Convention Schedule

Plan your convention experience with ease.

NHLA Members chat at the NHLA Convention

Join industry leaders, hardwood professionals, and NHLA members from across the country for three days of expert-led sessions, networking events, and the premier hardwood trade show of the year. Use the interactive schedule below to plan your time and make the most of your NHLA Convention experience.

2026 Convention Schedule

The 2026 Convention schedule will be posted soon!

2026 Convention Schedule

Tuesday, September 15th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Tuesday, September 15th

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Veterans Room 5th Floor @ Hilton

Details

A Golfers Only reception on Tuesday evening. Check-in to your room and come on down to meet your team and the other players.

Sponsor(s):

ITSEF Golf Tournament Player's Only Reception

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Held in conjunction with the 2026 NHLA Annual Convention, registration for this class also includes complimentary access to convention events—giving you the opportunity to expand your skills, connect with industry leaders, and maximize your time on-site.

Sponsor(s):

Day 1 - 3 Day Short Course

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

Wednesday, September 16th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Wednesday, September 16th

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

2nd Floor Lakeside Foyer, Hilton Hotel

Details

To-Go Breakfast

Sponsor(s):

Golfers Breakfast To-Go

7:00 AM

Hilton Hotel Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

Buses Depart for Golf Course

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HCC- Room 1

Details

Sponsor(s):

Day 2 - 3 Day Short Course

8:00 AM

Little Mountain Country Club - 7667 Hermitage Rd. Painesville, OH

Details

Sponsor(s):

ITSEF Annual Golf Tournament

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

HCC Atrium Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Registration Desk Opens

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Exhibitor Showcase Setup

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HCC- Room 3

Details

Sponsor(s):

AHEC Board Meeting - Time TBD

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

East Terrace Rooftop

Details

Kick off the NHLA 2026 Convention with the Opening Jam Welcome Reception, Wednesday, September 16, from 5–7 PM. The hardwood industry is strongest when diverse perspectives come together across markets, roles, and regions. As we “take you down” into a shared space of conversation and connection, this opening gathering reminds us there’s “nothing to get hung about” when collaboration leads the way—because building a resilient, forward-looking industry is something we do better together, Strawberry Fields forever.

Sponsor(s):

Cascade Hardwood

Opening Jam Welcome Reception

7:30 - 10:00 PM

Center Street BC, 2nd Floor Hilton

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Board of Manager’s Dinner

All Day

HCC- Suite 203

Details

Sponsor(s):

Spouse & Guest Hospitality Suite

All Day

HCC Suite 203

Details

Sponsor(s):

Spouse & Guest Hospitality Suite

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

Thursday, September 17th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Thursday, September 17th

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom CF

Details

Sponsor(s):

Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales, Inc.

Full Breakfast Buffet for all Attendees

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

HCC Atrium Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Registration Desk Open

8:00- 10:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom ABDE

Details

Sponsor(s):

Baillie

Opening Session with Keynote Speaker

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

TBD

Details

Sponsor(s):

Day 3 - 3 Day Short Course

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

HCC Hall A - Booth 519

Details

Sponsor(s):

Breeze Dried

Bloody Mary Bar

10:30 AM - 4 PM

HCC Room 2

Details

Sponsor(s):

National Inspector Connection Hub

10:30- 4 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Exhibit Showcase Open

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

HCC - Room 4

Details

Sponsor(s):

ITSEF Board Meeting

11:30 AM - 1 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Lunch Buffett

1:00 - 2:00 PM

HCC Room 1

Details

Lew McCreery | U.S. Forest Service
Learn how wood energy can lower operating costs and create new value from mill residues. Lew McCreery will explore wood energy system options for sawmills and primary processors, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) opportunities that generate electricity from steam or low-temperature drying. The session will also cover grants, tax credits, emissions reductions, and partnership opportunities. With decades of experience and hundreds of projects supported nationwide, McCreery brings practical insight into implementing efficient, cost-effective wood energy solutions.

