For BC Wood Members, NAWLA Traders Market kicked off the day before the tradeshow with a fun networking social sponsored by BC Wood and WRCLA with over 85 suppliers and distributors of high-quality western red cedar finished and remanufactured wood products. Later that day, we attended the official NAWLA Traders Market networking social where there were over 900 buyers and suppliers from across North America.
On day two, the opening of the Traders Market tradeshow started off strong with plenty of activity on the floor, with buyers from across North America meeting with suppliers to discuss their supply needs. The overall feeling of the event was a cautious optimism. While there is uncertainty in the current market, many felt the market will see improvements in the spring of 2024. People were happy to be doing business in person and that evening the event changed from a business-to-business event to more of a networking social, with the bar opening at five. Day three consisted of the same energy as day one, with people able to solidify connections with contacts made the day prior.
All in all, this year’s NAWLA Traders Market was a good event. The location, in Columbus, Ohio, was not an easy place to get to – especially from the West Coast – but both buyers and suppliers who participated in NAWLA 2023 saw value in the event as they benefited from key contacts and market opportunities.
