The Cutting Edge™ - November 2003

Industry News

The thirteenth Annual Woodworking Industry Conference (WIC) will take place April 21st – 24th at the El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort in Tucson, Arizona. The conference program, built around the theme “Chart Your Course For a More Profitable Tomorrow - Maneuver through the Obstacles of a Changing Marketplace” will feature a series of information-packed business, educational and networking sessions combined with a number of social events and leisure activities.

The meeting is co-sponsored by three industry associations – AWFS® (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers®), WMIA (Woodworking Machinery Industry Association) and WMMA (Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America). The 2004 WIC will be joined by The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) as a new participating association. Attendance is open to members and prospective members of the three associations, as well as associations seeking to partner and participate in the WIC.

The 2004 meeting schedule enables attendees to accomplish more in less time away from the office. All attendees are welcomed at a dinner on Wednesday, April 21st, and the meeting officially gets underway on Thursday, April 22, with an Opening Luncheon Session featuring a motivational keynote speaker. The educational program will continue with a series of business sessions and workshops to be held Friday and Saturday. Topics and industry issues to be addressed throughout the program will include:

• Entering the Chinese Manufacturing Market – Pitfalls to Avoid, Opportunities to Pursue
• Leading Indicators for When to Redefine or Expand Your Business
• Powerful Sales & Sales Force Management Techniques
• Increasing Profitability through Lean Manufacturing
• Preparing for the Diversified Workforce of Tomorrow
• Exchange forums on public policy, industry education, and partnering

  (all session topics subject to change)

In addition to the extensive educational offerings, the meeting also brings together top management from throughout the industry for a variety of networking opportunities. One of the highlights is the industry’s only Contact Table Program, a two-day forum for manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, importers, and end-users to get together for face-to-face business discussions. Participants are encouraged to make appointments in advance and take advantage of the opportunity to meet with industry suppliers and distributors. Over the course of the two days, participants can hold thirty 20-minute meetings.

An exciting array of group social events and leisure activities, including golf, tennis and area tours, will complement the strong business focus of the meeting.

Early Bird registration fees for WIC are $575 for members and $375 for spouses, companions and children 12 and over. After the early bird deadline, registration fees will increase by $100 in every category. Educators can attend for a flat fee of $200. Children under 12 can not attend WIC functions. Registration materials will be sent to all Association members in early January 2004. In the meantime, please visit http://www.wmma.org/events/wic.cfm for details.