The event, which gathers lead US suppliers and their key European customers for discussion of key issues and networking, takes place in Budapest from October 24-25.
One of the main presentations will be on the American Hardwood Export Council’s (AHEC) new American Hardwood Environmental Profile (AHEP) project. This, it maintains, is an industry first, drawing together all relevant environmental information about US hardwood into one data resource.
"The end result is a user-friendly tool that can potentially produce a verified environmental profile for every container of American hardwood," said AHEC.
This project will be complemented by overview presentations on US hardwood legality and sustainability from Professor Scott Bowe of Wisconsin University and AHEC sustainability consultant Rupert Oliver.
AHEC’s aims to develop and raise awareness of US hardwoods’ structural potential will also be a central topic. This will revolve around its current Endless Stair project in London, a 7.7m-high structure on show as part of the London Design Festival, built in cross-laminated tulipwood. The lessons learned from its design, engineering and construction will be discussed by Andrew Lawrence of project engineer Arup, and a replica model by sculptor Ray Winder will be on display.
Neil Summers of Timber Dimension will discuss his work exploring the applications and market possibilities of thermally-treated US hardwoods.
AHEC’s current marketing programme will be presented by AHEC executive director Mike Snow and a Q&A session chaired by chairman Dean Alanko will give delegates the chance to put questions on the market for US hardwoods to George Barrett of Hardwood Review USA and a panel of exporters.
For more information and to join the convention contact Lucy Peacock, tel: +44 20 7626 4111; lucy@americanhardwood.org
