The Woodworking Industry Conference, an annual gathering of key decision makers from the machinery and supply side of the business, is scheduled for April 21-24 in San Antonio, Texas.

Members of the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association and Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America are welcome, along with those from partner organizations. It’s a rare opportunity to build business relations through formal and informal networking functions, according to WMIA executive vice president Riccardo Azzoni.

“WIC is over 20 years old and historically WMIA, WMMA and AWFS [Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers] have been partners at this event. For the last four years, WMIA and WMMA have been the partners and two additional associations participating are AWFS and NBMDA [North American Building Material Distribution Association]. The four of us have come together to create this event,” Azzoni says.

Last year’s conference in Puerto Rico drew 240 attendees from 130 companies, the second largest turnout since Hawaii in 1999.

“We are expecting to meet last year’s numbers,” Azzoni says. “We think this year will be a good turnout because the economy has improved. People are in a better mood, they made money last year and will want to invest and come to event and see what’s new for 2015. There will also be an AWFS trade show representative there this year to meet with everyone and tell them where they stand as far as booth sales for the July show.”

The conference features seminars, social events and a contact table session, where attendees have the opportunity to meet face-to-face in 15-minute segments.

For information, visit www.wmia.org.