5 minute read
See you in Louisville!
See you in Louisville - pronunciation Loo-ee-vill?
October 4th, 5th, and 6th. Where will you be? I will be with the rest of the hardwood industry in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Omni Hotel.
The National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Annual Convention serves as “the” event to attend. This convention is jam-packed with educational sessions, exciting speakers, networking opportunities, and (attendees’ favorite) the Bloody Mary bar! Thank you to all our generous and supportive sponsors for making this event possible.
“The question isn’t ‘what are we going to do,’ the question is ‘what aren’t we going to do?' ” - Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1986.
The above quote came to mind as I reviewed the convention agenda online for specific events I wanted to highlight in this letter and was quickly overwhelmed by the robust schedule.
Eric Traupe is our keynote speaker. Mr. Traupe is a National Intelligence Leader and former CIA Assistant Director! He will be speaking on empowering teams and successful team management. As a former CIA Assistant Director, he may have a few team-motivating ideas we have not thought of before. The “Hardwood Trends and Insight” and the new “Automation and Ales” sessions will also kick off on the first day!
The NHLA convention is the premier event opportunity for people in our industry to get together.
The second day is just as full as the first. Mike Snow, AHEC Executive Director, will speak at the morning session. The day continues with additional educational sessions on investing and more hardwood trends and insights. Finally, the convention wraps up with an amazing Grand Finale Party at The Kentucky Derby Museum! Many other events occur in and around the convention; check out the schedule online at NHLA.com.
Ever present and continuing both days is the Exhibit Showcase. Full of industry-leading technology and services, the exhibit hall is not to be missed. Lunch is served on both days in the hall as well!
Come to the convention and learn about new ideas—network with new and old friends. Donate to amazing causes that are implementing real change in our industry. Laugh at old jokes with new and old friends. Cry about the current market and finally, cut up with each other on the dance floor during the closing ceremony!
I hope to see you all at the convention. In past years, the convention has been enlightening from an educational standpoint. It has been efficient from a sales and customer relationship point of view, and it has been the highlight of the year for me to see old friends and meet new ones!
I look forward to a similar experience this year!
If you are interested in sponsoring this fantastic event or participating with a booth in the exhibit hall, there is still time; please contact John Hester at NHLA headquarters.
I will attempt to learn the proper pronunciation of Louisville. As a west coast guy, this is very challenging. I hope you can all be there to bug me regarding my attempts to get it right!
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Best wishes to you, your families, and your business.
See you all in Louisville!
