As part of the Softwood Lumber Board’s continued promotional support of “appearance” grade products, NELMA once again
participated within the Wood Naturally exhibit at the 2017 International Builders’ Show (IBS), held January 10-12 in Orlando, Florida. This annual event was spread over two massive convention halls with approximately 80,000 in attendance. Exhibits spanned over 569,000 net square feet of floor space, with more than 1,500 manufacturers and suppliers.
The 20’x30’ Wood Naturally exhibit provided a marketing focus on softwood products of various species manufactured in all regions of the country. This included Eastern White Pine (NELMA), Southern Pine (Southern Pine Council), Western Species (Western Wood Products Association), and pressure-treated products (Western Wood Preservers Institute).
NELMA encased its exhibit counter with panels of popular Eastern White Pine patterns as an attractive discussion starter with visitors. Edge & Center Bead, V-Groove, and the ever popular “Shiplap” provided a focal, touch-and-feel backdrop to talk about the design trends of using wood in home construction. NELMA’s Grade Swatch and Pattern Profile booklet supported these discussions.
“In addition to our visibility in front of this important customer audience, our participation
also provided excellent opportunities to engage targeted consumer and trade press that attend the show. Appointments with editors and publishers set up by NELMA’s PR Agent, Kim Drew, multiplied our exposure and ability to discuss the variety of products and applications of northeastern softwoods produced by members of the Association”, reported Jeff Easterling, President of NELMA.
This event is by far the largest builder/contractor audience for NELMA’s promotional activities during the year. The Association would like to thank the Softwood Lumber Board for their support which allows NELMA’s participation in large national trade events, such as IBS, that would otherwise not be feasible!
