Welcome to New Orleans for the 62nd Annual World of Wood Convention! We are excited to host attendees from across the country and around the world in a city with a rich history in the global wood products trade, especially here at the historic and beautiful Hotel Monteleone.

It has been a pleasure to serve our industry as President of IWPA at a time of both growth and emerging challenges. World of Wood is the one opportunity each year for us all to come together–customers, suppliers, and service providers alike–to learn more about the latest developments impacting our industry. The agenda we have assembled is packed with experts and information you can use.

Thursday’s keynote speaker will be Win Thin, Senior Vice President of Inves-tor Services at Brown Brothers Harriman, who will discuss global economic and emerging markets trends affecting global wood products industry going forward. On Friday we’ll be joined by leadership expert Mary Kelly, a former business and economics professor who will help attendees Master Your Wood Products World by building successful productivity, communication and busi-ness strategies. We’ll also hear from experts from industry, government, and civil society about critical issues such as trade agreements and enforcement, formaldehyde emissions limits, CITES, and navigating U.S. regulations.

New this year is our Supplier-Importer Exchange, showcasing suppliers from around the world. Come introduce yourself, learn a little about what they have to offer, and begin building a connection and plans for a future business relationship.

To help attendees experience more of what New Orleans has to offer, we have also scheduled fun activities such as the IWPA Annual Golf Classic at the beautiful Bayou Oaks at City Park course, the New Orleans walking tour with lunch at iconic Antoine’s Restaurant, and the President’s 3k Fun Run/Walk. Our packed agenda closes on Friday evening with the Passing the Gavel Reception and Banquet as I hand off leadership of our association to Caroline McIlvain of J. Gibson McIlvain Company.

We are so glad you’ve taken the time to join us for this wonderful event. If there is any way we at IWPA can help you get more from your attendance or membership in IWPA, please let me know!

Sincerely,

JoAnn Gillebaard Keller • IWPA President

62ND WORLD OF WOOD

Annual ConventionMARCH 14 – 16, 2018 HOTEL MONTELEONE • NEW ORLEANS, LA

S C H E D U L E

T U E S D A Y , M A R C H 1 3 T H

10:00–11:30 am Executive Committee Meeting (CLOSED) – The Board Room

11:30 am–1:30 pm Executive Committee Lunch (CLOSED) – Criollo Restaurant

2:00–5:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting (CLOSED) – Vieux Carre Room

5:30–6:30 pm Board of Directors & Sponsors Reception (BY INVITATION ONLY) – Vieux Carre Room

W E D N E S D A Y , M A R C H 1 4 T H

7:00 am–1:00 pm IWPA Annual Golf Classic (SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) – Meet in Lobby

10:00 am–4:00 pm Registration Open – Iberville C

2:00–3:30 pm Committee Meeting – Due Care and Education – Iberville A

3:30–4:15 pm Sourcing Mongolian Oak: Lessons from the Metropolitan Flooring and WWF-GFTN Collaboration – Iberville A

4:15–5:00 pm Crisis Communications Workshop – Iberville A

5:00–7:30 pm Registration Open – Queen Anne Foyer

5:30–6:00 pm Spouse/Guest Reception – Queen Anne A

6:00–7:30 pm President’s Opening Reception – Queen Anne Ballroom

P R E S I D E N T ’ S O P E N I N G R E C E P T I O N6:00 – 7:30 pm • Queen Anne Ballroom

Please join IWPA President JoAnn Gillebaard Keller for the 62nd Annual World of Wood Convention Opening Reception.

The Reception’s bar is generously sponsored by Rukert Terminals.

S C H E D U L E

T H U R S D A Y , M A R C H 1 5 T H

All sessions take place in Iberville AB unless otherwise specified. Please refer to the key on the next page for the floor where the meeting rooms are located.

