COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Executive Briefing Conference (EBC), the woodworking industry’s most unique event for C-level executives, will take place Sept. 15-17 at The Broadmoor, one of the nation’s most iconic luxury resorts.

The EBC was founded on the premise of bringing leaders together from all ranks of the woodworking industry – cabinets, furniture, architectural woodwork, machine manufacturers, suppliers, etc. - to address what’s new and what’s next.

The agenda for the 17th edition of the EBC is brimming with presentations on top-of-mind topics, front-of-trend technologies, and thought-provoking concepts -- all delivered by experts in their field. The EBC also serves as a high-octane networking forum for woodworking decision-makers to meet with their peers to discuss current and future business challenges and opportunities in a non-commercial environment. And what better backdrop is there to talk shop than the majestic Rocky Mountains?
 

Jim Bouchard	Dr. Chris Kuehl

2022 EBC keynotes
The three-day EBC is book-ended by keynote presentations. 

Jim Bouchard, the founder of the Sensei Leadership Movement, is making an encore performance as the opening keynoter following his highly acclaimed presentations at the 2021 EBC. Bouchard’s presentation, “The Only Certainty Is Uncertainty,” will dive into the tremendous opportunities managers have to become great leaders despite all of the current challenges.

Dr. Chris Kuehl, economist, will deliver the closing keynote. He will provide EBC attendees with his international perspective of evolving geopolitical scenarios including Russia’s war on Ukraine and lingering COVID-19 issues.

Case studies
EBC 2022 will feature a pair of case study interviews of executives representing leading-edge woodworking companies.

Luke Elias, president of Muskoka Cabinet of Ottawa, Ontario, will discuss his company’s embracement of Industry 4.0, which includes an RFID-enabled robotic panel processing cell and an RFID-enabled finishing line. As Elias puts it, “We call ourselves a high-tech company that makes kitchens.” 

The second case study will feature Jimmy and Michael Thornberry of Powell Valley Millwork of Clay City, Ky.  Powell Valley is a large-volume manufacturer of poplar products including primed interior trim, S4S boards, jambs, plantation shutter components, and picture frame mouldings.

More EBC highlights
Arguably the most challenging issue rippling through the wood products industry is supply chain disruptions. Scott Prillaman, senior vice president of Hooker Furniture, will provide his global perspectives on supply chain issues both now and in the future. 

Recruiting, training, and retaining skilled production workers has been a perennial challenge for most woodworking companies. Thomas Allott of Stiles Education will introduce the National Wood Board, an organization dedicated to duplicating the success of the MiLL national woodworking training academy across the country. Indeed, EBC attendees will have an opportunity to tour the MiLL.

Kenn Busch, founder of Material Intelligence, will moderate the panel discussion “Material Impacts on Sustainability Strategies and ESG Leadership”  Busch notes that major manufacturers like OFS Brands and Nobilia Kitchens are embracing the Climate Positive advantages of building with composite wood products.

No EBC is complete without an insightful technology overview presented by Gary Wernlund, sales manager of office furniture manufacturing for Stiles Machinery.

EBC is owned and organized by Woodworking Network. Returning sponsors include Stiles Machinery, Blum, Weima America, and Innergy. 

Learn more and register at executivebriefingconference.com.

About the Executive Briefing Conference
Since 2002, the EBC has been the premier venue for key manufacturers to network and explore new ways to succeed. By providing strategic and practical information that addresses manufacturing challenges, the EBC provides a unique forum to find out about new technologies and methods, and discover opportunities in a non-commercial environment. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Harry Urban at 708-373-4344, [email protected].

More upcoming Woodworking Network events
Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, Oct. 13-14, 2022, Spooky Nook Sports Center/Warehouse at the Nook, Manheim, Pa.

Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré (SIBO), Oct. 27-29, 2022, Centrexpo Cogeco, Drummondville, Quebec.

Wood Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 2-4, 2023, International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

Closets Conference & Expo co-located with Wood Pro Expo Florida, April 12-14, 2023, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Fla.