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,INCE ITS START in 1996, NAWLA Traders Market has become a signature event within the lumber industry and the premier industry tradeshow. No other show can come close to providing the value of Traders Market. The networking and business opportunities are unmatched.

Other shows consist primarily of service and machinery providers, but not Traders Market. If you are looking to sell a lumber product, looking for new suppliers, or wanting to expand to new networks, this is the place to be. It represents the crucial link in the supply chain. The show is about lumber and lumber products.

The tradeshow floor is the center of the Traders Market, with over 240 booths devoted to the manufacturing and distributing of lumber and related building materials. Most show activities take place on the floor, including the New Products Showcase and Networking Central. The floor has events scheduled on it to increase traffic and improve exhibitors' access to customers. Each exhibitor has a company description in the Market Guide and is named in the exhibitors list available online.

At the 2012 Traders Market, you will see some familiar features and a few new ones. The schedule once again allows attendees to retum home for the weekend or stay and enjoy some downtime after the show. The New Product Showcase returns after a second successful year. The Magellan Network program breakfast will feature an expert presentation on the industry in China. Part of the success of Traders Market is that people know what to plan around.

There are some changes, though. The most evident one is the addition of the GenNext Education Session & Luncheon on Wednesday. We started the special focus on the industry's next generation of leaders during the 201I Traders Market and continued it at the 2012Leadership Conference. At this luncheon, attendees will get a chance to network with their peers and hear an excellent presenter speak about being your best when it matters most. Not a member of GenNext? Don't worry. Everyone is welcome. Make sure you sign up to meet the future of this great industry.

We are certain the2012 Traders Market will live up to the show's excellent reputation as a business focused event. But we don't want you to wait another year to attend a NAWLA event. NAWLA has a new Leadership Conference in the spring. Earlier this year, some of the top executives and managers in the lumber industry had the chance to hear speakers like Billy Beane and Lt. Gen. Russel Honore talk about what it takes to be a successful leader. During the day, the schedule was packed with educational panels on some of the most pressing issues of the day. Don't miss the 2013 Leadership Conference at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Fl. Members and non-members are welcome at the Leadership Conference.

We hope to see you in Chicago

Gary Vitale NAWLA PresidentlC.E.O.