NEW ORLEANS - The 2018 World of Wood Convention offers attendees the opportunity to learn from and interact with speakers and panelists with the foremost expertise in regulatory compliance, market intelligence, and corporate leadership. The annual convention hosted by the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) will take place March 14-16, 2018, at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

 

Over 300 importers, U.S. manufacturers, wholesalers, offshore suppliers, and service providers to the global wood products industry from nearly 30 countries attend this premier annual event.

 

Win Thin, renowned economist and Brown Brothers Harriman global head of emerging markets strategy, will keynote Thursday’s program with a discussion on financial and economic trends from his position on the front lines of global markets on Wall Street.

 

Also expected is Mary Kelly, an internationally known economist and leadership expert specializing in leadership, productivity, communication, and business growth. She has been featured in Forbes, Money Magazine, Entrepreneur, and the Wall Street Journal. Mary has authored 11 books, including award winning and best-selling Master Your World: Executive Leadership Strategies and 15 Ways to Grow Your Business in any Economy.

 

The convention will also feature a new supplier-importer exchange and lunch. This event will be a form of “speed dating” in which attendees will have an opportunity to connect with wood products suppliers of all types from around the world for a few minutes at a time.

 

"New Orleans is home to a cluster of long-time IWPA members as well as the Port of New Orleans, a vital hub for imported wood products and is the perfect venue for our 62nd annual meeting," said JoAnn Gillebaard Keller, IWPA president. "Anyone with a stake in the global imported wood market should consider inviting suppliers and customers alike to join you to sample the unique New Orleans culture while also catching up on cutting-edge design trends, the latest economic information, and critical legal and regulatory developments."

 

Attendees and their families can take advantage of fun activities and networking events including the IWPA Annual Golf Classic at Bayou Oaks at City Park and a New Orleans walking tour and lunch at the iconic Antoine’s Restaurant. The convention will conclude in true Mardi Gras fashion with a second line parade from the hotel to our closing Passing the Gavel reception and dinner. The World of Wood will take place in the historic Hotel Monteleone, a family-owned and operated hotel first built in 1886. 

 

Take advantage of Early Bird registration rates before they expire Dec. 17, 2017. The IWPA room block for hotel bookings expires Feb. 12, 2018.

 

Information about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities can be found here. 

 

Established in 1956, the IWPA is an international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 200 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: U.S. importers and consuming industries, offshore manufacturers, and the service providers that facilitate trade.