8:00 am Registration Opens – Iberville C

8:00–9:00 am Networking Breakfast with Exhibits – Iberville D

9:00 am–2:00 pm Spouse/Guest Program: New Orleans Walking Tour & Lunch at the Iconic Antoine’s (SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) – Meet at Grandfather Clock

9:00–9:45 am Opening Welcome & Business Session; Cindy Squires – Executive Director/JoAnn Gillebaard Keller – President

9:45–10:45 am Emerging Trends in Global Trade: NAFTA and FCPA

10:45–11:00 am Networking Break with Exhibits – Iberville D

11:00–11:45 am Due Care: A Supplier-Importer Partnership from the Compliance Professional’s Perspective

12:00–1:30 pm Supplier-Importer Exchange and Lunch – Queen Anne Ballroom

1:45–2:45 pm KEYNOTE: Economic, Financial, and Wood Markets Outlook for 2018 - Win Thin, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

2:45–3:00 pm Networking Break with Exhibits – Iberville D

3:00–4:30 pm Formaldehyde Update: EPA Implementation and Developments in Canada

4:30–5:15 pm Taking CITES into the Next Millennium

5:30–6:30 pm Networking Reception: Come enjoy a classic New Orleans cocktail! – Queen Anne Ballroom

Emerging Trends in Global Trade: NAFTA and FCPA • 9:45 – 10:45 amExperts from both the U.S. government and the private sector will discuss the outlook for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and recent enforcement trends relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and several other laws affecting wood products importers. Introduced and moderated by Andy Johnson of the Hardwood Market Report, this panel will feature Brian Ledgerwood, Senior International Trade Specialist for the International Trade Administration’s Office of Materials Industries, and Sam Witten, an attorney with the leading law firm Arnold & Porter.

Due Care: A Supplier-Importer Partnership from the Compliance Professional’s Perspective • 11:00 – 11:45 am A key principle of Lacey Act compliance gleaned from recent Department of Justice settlements is that wood products importers must work closely with their suppliers to educate them about legal sourcing requirements. This panel, led by Joe O’Donnell, Senior Manager of Government and Public Affairs for IWPA, will give attendees an inside perspective on due care from industry leaders from a wide swath of the North American imported wood products marketplace. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with Amy Davidson of Tumac, Caroline McIlvian of the J. Gibson McIlvain Company, Michelle Meincke of Masco Cabinetry, and Hugh Reitz of UCS Global, as they share their expertise gained working with suppliers on Lacey Act compliance.

Supplier-Importer Exchange and Lunch • Noon – 1:30 pmSpeed dating for the wood trade professional! Over lunch, visit with producers who are excited about expanding wood products exports to the North American market.

KEYNOTE: Economic, Financial, and Wood Markets Outlook for 2018• 1:45 – 2:45 pmWin Thin, renowned economist and Brown Brothers Harriman Global Head of Emerging Markets Strategy will keynote Thursday’s program with a discussion on economic and financial trends and how they will impact your business from his position on the front lines of global markets on Wall Street.

Formaldehyde Update: EPA Implementation and Developments in Canada• 3:00 – 4:30 pmNorth American importers and overseas producers face considerable risk as uncertainty persists about when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s formaldehyde emissions regulation will take effect. IWPA Executive Director Cindy Squires will lead this session as EPA’s Erik Winchester, Lynn Baker from the California Air Resources Board, and Lara Kouri of Health Canada brief attendees about the latest developments as their jurisdictions develop and implement formaldehyde emission limitations.

Taking CITES into the Next Millennium • 4:30 – 5:15 pm The 2016 decision to list hundreds of rosewood species on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has expanded its reach far beyond importers who specialized in a few precious wood species. Chip Barber, Director of the Forest Legality Initiative at the World Resources Institute will lead this panel discussion featuring Craig Hoover, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Management Authority, the U.S. federal agency charged with implementing the CITES requirements, and Paul Platts of PRS Guitars as they discuss how U.S. companies are complying with this listing and the future of CITES compliance and enforcement.

Networking Reception: Come enjoy a classic New Orleans cocktail! • 5:30 – 6:30 pmNew Orleans is home to legendary cocktails. Come enjoy your favorite, like the Sazerac— a perfect blend of Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Peychaud’s Bitters, and a crushed sugar cube. Sponsored by Mowry & Grimson.

T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 5 T H

I W PA C O M M I T T E E M E E T I N G S (IWPA MEMBERS AND INVITED GUESTS)

Throughout the ConventionWe are setting aside time for current members of, as well as those interested in joining, IWPA

Committees. On Friday we will be holding meetings of the Due Care and Education

Committee (Wednesday – 2:00 pm), Plywood Standard Working Group (Friday

– 8:00 am) and Formaldehyde Compliance Committee (Friday – 2:00 pm).