Sponsor(s):

Ed Session - Operating Savings Using Wood Energy

2:00 - 3:00 PM

Details

Sponsor(s):

Stephens Hardwood

Beer at the Booth

2:30- 3:30 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Mike Snow | Executive Director, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
Gain a global perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing American hardwood. Mike Snow will share insights on international market trends, trade dynamics, sustainability messaging, and the evolving role of U.S. hardwood in design and manufacturing worldwide. Drawing on AHEC’s global initiatives and market development efforts, this session will explore how the industry can strengthen demand, navigate uncertainty, and position American hardwood for long-term growth both domestically and abroad.

Sponsor(s):

Onsite Technologies

Ed Session - Global Markets & the Future of American Hardwood

3:45- 5:00 PM

HCC - Room 3

Details

Sponsor(s):

Nyle Dry Kilns

NHLA ITS Alumni Reception

6:00- 10:00 PM

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Details

The Better Together Reception brings the NHLA community to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Thursday, September 17, from 6–10 PM for a high-energy night of connection and conversation. Inspired by legendary rock partnerships—like Lennon & McCartney, Jagger & Richards, and Plant & Page—this networking reception celebrates the power of collaboration, where individual strengths come together to create something iconic. Join fellow members, partners, and industry leaders to spark new connections, strengthen existing ones, and reaffirm that the hardwood industry, like the greatest duos in rock history, is truly better together.

Sponsor(s):

NWH

Better Together Reception

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

Friday, September 18th

Time

Event

Location

Details

Friday, September 18th

7:00 - 8:00 AM

HCC - Room 3

Details

Sponsor(s):

Fellowship of Christian Lumbermen Meeting

7:00 - 8:00 AM

Suite 202

Details

Built to Lead: Women Shaping the Industry brings together Claire Getty (Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods), Patti Heintzelman (Keiver-Willard Lumber), and Brady Portman (Banks Hardwoods, Inc.) for an honest, encouraging conversation about creating lasting careers as women in the hardwood industry. Panelists will share personal perspectives on breaking into the industry, staying motivated, and supporting one another, followed by informal networking to foster connection and community.

Sponsor(s):

Built to Lead: Women Shaping the Industry Breakfast

7:00 - 8:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom CF

Details

Sponsor(s):

Breakfast Buffett

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

HCC Atrium Foyer

Details

Sponsor(s):

NHLA Registration Desk Open

8:00- 10:00 AM

HCC Atrium Ballroom ABDE

Details

Sponsor(s):

PLM

General Session

10:30 - 4 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Exhibit Hall Opens

10:45 - 4 PM

HCC- Room 2

Details

Sponsor(s):

National Inspector Connection Hub

11:30 AM - 1 PM

HCC Hall A

Details

Sponsor(s):

Lunch Buffett

1:00 - 2:00 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Sponsor(s):

Ed Session - Thermal Modification Panel

2:00 - 3:00 PM

Booth 523

Details

Sponsor(s):

Messersmith Wood Boilers

Beer at the Booth

2:30 - 3:30 PM

HCC - Room 1

Details

Dan Meyer | Managing Editor & Analyst, Hardwood Review
Numbers tell the story — and Dan Meyer breaks it down. In this data-driven session, Meyer analyzes current hardwood market conditions, demand shifts, export trends, and the economic forces shaping what comes next. As Managing Editor & Analyst of Hardwood Review, he brings trusted industry intelligence and perspective to help attendees understand today’s volatility and prepare for the year ahead. Walk away with clear insights to support smarter business decisions.

Sponsor(s):

Ed Session - The Hardwood Industry Now: Data, Direction & What Comes Next

6:00 - 10:00 PM

Hilton Hotel, 5th floor Superior CD

Details

The Encore Celebration Gala brings the NHLA 2026 Convention to a memorable close on Friday, September 18, from 6–10 PM. Like a final encore that sends the crowd home on a high note, this elegant evening reflects on the connections made, ideas shared, and momentum built throughout the week. Join fellow members and industry leaders for a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection—because the best performances deserve one last moment in the spotlight.

Sponsor(s):

Encore Celebration

Pre-registration required

By invitation only

NHLA Chief Development Officer, John Hester

Have Questions About the Convention?

Whether you're attending the NHLA Convention for the first time or you’ve been with us for decades, we’re here to make your experience smooth and successful. Have questions about the schedule, registration, or what to expect? Reach out to our team directly.