Baltimore, Md. -- Industry professionals looking to network and discuss strategies for recovering from a difficult 2009 should plan to attend the 2010 Woodworking Industry Conference in Monterey, Calif. Set for April 21-24, WIC 2010 is themed "Forget Yesterday, It's a New Tomorrow" as a reminder that one of the keys to surviving an economic downturn is planning to best position your organization to take full advantage of the economic recovery as it begins to inevitably gain momentum. The Hyatt Regency Monterey will host the conference.
WIC 2010 will differ from its predecessors. The conference will feature a newly revamped one-day only Contact Table Program. WIC's forums have been expanded to include a "Green User" Forum, two End User Forums, a Distributors Forum, a Manufacturers Forum and the Public Policy Forum and Economic Outlook. Also new on the horizon is an Industry Roundtable Discussion and an industry Panel of Change.
WIC 2010 will provide several opportunities for industry leaders to acquire educational tools and new ideas for the changing business world.
"The WIC conference is the industry's opportunity for a collaboration of leading industry associations to show a dedication and readiness to work together enthusiastically to bring to the industry a truly enjoyable networking event," Joan Kemp, President, AWFS, said. "We’re putting an emphasis on education, networking and sharing business strategies to strengthen the industry."
Executives at the other two sponsoring associations agree.
"This an important event for us. WIC offers outstanding networking opportunities and allows us to meet with a number of peers and partners for the cost of just a single trip," David Rothwell, president, WMIA, said.
"WMMA members can have measurable returns from attending WIC," said Tom Onsrud, C.R. Onsrud, Inc. and president, WMMA. "All the sponsoring association partners work diligently to create an engaging program. WIC 2010 will address specific issues that affect company profitability as well as the future trends that will profoundly touch our businesses. Although we tend to be immersed in everyday challenges, we all need to pause to learn and question the risks and rewards of the future. WIC facilitates this deeper understanding -- and in a very pleasant setting with very pleasant company!"
The Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA), a participating association in WIC shares that outlook as well. "WIC offers outstanding speakers on topics that help me as a manager, help the members of WCMA and help our industry as a whole to be more effective in these challenging times," says Keith Atherholt, president of Lewis Lumber Products and also WCMA. "We are all questioning how to spend our money to help our companies these days. WIC is worth the investment."
WIC 2010 will be held April 21-24, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey, California.
WIC is sponsored by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®), the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association® (WMIA®) and the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America® (WMMA®). Board members of all sponsoring organizations are united in their endorsement of WIC 2010.
