2009 Ahec European convention

This year’s American hardwood European convention (22 and 23 October, Hilton Hotel, Athens) will once again provide an important forum for American hardwood exporters and the European trade to discuss and debate the key issues which affect European markets. And, given the challenging economic conditions, the 2009 convention promises to be a particularly important meeting for anyone involved in the sector.
The two topics which dominate the first day’s programme reflect the current climate for timber procurement – certification and the impact of the “credit crunch”. Thursday’s (22 October) main session starts with a panel discussion, chaired by Ed Pepke, acting head of the Un/Ece Timber Committee on the relevance of certification for American hardwoods. And after the coffee break Ahec chairman Orn Gudmundsson will chair a debate on the ”credit crunch”, with the focus on the road to recovery.
The 2009 Convention platform also provides an opportunity for the presentation of a groundbreaking r&d project which has seen close collaboration between Ahec and treatment specialists Osmose.
The project focuses on the creation of new exterior markets, such as cladding, for American tulipwood, one of the most prolific and versatile of all the American hardwood species.
For more information:www.americanhardwood.org.