AHEC European Convention - 22 & 23 October 2009

The American Hardwood European Convention has a great track record as an important and constructive forum for American hardwood exporters and the European trade to discuss and debate key issues which affect European markets. In these turbulent times, this year's Convention on 22nd and 23rd October 2009, is going to be an important meeting for anyone involved in the sector.

We have designed our Convention to be as participative as possible and discussion and debate is at the heart of our approach.

We welcome American exporters, European importers and American hardwoods agents, as well as larger manufacturers who also import.

This year's convention is being held in Athens, Greece at the Hilton Hotel.

Programme details

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	Thursday 22 October
09.15	Registration & coffee
09.45	Opening welcome Yannis Albanis, President, Greek Importers Association
09.50	"Creating new market opportunities for US hardwoods in Europe" David Venables, AHEC European Director
10.15	Session one: "The impact of the global recession on hardwood trading and the road to recovery" Presentation by Ed Pepke, UNECE/FAO Timber Committee, Geneva Panel discussion chaired by Orn Gudmundsson Jr, Northland Corporation, USA (AHEC Chairman) Panellists Matt Gauvrit, American Hardwood Industries, USA
11.45	Coffee
12.15	Session two: "Future hardwood fashions and trends - challenges & opportunities for US hardwoods" Presentation by Michael Buckley, World Hardwoods, Singapore Panel discussion chaired by David Venables, AHEC European Director Panellists: Arif Lalani, Bentley Designs Ltd, UK Hank Marchal, Robinson Lumber, Belgium
13.30	Lunch (in Thalia Meeting Rooms, Pool Level)
15.30	Session three: "Green procurement & marketing - opportunities for US hardwoods?" "Meeting the challenge of Green Building" Jim Greaves, Hopkins Architects, UK "How US hardwoods can use science and Life Cycle Assessment for Green Building design?" Dr Richard Murphy, Imperial College, UK "How US hardwoods are meeting the 'green' marketing challenge?" Mike Snow, AHEC Executive Director Panel discussion chaired by Rupert Oliver, Forest Industries Intelligence Ltd, UK
17.30	Closing remarks
20.00	Gala Dinner (in Thalia Meeting Rooms, Pool Level)

	Friday 23 October
09.30	Introduction David Venables, AHEC European Director
09.35	The tulipwood challenge - new exterior markets David Venables, AHEC European Director Neil Summers, Osmose, UK
10.15	Introducing US hardwoods & how to grade them to the NHLA standard Bob Sabistina, Former NHLA Chief Inspector & AHEC Technical Consultant
11.30	Coffee
12.00	Practical lumber grading demonstration and Q&A session Bob Sabistina, Former NHLA Chief Inspector & AHEC Technical Consultant
13.30	Lunch (in Terpischore D Room, Convention Level)

Venue and Accommodation details

2007 Convention review

2007 Convention photos