Sponsors
Sponsorships are critical to providing a valuable convention experience and to support the work of the Association throughout the year. Thank you to this year’s Convention Sponsors.



















Register Now!
“The best thing about the NHLA Annual Convention is how it brings us together with so many other businesses that share our values and vision for the future. We attend every NHLA Convention we can, and it’s always a great experience.” – Henry German, Tally Express, NHLA Member since 1993
Register
Network, grow, learn, and discover at the 2023 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase. Since 1898, we’ve been gathering the leaders of the North American hardwood lumber industry – JOIN US!
Schedule
View a complete line-up of convention activities including keynotes, sessions, and special events.
Hotel and Travel
The 2023 official NHLA hotels are the Omni Louisville Hotel (SOLD OUT) and the Hyatt Regency Louisville. You can still receive the NHLA rate by booking your room at the Hyatt Recency.
Sponsor
Become a sponsor of the 2023 NHLA Annual Convention and put your company name in front of thousands of hardwood industry decision-makers.
Exhibit
Showcase your products and services to NHLA members and the hardwood industry at large while making lasting industry connections when you exhibit at the NHLA Annual Convention.
Speakers & Sessions
From a dynamic Keynote to panel discussions between industry leaders to one-on-one presentations, our educational line-up is guaranteed to deliver.
NHLA Member since 1987
“We feel it’s important to exhibit at the NHLA Convention because we have a lot of customers who attend, and we can see them all in a short amount of time. We also display new products and get our message across in an efficient manner. We see all of our customers who are usually stuck in mills, and we get to establish that relationship face-to-face.”
Chris Fehr
U-C Coatings, LLC
Speakers & Sessions

Eric Traupe

The Outlook Part 1

From Automation to Ale

Mike Snow

Personal Investing 101

The Outlook Part 2
Special Events

First Annual ITSEF Golf Tournament
Registration for the Golf Tournament has closed.
The course is 19.9 miles from the Omni Hotel in Louisville, KY
The Inspector Training School Educational Foundation will host its 2023 Golf Classic in conjunction with the NHLA Convention at Champions Pointe Golf Club, a Fuzzy Zoeller Championship Golf Course. Please take part in aiding in the mission of the Inspector Training School Educational Foundation, which is to support the continued development and growth of the Inspector Training School and its graduates, “Building Future Leaders of the Hardwood Industry.”
For questions about the ITSEF Golf Tournament, please contact Bruce Horner here.
Sponsored by: Abenaki Timber Corporation, Alan McIlvain Co., Allegheny Wood Products, Brenneman Lumber, Classic American Hardwoods, Forestry Systems, Inc., Hardwood Market Report, Kittrell Appraisals, Kittrell Sawmill Brothers, McRae Lumber Co., Messersmith Manufacturing, MO PAC Lumber Co., Penn-Sylvan International, Inc., and Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance, Co.

Education Session: Sawmill Symposium
Participants will increase their skill sets by delving deep into best practices for operational efficiency. Hosted by Benji Richards, NHLA Industry Services Sales Manager, and National Inspector.
You can register for this event when you register for the NHLA Convention. Already registered for the convention? If you need to add this event to an existing convention registration, please contact us.

Welcome Reception
Kick off the 2023 NHLA Annual Convention in style at the Welcome Reception in the Olmsted Ballroom! Catch up with friends, meet new people, make connections, and discuss business with great companies. As always, the Opening Reception will have free nibbles and an open bar.

Spouse and Guest Event at Copper & Kings
Experience a behind-the-scenes look at Kentucky’s only American Brandy and Absinthe distillery, Copper and Kings. Enjoy a one-hour private tour followed by a tasting experience, private lunch on the rooftop with one of the best views of the Louisville skyline, and shopping at Work the Metal.
You can register for this event when you register for the NHLA Convention. Already registered for the convention? If you need to add this event to an existing convention registration, please contact us.

Tour of Robinson Lumber Company’s Flagship Concentration Yard
After attending the Ed Session “From Automation to Ale,” hop on a quick shuttle ride to tour Robinson Lumber Company’s flagship concentration yard in New Albany, Indiana – just 14 minutes from the Omni Hotel. (*transportation provided). All convention attendees are invited to attend.
Robinson Lumber built the yard and kilns in 1989 and recently acquired an adjoining parcel of land, which will be the site of a multiyear investment and expansion program. The tour will include the original facility and the expansion site, where Robinson has installed a CombiLift CSS Slipsheet Container Loading System.
Light refreshments will be served. Buses depart the Omni at 3:00 pm and will return by 5:00 pm. Just in time for the Bourbon, Bluegrass, and Banter Reception at 5:30 pm. All are welcome – no registration is required.
*This event is free with your Convention Registration

Bourbon, Bluegrass and Banter Reception
Join us for a fun evening of tasting Kentucky’s finest bourbons with a musical performance by the Bourbon Revival Band. Highly skilled bourbon hosts from Richie Michaels Whiskey Tasting Experiences will narrate six different bourbon stations extending their knowledge and passion for bourbon to you. In addition to tasting tables, light snacks and an open bar will be provided.
Join us for a fun evening of tasting Kentucky’s finest bourbons with a musical performance by the Bourbon Revival Band. Highly skilled bourbon hosts from Richie Michaels Whiskey Tasting Experiences will narrate six different bourbon stations extending their knowledge and passion for bourbon to you. In addition to tasting tables, light snacks and an open bar will be provided.
*This event is free with your Convention Registration

NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Reception
If you are a graduate of NHLA Inspector Training School, this reception is just for you! Join our alumni networking reception and enjoy free beer, wine, snacks, and good company as alumni gather together to reminisce and hear the latest news from the school!

Closing Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum
It’s the next best thing to actually being at the Derby…a private buyout of the Kentucky Derby Museum! Join us for a night of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Museum, followed by a seated dinner in the Oak Terrace and live music performed by the Bourbon Revival Band in the Great Hall. Space is limited to the first 350 guests. Don’t miss out on this unique experience. Register for this event when you register for the NHLA Convention.
Tickets are just $80 with Convention registration and $160 for a non-registered guest.
You can register for this event when you register for the NHLA Convention. Already registered for the convention? If you need to add this event to an existing convention registration, please contact us.