We invite you to join us for IWPA's 47th Annual Convention, World of Wood 2003, scheduled to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 26-28, 2003. Below is an overview on the convention, along with some quick reference links.

WORLD OF WOOD 2003 OVERVIEW
The International Wood Products Association's (IWPA) Annual Convention, known as "World of Wood," is organized by IWPA and brings together importers, producers, wholesalers and service providers (ports, steamship companies, customs brokers), among others to conduct business and to discuss the latest issues concerning trade in imported wood products-hardwoods and softwoods from both tropical and non-tropical producing regions.

With over 300 delegates and guests from nearly 20 countries, World of Wood is the largest gathering of the North American imported wood products industry in one place, at one time. In 2002, the U.S. market for imported wood and wood products (excluding furniture/furniture parts) was in excess of $15 billion dollars, and IWPA members represent a substantial amount of that market..nearly 75 percent of the volume of imported hardwoods alone.

Attendance Includes:
IWPA Members and Non-Members alike:
.. North American Importers-Hardwoods/Softwoods (45%)
.. Offshore Manufacturers/Exporters (25%)
.. Wood Products Trade Marketing Groups
.. Retailers
.. Manufacturers
.. Wholesalers
.. Service Providers
.. Shipping Lines
.. Ports
.. Government Agencies

Why You Should Participate
.. Network with peers from all over the world.
.. Keep abreast of the latest developments affecting trade in imported wood products.
.. Meet in the exhibit hall with representatives from companies active in the imported wood products industry, and learn about new products and services available to the industry.
.. Conduct business and meet with your customers and suppliers in one convenient location.
.. Become more educated on progress made toward sustainable forest management, forest policies and regulations, and wood products export trends.
.. Learn more about opportunities and markets in the U.S. for imported wood products.

OnLine Information
- Online Registration and Registration forms - www.iwpawood.org/regform.html
- Preliminary Schedule - www.iwpawood.org/schedule.pdf
- Early Registration List - www.iwpawood.org/reglist.html
- Last year's final registration list (typical each year) - www.iwpawood.org/reglist02.html
- Hotel Information and Reservation forms - www.iwpawood.org/hotel.html

We hope you can attend. Please contact us if you have further questions at info@iwpawood.org

Sincerely,
Annette Ferri
Member Services & Information

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Largest imported wood products industry gathering in the U.S.
IWPA's 47th Annual Convention - World of Wood 2003
Register Today
March 26-28, 2003
Omni Royal Orleans, New Orleans, LA
www.iwpawood.org/convention.html