Sponsors
Sponsorships are critical to providing a valuable convention experience and to support the work of the Association throughout the year. Thank you to our 2024 Convention sponsors!
Registration will Open in Spring of 2025
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Special Events
From the ITSEF Golf Classic to receptions and more, you are guaranteed to have a great time at the 2024 NHLA Annual Convention and Exhibit Showcase. Check out all the Special Events by clicking below.
Schedule
View a complete line-up of convention activities including keynotes, sessions, and special events. The 2024 NHLA Convention & Exhibit Showcase schedule is now available.
Hotel and Travel
The 2024 official NHLA hotel is the Marriott St. Louis Grand. The NHLA room block is now open, and you will receive a confirmation email with the hotel reservation link after you register.
Sponsor
Become a sponsor of the 2024 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
Special Events
Win Big at the Exhibit Showcase and Gala Dinner!
NHLA is excited to announce an unforgettable Grand Prize Giveaway event on Friday, October 4th, at the Exhibit Showcase that you won’t want to miss! The array of incredible prizes, worth thousands of dollars include a top-of-the-line Pit Boss Sportsman 820 Wood Pellet Grill to elevate your grilling game to new heights and a 2024 Side-by-Side, and that’s just the beginning! We have plenty more exciting prizes in store for you.
And thanks to our partnerships with Bass Pro/Cabela’s and Pit Boss, the lucky winner can pick these grand prizes up at their local store…no need to take it with you.
But here’s the catch – you MUST be present in the Exhibit Showcase to win! Prizes CANNOT be accepted on anyone’s behalf.
After the prize giveaways, keep the excitement going by joining us for the Friday Night Gala. It’s another fantastic chance to network with industry peers and customers, while enjoying delicious food and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere. We will also be celebrating the induction of a new NHLA Chairman.
So mark your calendars, adjust your travel plans accordingly, and plan to stay until the very end of the convention on Friday. Trust us, it will be worth it!
Sponsored by The AGL Group, Adentra Group, Baillie Group, Granite Valley Forest, Hartzell Hardwoods, Mayfield Lumber, and McClain Forest Products
2024 ITSEF Golf Classic
7:15 am Buses depart from the Marriott St. Louis Grand
8 am Shotgun Start
Join us in supporting the mission of the Inspector Training School Educational Foundation (ITSEF) as we host the 2024 ITSEF Golf Classic alongside the NHLA Annual Convention at Tapawingo National Golf Club.
Your participation aids in our mission to foster the ongoing development and advancement of the Inspector Training School and its graduates, nurturing them to become the future leaders of the hardwood industry. Let’s come together to build a stronger future for the hardwood industry!
Tapawingo National Golf Club
13001 Gary Player Dr.,
St. Louis, MO 63127
Note: ITSEF Golf Classic Welcome Reception on Tuesday, October 1st from 5:30-6:30pm.
A Golfers Only reception on Tuesday evening at the Marriott St. Louis Grand. Check-in to your room and come on down to meet your team and the other players. Grab your swag bag and a beer but turn-in early.
Pre-registration is required for attendance. Please make sure you add this event to your Convention registration if you would like to attend. Secure your spot by registering as a player for $275 per person.
Sawmill & Distribution Yard Meeting
The Sawmill & Distribution Yard Meeting will take place from 2:30 – 4:30 pm on October 2nd.
The Sawmill & Distribution Yard Meeting will give participants an opportunity to increase their skill sets by delving deep into best practices for operational efficiency. The class will be taught by Benji Richards, NHLA Industry Services Sales Manager and National Inspector.
Pre-registration is required for attendance. The cost for this event is $30. Please make sure you add the Small Operators Symposium to your Convention registration if you would like to attend.
Gateway to St. Louis Tour
The Gateway to St. Louis Tour will take place from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm.
This tour promises a blend of architectural marvels, historic insights, and some leisure time in green spaces, providing a rich overview of what St. Louis has to offer. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for the walking parts, and perhaps a camera to capture the views from the Arch and the intricate interiors of the cathedrals. Enjoy your journey through the Gateway City!
Driving Tour Highlights Include:
Laclede’s Landing – A historic area known for its cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife, The Old Cathedral – Officially known as the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, one of the city’s oldest buildings, The Old Courthouse – Famous for being the site of the Dred Scott case, Busch Stadium – Home of the St. Louis Cardinals, iconic for baseball fans, and Citygarden – An urban park and sculpture garden in downtown St. Louis.
Tour Stops Include:
The New Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in Midtown) – Known for its stunning mosaics, and the Gateway Arch – Includes a tram ride to the top for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the city. The Museum at Gateway Arch National Park offers a free, innovative, and accessible experience showcasing over 200 years of our city’s history.
Pre-registration is required. Cost to attend is $100. Be sure to add on this event during your Convention registration if you would like to attend.
NHLA Inspector Training School Alumni Reception
The NHLA ITS Alumni Reception will take place from 2:45 – 3:45 pm.
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!
Sponsored by Cole Hardwood, Inc.
OktoberFest! A Biergarten buyout at Anheuser-Busch, the home of Budweiser.
Buses begin departing for Biergarten at 5 pm.
Prost to Oktoberfest from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at Anheuser-Busch!
Join us for an exclusive experience within an experience at the NHLA Annual Convention this October! We’re thrilled to announce a special buyout event at the renowned Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, where the spirit of camaraderie meets the essence of Oktoberfest.
Indulge in a feast fit for a beer enthusiast with our mouthwatering menu featuring authentic delights such as Toasted Ravioli, Beer Bratwurst, Wings, and Bavarian Pretzels. Wash it all down with endless pours from our Open Bar, featuring a selection of refreshing brews straight from the source.
But the festivities don’t stop there! Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Anheuser-Busch with exclusive experiences including a Budweiser Clydesdale Meet & Greet, where you can mingle with these majestic creatures up close. Engage in friendly competition with yard games scattered throughout the venue, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of our indoor and outdoor biergartens.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or simply looking for a memorable night out, Oktoberfest at Anheuser-Busch promises an evening of unparalleled fun, flavor, and festivity. Prost!
Ticket Required for Admittance. When you register for the NHLA Convention, don’t forget to secure your spot for this extraordinary evening. Tickets are $35 and include transportation, food and open bar.
Sponsored by MO PAC Lumber Co. and Nyle Dry Kilns
Blue and Gold Gala
The Blue and Gold Gala will take place from 6 – 11 pm.
Join us for the Blue and Gold Gala Event, a pinnacle evening at the NHLA Annual Convention. On this special Friday, we will witness a significant tradition as Jon Syre, the outgoing NHLA Chairman, ceremoniously passes the gavel to the 64th incoming Chairman. Celebrate the conclusion of the convention in true St. Louis Blues style, marking a memorable transition and a bright future ahead.
Door Prizes and Dancing are all included. Cocktails begin at 6pm, dinner will be served at 7pm and the seven-piece Funky Butt Brass Band (FBBB) will take the stage at 8pm.
Ticket Required for Admittance. If you are registered, the added cost is $85, and if you are not registered, the added cost is $170.
Welcome Reception
Kick off the 2024 NHLA Annual Convention in style at the Welcome Reception! Catch up with friends, meet new people, make connections, and discuss business with your great companies. As always, the Opening Reception will have free nibbles and an open bar.
Sponsored by Cascade Hardwood