S C H E D U L E

F R I D A Y , M A R C H 1 6 T H

All sessions take place in Iberville AB unless otherwise specified. Please refer to the key below for the floor where the meeting rooms are located.

7:00–7:30 am President's 3K Fun Run/Walk – Meet in Lobby

8:00–9:00 am Networking Breakfast with Exhibits – Iberville D

8:00–8:45 am Committee Meeting – Plywood Standard Working Group – Bienville C

9:00–10:00 am KEYNOTE: “Master Your Wood Products World” – Mary Kelly, Productive Leaders

10:00–10:15 am Networking Break with Exhibits – Iberville D

10:15 am–12:00 pm Beyond Scope: Classification and Anti-Circumvention Following the Chinese Plywood Ruling

12:00–2:00 pm Lunch on own

12:15–2:00 pm IWPA Past President's Luncheon (CLOSED) – Royal Salon D

2:00–3:30 pm Keynote Speaker Breakout Session – Mary Kelly “Leading Growth in Your Wood Products World

2:00–3:15 pm Committee Meeting – Formaldehyde Compliance – Queen Anne Ballroom

3:30–4:45 pm U.S. Regulations – Suppliers, Bring Your Questions – Queen Anne Ballroom

5:15–6:00 pm IWPA PAC Appreciation Reception (BY INVITATION ONLY) – Queen Anne A

6:15–7:00 pm Second Line Parade – Meet in Queen Anne Ballroom

7:00–10:00 pm Closing Passing the Gavel Reception and Banquet – Pat O’Brien’s Bar (718 ST. PETER ST.)

KEYNOTE: “Master Your Wood Products World”• 9:00 – 10:00 amMary Kelly, is an internationally known economist and leadership expert specializing in leadership, productivity, communication, and business growth. She has been featured in hundreds of periodicals, including Forbes, Money Magazine, Entrepreneur, and the Wall Street Journal. Mary has authored 11 books, including award winning and best-selling Master Your World: Executive Leadership Strategies and 15 Ways to Grow Your Business in any Economy. She will share leadership development and economic development strategies that will

help position your company for the best possible growth in 2018 and beyond.

Beyond Scope: Classification and Anti-Circumvention Following the Chinese Plywood Ruling • 10:15 am – NoonMany companies that import and distribute plywood products from around the world are adjusting their supply chains in the wake of the International Trade Commission’s ruling in favor of the Petitioners in the Chinese Plywood antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) case. Even industry veterans have questions about how this decision and the resulting duties will impact their businesses. To address these questions, Laurel Duvall, National Import Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Commodity Specialist Division, and Kristin Mowry of Mowry & Grimson PLLC, the firm that represented the coalition of wood products importers and U.S. manufacturers that contested the case, will share their expertise about the scope of the decision and what companies should keep in mind when importing plywood products into the United States.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER BREAKOUT SESSION: Mary Kelly “Leading Growth in Your Wood Products World” • 2:00 – 3:30 pm Keynote Speaker Mary Kelly will also lead a smaller breakout session during which she will work directly with attendees to build leadership strategies that will have immediate impacts in your enterprise.

U.S. Regulations – Suppliers, Bring Your Questions • 3:30 – 4:45 pmThe legal and regulatory requirements required of those selling wood products in the U.S. market can be daunting. IWPA Executive Director Cindy Squires will be joined by Elizabeth Baldwin of Metropolitan Hardwood Floors, Chris Battin of Benchmark International and Rachel Butler of the Global Timber Forum as they answer questions attendees have about compliance challenges producers face as they seek to export wood products to the U.S.

PAC Appreciation Reception (BY INVITATION ONLY) • 5:15 – 6:00 pmJoin Louisiana’s own U.S. Senator John Kennedy, a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, as he shares his thoughts about how Congress is working to promote policies that lead to continued robust economic growth and greater opportunities for small businesses.

Second Line Parade • 6:15 – 7:00 pmGrab a drink and let the good times roll! Sponsored by Coastal Cargo, attendees will parade through the French Quarter as we take the party from the Hotel Monteleone to the world-famous Pat O’Brien’s Bar.

