Convention Schedule

Plan your convention experience with ease.

NHLA Members chat at the NHLA Convention

Join industry leaders, hardwood professionals, and NHLA members from across the country for three days of expert-led sessions, networking events, and the premier hardwood trade show of the year. Use the interactive schedule below to plan your time and make the most of your NHLA Convention experience.

2027 Convention Schedule

The 2027 Convention schedule will be posted soon!

2026 Convention Schedule

Download Schedule

Tuesday, September 15th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Tuesday, September 15th

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HCC - Room 7

Details

Held in conjunction with the 2026 NHLA Annual Convention, registration for this class also includes complimentary access to convention events—giving you the opportunity to expand your skills, connect with industry leaders, and maximize your time on-site.

Sponsor(s):

Day 1 - 3 Day Short Course

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Veterans Room 5th Floor @ Hilton

Details

A Golfers Only reception on Tuesday evening. Check-in to your room and come on down to meet your team and the other players.

Sponsor(s):

ITSEF Golf Tournament Player's Only Reception

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

Wednesday, September 16th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Wednesday, September 16th

7:00 AM

Hilton Hotel Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

Buses Depart for Golf Course

8:00 AM

HCC- Room 7

Details

Sponsor(s):

Day 2 - 3 Day Short Course

8:00 AM

Little Mountain Country Club - 7667 Hermitage Rd. Painesville, OH

Details

Sponsor(s):

ITSEF Annual Golf Tournament

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

HCC Atrium Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Registration Desk Opens

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Exhibitor Showcase Setup

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

East Terrace Rooftop

Details

Kick off the NHLA 2026 Convention with the Opening Jam Welcome Reception, Wednesday, September 16, from 5–7 PM. The hardwood industry is strongest when diverse perspectives come together across markets, roles, and regions. As we “take you down” into a shared space of conversation and connection, this opening gathering reminds us there’s “nothing to get hung about” when collaboration leads the way—because building a resilient, forward-looking industry is something we do better together, Strawberry Fields forever.

Sponsor(s):

Cascade Hardwood

Opening Jam Welcome Reception

7:30 PM

Center Street BC, 2nd Floor Hilton

Details

Sponsor(s):

Jartek

NHLA Board of Director's Dinner

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

Thursday, September 17th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Thursday, September 17th

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom CF

Details

Sponsor(s):

Adentra Group, DZD Hardwood, Inc., Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc., and RAM Forest Products

Full Breakfast Buffet for all Attendees

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

HCC Atrium Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Registration Desk Open

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom ABDE

Details

Sponsor(s):

Baillie

Opening Session with Keynote Speaker Connor Lokar

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HCC- Room 7

Details

Sponsor(s):

Day 3 - 3 Day Short Course

9:30 AM - 4 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Exhibit Showcase Open

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

HCC Hall A - Booth 519

Details

Sponsor(s):

Breeze Dried

Bloody Mary Bar

10:30 AM - 4 PM

HCC Room 2

Details

Sponsor(s):

National Inspector Connection Hub

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Lady Caroline

Details

On Thursday, spouses can enjoy a relaxing lunchtime cruise aboard the Lady Caroline, offering a unique opportunity to unwind, connect, and experience Cleveland from the water while taking in the city’s historic waterfront views.

Please meet in the Hilton lobby no later than 10:30 am for departure.

Date: 9/17/26
Time: 11 am- 2 pm
Cost: $150
Capacity: 25

Sponsor(s):

MO PAC Lumber Company

Spouse Event: Cruise on the Lady Caroline

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

HCC - Room 4

Details

Sponsor(s):

ITSEF Board Meeting

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Lunch Buffet

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

HCC Room 1

Details

Lew McCreery | U.S. Forest Service
Learn how wood energy can lower operating costs and create new value from mill residues. Lew McCreery will explore wood energy system options for sawmills and primary processors, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) opportunities that generate electricity from steam or low-temperature drying. The session will also cover grants, tax credits, emissions reductions, and partnership opportunities. With decades of experience and hundreds of projects supported nationwide, McCreery brings practical insight into implementing efficient, cost-effective wood energy solutions.

Sponsor(s):

Wolverine Hardwoods

Ed Session - Operating Savings Using Wood Energy

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Booth 506

Details

Sponsor(s):

Messersmith Wood Boilers

Beer at the Booth

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Mike Snow | Executive Director, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
Gain a global perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing American hardwood. Mike Snow will share insights on international market trends, trade dynamics, sustainability messaging, and the evolving role of U.S. hardwood in design and manufacturing worldwide. Drawing on AHEC’s global initiatives and market development efforts, this session will explore how the industry can strengthen demand, navigate uncertainty, and position American hardwood for long-term growth both domestically and abroad.

