IWPA To Celebrate 50th Convention - April 5-7, 2006

Furniture World News

The imported wood products industry is already making plans for its largest annual meeting, IWPA's World of Wood 2006 - April 5-7, 2006 in Tucson, Arizona. Last year's convention in Savannah, Georgia resulted in a 50% increase in registered attendees over the previous year, with 375 individuals from nearly 20 different countries. Excitement and expectations are already running high for this year's 50th celebration. Keynote speakers on the global economy, specific markets and trends affecting imported wood use, and transportation and logistics highlight an innovative, business-forward convention agenda. Sergio Korn, President of the IWPA, announces a convention program that recalls pivotal highlights from the past 50 years and emphasizes the important role the association is plays for the industry's future. “The Association was relevant in 1956 and maintained this relevancy over the years by changing and growing with the industry. We are excited to continue this process with innovative new products and services for members that help them grow their businesses and allow us to better serve this great industry.” "World of Wood 2006 focuses on the rapidly growing market for imported wood products - softwood and hardwood," stated Brent J. McClendon, IWPA Executive Vice President. "The networking and market-focused events are designed to give overseas manufacturers and US importers, manufacturers, and down-stream distributors the opportunity to build new and expand existing relationships and track key business trends." The Loew’s Ventana Canyon Hotel in Tucson, Arizona will host IWPA's 50th Convention. Loews is nestled on 100 acres of ancient Sonoran desert. The property features two on-site championship golf courses, a Zagat’s #1 ranked restaurant and luxurious spa, all surrounded by endless views of Saguaro cacti and the Catalina Mountain foothills. Tucson International Airport is served by several airlines and is located about 35 minutes from the Loews; Phoenix is a 90 minute drive. More details on the convention are available at IWPA's Web site www.iwpawood.org World of Wood is organized by the International Wood Products Association. Established in 1956, IWPA is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 207 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: Offshore manufacturers, U.S. importers and the service providers that facilitate trade.