CMA conference draws 200 to Denver

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Cabinet Makers Association held its first national conference Mar. 1-2 in Denver. The theme was “Elevate,” an effort to help attendees take their businesses to the next level. Chock full of professional development programs, it did not disappoint the nearly 200 participants, according to CMA executive director Amanda Conger.

“We had intentions to do something like this for years and it just never came to fruition. The 20th anniversary seemed like a great opportunity to do that,” says Conger.

More than a quarter of the attendees were new to the CMA. Conference registration included a year’s membership.

“They will have the option to renew in a year and our plan is to keep them. We have just under 300 members now. It’s a small but active group so to have 200 at the event was a big deal,” says Conger.

The conference featured educational seminars, plant tours and networking opportunities.

“One of the favorites was Paul Downs, the opening keynote. People really related to him. He has a small shop and they’ve been through the same things he’s been through, so they appreciated his honesty and openness,” says Conger.

Conger expects future conferences to be held on a biennial or special anniversary basis.

The CMA also has upcoming regional events scheduled for June 22 in Springfield, Mo., and Aug. 21 in Atlanta.

For more, visit www.cabinetmakers.org.