Sponsor(s):

Granite Valley Forest Products

Ed Session - Global Markets & the Future of American Hardwood

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

HCC - Room 8

Details

Sponsor(s):

2026 Canadian Hardwood Bureau Fall Meeting

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

HCC - Room 3

Details

Sponsor(s):

Nyle Dry Kilns

NHLA ITS Alumni Reception

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Details

The Better Together Reception brings the NHLA community to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Thursday, September 17, from 6–10 PM for a high-energy night of connection and conversation. Inspired by legendary rock partnerships—like Lennon & McCartney, Jagger & Richards, and Plant & Page—this networking reception celebrates the power of collaboration, where individual strengths come together to create something iconic. Join fellow members, partners, and industry leaders to spark new connections, strengthen existing ones, and reaffirm that the hardwood industry, like the greatest duos in rock history, is truly better together.

Sponsor(s):

NWH & U-C Coatings

Better Together Reception

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

Friday, September 18th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Friday, September 18th

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

HCC Atrium Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Registration Desk Open

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

HCC - Room 3

Details

Sponsor(s):

Fellowship of Christian Lumbermen Meeting

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Suite 202

Details

Claire Getty (Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods) and Patti Heintzelman (Keiver-Willard Lumber) will be joined by Stephanie VanDystadt (Hull Forest Products), NHLA’s incoming Chairperson, for an honest and encouraging conversation about building a lasting career in the hardwood industry. Drawing from their own experiences, they’ll explore the different paths that bring women into hardwood, navigating different seasons of life and career, finding mentorship and community, stepping into leadership, and supporting the women coming up behind them.

This breakfast is an opportunity to gather around the table, share experiences, ask questions, exchange advice, and make meaningful connections with others in the industry.

Sponsor(s):

Built to Lead: Women Shaping the Industry Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom CF

Details

Sponsor(s):

LumberPro Insurance

Breakfast Buffet

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom ABDE

Details

Sponsor(s):

PLM

General Session

9:30 AM - 4 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Exhibit Hall Opens

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

HCC Hall A - Booth 433

Details

Sponsor(s):

USNR

Bloody Mary Bar

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

HCC Room 2

Details

The NHLA Rules continue to evolve, and your voice matters.

During this year's Annual Convention in Cleveland, NHLA's National Inspectors will host an open Rules Change Forum to discuss proposed changes to the Rules Book, answer questions, and gather feedback from the people who use the Rules every day.

Whether you're a sawmill, manufacturer, distributor, or inspector, this is your opportunity to:

- Learn about upcoming Rules changes before they're implemented.
- Ask questions directly to NHLA's National Inspectors.
- Share your perspective on issues affecting your business.
- Better understand the proposals you'll be asked to consider in the future.

Come prepared with your questions—and your experience. The best Rules are shaped by the people who use them every day.

Sponsor(s):

Rules Change Open Forum

11:30 AM - 4 PM

HCC- Room 2

Details

Sponsor(s):

National Inspector Connection Hub

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Lunch Buffet

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Sponsor(s):

Lunawood

Ed Session - Thermal Modification Panel

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Stephens Hardwood

Beer in the Exhibit Hall

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Dan Meyer | Managing Editor & Analyst, Hardwood Review
Numbers tell the story — and Dan Meyer breaks it down. In this data-driven session, Meyer analyzes current hardwood market conditions, demand shifts, export trends, and the economic forces shaping what comes next. As Managing Editor & Analyst of Hardwood Review, he brings trusted industry intelligence and perspective to help attendees understand today’s volatility and prepare for the year ahead. Walk away with clear insights to support smarter business decisions.

Sponsor(s):

Lumber Resources

Ed Session - The Hardwood Industry Now: Data, Direction & What Comes Next

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Hilton Hall, 5th floor Superior CD

Details

For Friday night’s Encore Celebration, think rock & roll with a neon twist—black, metallics, leather, band tees, bright colors, white and glow-worthy accessories are all fair game. Dress it up or keep it casual—just come ready to light up the night and rock out one last time!

Sponsor(s):

MO PAC Lumber & LumberPro Insurance

Encore Celebration - Glow Party!

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

NHLA Chief Development Officer, John Hester

Have Questions About the Convention?

Whether you're attending the NHLA Convention for the first time or you’ve been with us for decades, we’re here to make your experience smooth and successful. Have questions about the schedule, registration, or what to expect? Reach out to our team directly.