Passing the Gavel Reception & Banquet at Pat O’Brien’s • 7:00 – 10:00 pmAll Convention attendees are invited to attend the closing reception and banquet sponsored by Floor & Decor.

F R I D AY, M A R C H 1 6 T H

ROOM LEVEL

The Board Room Second Floor Criollo Restaurant Ground Floor Iberville Rooms MezzanineGrandfather Clock In LobbyLobby Ground FloorQueen Anne Rooms MezzanineRoyal Salon Ground FloorVieux Carre Room Rooftop (16th Floor)

Thank You Convention Sponsors!

ASF Logistics EXHIBITOR“A Mobile, AL based full service international logistics provider, freight forwarder, NVOCC, and custom’s house broker. ASF Logistics specializes in providing customers with solutions that provide for the optimum flow of goods, materials, and information.”

Hardwood Market Report EXHIBITOR“The Hardwood Market Report, established in 1922, is a weekly publication that provides benchmark pricing and market commen-tary on North American hardwood lumber and the hardwood products industry. Our primary mission is to provide our subscribers the best and most reliable pricing and market information available.”

Metrix Logistics Group LLC EXHIBITOR“Founded in 2008, Metrix Logistics Group is one of the country's leading logistics management service providers. Based in Houston, Texas in close proximity to the Port of Houston. We take pride in being regarded as one of the most reliable and affordable logistic and warehousing service providers in the country.”

Port of Port Arthur EXHIBITOR“Considered by many to be the premier break bulk port in the Gulf.”

U-C Coatings EXHIBITOR“Manufacturer of wood protection products for hardwood log and lumber producers. Prevent losses due to end checking; improve yield; conserve natural resources.”

U.S. Custom & Border Protection EXHIBITOR “The world’s first full-service border entity to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity.”

Rukert Terminals Corporation SILVER SPONSOR “Proudly handling your cargo in Baltimore since 1921.”

South Jersey Port CorporationSILVER SPONSOR “Leaders in handling break bulk cargo and one of leading U.S. ports handling wood products.”

Coastal Cargo Company LLPEVENT SPONSOR“One of the premier break bulk stevedoring and terminal operators licensed in the ports of Panama City, FL; Mobile, AL; Pascagoula, MS; New Orleans, LA and Houston, TX.”

Mowry & Grimson EVENT SPONSOR“International trade lawyers providing expert counsel on import/export, Lacey Act, antidumping/countervailing duty, CBP-related pre-merger due diligence and related compliance matters before government agencies and federal courts.”

J. Gibson McIlvain CompanyBRONZE SPONSOR “Wholesale importers of hardwoods shipping nationwide and millwork manufacturers.”

American Pacific Plywood BRONZE SPONSOR “Importer of plywood and plywood products. Exporter of logs and veneer.”

Bedford Falls CommunicationsSUPPORTING SPONSOR “A specialized publishing company focused on custom, trade and association publications and marketing initiatives.”

American Pacific Inc.PRESIDENT’S 3K FUN RUN/WALK SPONSOR“Manufacturer of wall panels, and fireplace mantels.”

Holland Southwest InternationalLEAD KEYNOTE SPONSOR“Importer, exporter, distributor of hardboards, MDF, particleboard and plywood.”

Argo Fine ImportsGOLD SPONSOR “Direct importer of hardwood plywood, softwood, fancy, and pine.”

Floor and Decor GOLD SPONSOR “Leading specialty retailer in the hard surface floor-ing market, offering the broadest in-stock selection of tile, wood, stone, related tools and flooring accessories – at the best prices.”

Malaysian Timber Council GOLD SPONSOR“Strengthening the Malaysian timber industry's global presence.”

Baillie Lumber SILVER SPONSOR “Your single source for the world's hardwoods.”

Clarke Veneers and Plywood SILVER SPONSOR“Providing raw material solutions to panel producers since 1947.”

Lacey Wood ProductsSILVER SPONSOR“Importer and exporter of hardwood lumber, decking and millwork with a focus on wood products from Central & South America, Africa and Fiji.”

Northwest HardwoodsSILVER SPONSOR“From Alder to Zebrawood – the power of possibilities.”