The 2016 annual Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) convention taking place Sunday, October 23 until Tuesday, October 25 in Kansas City, Missouri will visit veneer firm C.S. Humphrey & Co. and RCS Millwork's 60,000 sq. ft. plant. The convention will also feature educational sessions, industry professional speakers, team building, networking, and over 50 industry-leading exhibitors.

Activities will actually begin Saturday, October 22 - a day before the show officially begins - with a case study from restaurant chain Benihana. Harvard MBA graduate and architectural woodworking businessman Marc Sanderson will focus on the restaurant's management style, operational and marketing strategies, production, and design choices. The rest of the day and Sunday will feature tours, networking, and a reception dinner.

Activities truly kick off Monday with a keynote speech from Ross Shafer, author of eight business books, 14 human resources training films, and winner of six Emmy Awards for his work as a television host and producer. The day will continue with a presentation about global economics from Alan Beaulieu, a financial management presentation from Sebastien DesMarais of Hollywood Woodwork, a sales and marketing lecture from Hafele America's Scott Markwood, succession and estate planning with Husch Blackwell's Christine DeMarea, and efficiently communicating through technology with Innergy Discover's Jonathon Adams.

Tuesday will continue with another keynote from Ross Shafer - this time regarding what customers will expect by the year 2020. AWI members will then head out on manufacturing plant tours, with visits to veneer firm C.S. Humphrey & Co. and RCS Millwork, who runs a 60,000 square foot manufacturing facility.