UNMISSABLE NETWORKING

Opportunity Awaits: October 2-4 in St. Louis, Missouri

This year, the single largest hardwood lumber convention will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. While other conventions focus on hardwood lumber, none is quite like the National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention! From captivating keynote speakers and cutting-edge educational seminars to the vibrant exhibit showcase and lively Bloody Mary bars, this event offers an unparalleled networking experience unlike any other in the hardwood industry.

Network and work with other attendees to find solutions. As one of our membership’s three most important surveyed needs, the NHLA convention provides you and your employees with the best, most efficient networking opportunity! With regular attendance of more than 1,200 attendees, the convention offers an unrivaled opportunity to build your business through new and old contacts. It’s a chance to strengthen your professional relationships and expand your network. As Bill Nye aptly said, “Everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t.” Our industry may embrace emerging technology in scanning and AI, but we still rely on relationships and networking to solve business and industry challenges. We are a high-tech yet high-touch industry, meaning we can see the benefits of emerging technology but count on genuine relationships to help implement them. The convention is the best place to gather and learn new information about our industry, discuss solutions for ongoing issues, and meet new and old friends.

I eagerly anticipate the convention each year. What will I learn? Who will I meet? How will that new information benefit my company in the future? What can I add to the conversation that might help our industry? These questions may be asked daily but are more easily answered at the convention with 1,200 like-minded attendees. The convention is a hub of energy and ideas, and your attendance is invaluable. In just a few short days, we can engage with and meet new customers and explore potential solutions for challenges we see daily in our operations. Time and money are finite, and attending the NHLA annual convention is the most efficient use of both.

The convention always has a robust and diverse group of exhibitors on the convention floor, and this year is no exception. Expect to see old vendors with new technology and solutions and new vendors with innovative ideas! The Bloody Mary bars on the convention floor are always a hit, and this year’s many giveaways on Friday afternoon will make you think twice about leaving the exhibit hall early!

Your new NHLA Chairman will take the gavel on Friday evening as I finish my two-year term. I am excited to present Bucky Pescaglia with the gavel! Finally, the West Coast reign will end, many of you might be thinking! Thank you for reading my letter—best wishes to you, your families, and your business. Unless you win the raffle at the end of the convention, then I am not so sure! See you all in St. Louis!

Jon Syre
NHLA Chairman 2022-2024
Cascade Hardwood