IWF2024 Recap: Four Days That Flew By

For what should have felt like long days on a trade show floor turned out to be four days that flew by. Between making stops at Member and Tech Partner exhibits and visiting with everyone who stopped by the WCMA booth, we managed to keep up with the pace establishing new contacts, and promoting WCMA membership.

This year, the WCMA booth was sporting a new look with color wall graphics, a newly published Buyer's Guide, and show swag generously donated by some of our Tech Partners. The Buyer's Guide was well received and we talked to several visitors who left with specific contact info for outsourcing. The swag of course gave us a chance to talk up our Tech Partners and direct members and visitors to their locations at the show. 

Frequent conversations centered around the economy, imported wood products, workforce, and production. There was a real sense, at least from the folks we talked to, that the wood industry is holding its own as it always has. Growth may be a bit slower than some would like to see but, by and large, the outlook is positive. 

One of the many highlights from our week in Atlanta included celebrating Doucet Machineries' 50th Anniversary with them on Wednesday night. That margarita and those appetizers were just what we needed after a busy day. Our thanks to Doucet for having us, and congratulations on celebrating this milestone.

Our own Amy Snell along with Tom Inman (AWPA) were invited to give a presentation highlighting the Real American Hardwood Coalition on Thursday afternoon. Many of the attendees had never heard of RAHC but expressed support for an initiative that promotes awareness and use of hardwoods to consumers, homebuilders, and architects. 

Our thanks to the members who took the time to stop by and say hello, and to the members and tech partners who's exhibits were outstanding. Tambour panels, hidden drawers, robots, fresh new colors, and an emphasis on sustainability were just a few of our favorites on the show floor. Then, there was running into the crew from Associated Hardwoods at the hotel as we were all coming and going everyday. Just wondering …. how are those guys so happy all the time? 

​All of you make promoting your products, technology and innovation so easy. We're proud to represent the wood components industry and look forward to more successful outings like this one in the future.