professional growth and business advancement.

The exhibit hall is a marketplace filled with diverse and top-quality suppliers, like a showroom with the best luxury cars. Here, you can meet suppliers from across the globe, evaluate new products, and establish vital business connections. The variety and quality of suppliers present are unparalleled, providing a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of offerings in one place.

Networking at the NHLA Convention is not just about mingling; it’s about forging strong, lasting connections. These sessions offer the chance to meet domestic and international contacts you wouldn’t find elsewhere. The relationships built here can lead to significant business opportunities and collaborations, like finding a rare, high-performing vehicle that stands the test of time.

A common misconception is that attending the NHLA Convention is expensive. However, this is far from the truth. The NHLA Convention offers exceptional value for money, often costing less than comparable conventions while providing much more content and amenities. Don’t believe me? Compare sticker prices. Attendees also enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, evening receptions, and an abundance of beverages throughout the event. This level of hospitality ensures you can focus on making the most of your experience without worrying about additional costs, making it the best value in its class.

The NHLA Convention boasts keynote speakers who are not just experts in their field but are also recognizable names. These speakers provide transformative insights and strategies that can drive your business forward, similar to a luxury car offering performance and prestige.

The NHLA Convention and Exhibit Showcase epitomize luxury and value in the world of conventions. It combines top-tier educational content, diverse supplier interactions, unrivaled networking opportunities, and high-profile keynote speakers—all at a cost that provides exceptional value. Unlike the fleeting allure of a fast-depreciating luxury car, the benefits of attending the NHLA Convention are long-lasting and impactful.

What do I need to do to put you in the Convention today?

John Hester
NHLA Chief Development Officer
[email protected] | 901-399-7558

by NHLA

Share:

FedEx A surprisingly simple way to save on shipping Join FedEx Advantage® for free

Related News & Blog

The Wood Truth Task Force is launching a dedicated one-page feature to help NHLA members push back against misinformation and advocate for real hardwood. THE CHALLENGE Manufacturers of imitation wood products, from vinyl to composites, are using misleading language like “wood,” “natural,” and “durable” to promote materials with no real wood content. This blurs the line for consumers, erodes trust, and threatens long-term demand for genuine hardwood. We’re stepping up to correct the record. This new section will equip you with facts, language, and tools to share the truth and strengthen our industry’s message. WHAT TO EXPECT: • Media Rebuttals – NHLA’s responses to misleading headlines, op-eds, and social media posts. • Clear, Shareable Language – Easy-to-use messaging that explains what sets real hardwood apart: Real hardwood is nature-made, not man-made— cut from a tree, not created in a lab. It feels solid underfoot, carries its grain and age with pride, and brings a level of authenticity no imitation can match. • Fast Facts & Talking Points – Data-backed insights (e.g., “Wood is 50% carbon”) to help you speak with confidence. • Hardwood vs. Imitation Comparisons – Quick reference points highlighting durability, sustainability, and aesthetic value. • “Member Spotted” Submissions – Notice false or misleading claims about hardwood? Share real examples with Brennah Hutchison, NHLA Content Strategist & Editor: b.hutchison@nhla.com. Your submission could be featured in an upcoming issue as we work together to set the record straight.

September 1, 2025

by NHLA
The Wood Truth Task Force is launching a dedicated one-page feature to help NHLA members push back against misinformation and advocate for real hardwood. THE CHALLENGEManufacturers of imitation wood products,…
Thermally Modified Wood (TMW): Building a Smarter, Stronger, and More Sustainable Future for North American Hardwoods

September 1, 2025

by NHLA
Have you heard about Thermally Modified Wood (TMW)? If not, now is the perfect time to learn. Whether you’re a sawmill operator, product distributor, builder, designer, or policy advocate, TMW…

Questions?

Have questions or need any assistance regarding the NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase?