2008 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase Shared Vision With An International Audience
Presented by Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance

The 2008 National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase – the premier networking and educational conference of the hardwood industry – was held October 9-11 at the San Francisco Marriott. With 857 registered attendees from more than 17 countries, the Convention’s theme “Global Gathering of the Hardwood Community” truly lived up to its name.

“As the export market becomes increasingly more important to the North American industry, I think it is crucial for NHLA to expand its traditional networking opportunities provided to members,” said Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director of NHLA. “Having overseas participants was a natural progression for the convention.”

The convention provided attendees numerous networking opportunities including a new event, the international buyer “meet and greet.” During the well attended event, members of the Liaoning Furniture Association located near Shenyang, China were able to meet and begin business relationships with NHLA members looking for export opportunities.

The 3-day convention was packed full of activities including two keynote speakers: Mr. Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush and Mr. Chuck Leavell, tree farmer, author, and rock and roll musician who for the last twenty years has been the keyboardist for the Rolling Stones. This year’s educational seminars covered such topics as: The Economy and the Hardwood Industry, Certification of Hardwoods, and International Markets Sessions on Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Click here for more information about educational seminars.

As “visionaries for the industry” NHLA must help members see beyond current economic conditions and traditional markets by providing them information and opportunities to help grow their business now and in the future. The annual convention is the perfect place to make that happen.

As one attendee summarized “this convention offered attendees the opportunity to conduct viable business and obtain vital information and potential business opportunities. I look forward to an even better meeting in Boston. ”

2009 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase
September 30 - October 3
Sheraton Copley Place
Boston, MA

Click here for details about the 2007 Convention

2008 National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase

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