SCHAUMBURG, IL – The National Cabinet Conference was a critical success, drawing cabinet professionals from throughout North America. The event, held March 18-20 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, was organized by Custom Woodworking Business and Wood & Wood Products. The Cabinet Makers Assn. served as the event’s major sponsor.

A total of 109 individuals, representing 20 states, two Canadian provinces and even the Virgin Islands, attended educational sessions of the second annual NCC. Attendance was 50% above the inaugural Cabinet Conference held in Dallas, TX, in 2007.

The educational format earned rave reviews from attendees, beginning with a trio of half-day workshops on the topics of “Lean Manufacturing for Custom Cabinetmakers,” “How to Make More Money Making & Selling Custom Cabinets” and “The Business of Finishing Wood.”

The majority of the presentations were conducted by members of the CMA, all of whom are involved with the day-to-day operations of custom cabinet manufacturing companies.

Presentations ran the gamut from business topics, such as, “Transitioning from Residential to Commercial Cabinetry” and “Marketing and Advertising for Cabinetmakers,” through “Getting More from Your CNC” and “Wood Finishing 101.” The keynote speech by Bob DeStefano, president of SVM E-Business Solutions, “How to Build an Online Marketing Machine,” was the icing on the cake of three great days of learning.

Dave Grulke, one of the featured CMA presenters and owner of Big Dave’s Service, took full advantage of the multiple opportunities to network with fellow cabinet executives who attended the sessions. “The woodworking professionals in attendance were really pleased and the quality of information provided was second to none,” he said.

“We were extremely pleased with the quality of the education sessions,” said Rich Christianson, associate publisher of CWB and W&WP. “All of the speakers were well prepared and delivered important, timely information in their presentations.

“We are especially grateful for the contributions by the members of the CMA, who took time away from their businesses to share their real-world knowledge and experience,” Christianson added. “We very much look forward to partnering with the CMA again in the future.”

The NCC was held in conjunction with a woodworking expo that featured about 70 leading manufacturers and distributors of woodworking machinery, supplies and services.

The next National Cabinet Conference will be held in conjunction with the 8^th Texas Woodworking Show, March 25-27, 2009, in Dallas.

For information about attending, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, phone the show management office at (630) 434-7779 or e-mail [email protected].