Taking a fresh look at NatCon 2020

With so much going on in our world these days, the next several issues of The Link will include “memory refresher” articles regarding what’s on tap for HMA’s August 19-21 National Conference and Expo in Nashville.

If this feels like déjà vu, it should. Our event theme is “Piloting Change,” and the Conference learning sessions will focus on getting “ahead of the curve,” and setting a course to take us from where we are today, to where we’d like to be tomorrow.

• Our Opening Session on Thursday, August 20, is entitled, "Lost in Translation–Your benchmarking GPS to Profitability." Industry consultant and Vice President of The Beck Group, Roy Anderson, will discuss Benchmarking practices, the salient “navigation system” for you and your business going forward. He’ll then be joined by several HMA members who will share the benchmarks that are important in their own operations.
• In a session entitled, “Advocacy and Representation,” Dana Lee Cole, Hardwood Federation Executive Director and industry advocate in Washington, will provide the latest on what’s happening in our nation’s Capital. And on the local front, Neil Owens, Business Development Consultant for Forestry and Wood Products, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, will discuss “Investing in Growth of Tennessee Wood Products.”
• And then before breaking for lunch, plan on an interactive session, “Operations and Technology SoundBytes,” presented by industry suppliers, with testimonials from HMA members. WoodEye will be talking advances in Thermally Modified Hardwood processes and market opportunities associated with the versatile material. DMSi Software will be talking TallyExpress. And TS Manufacturing will be discussing improved Stacker and Stick Placing Systems.

Next month, we’ll pick up where we left off. In the meantime, you’ll find all of the National Conference and Expo details at www.HMAmembers.org.