The 2011 NAWLA Traders Market in Las Vegas was an unqualified success, bringing together almost 1300 lumber buyers and sellers to the premier lumber tradeshow in North America. Despite the current economic conditions, overall attendance increased 11% from 2010.

“The response to our first show in Las Vegas was phenomenal,” said Gary Vitale, NAWLA President/CEO. “The attendance was the highest since 2008 and over 97% of the attendees said their overall impression of the show was excellent or good. Traders Market continues to be the industry leader.”

The overall attendance of the show was 1276, a significant increase over 1149 in 2010. Also increasing was the number of countries represented at the show, with companies from 10 countries participating. Like in 2010, the attendee profile was split almost evenly between manufacturers and wholesalers. There were 656 attendees from manufacturer companies and 558 from wholesale companies.

While the primary focus of Traders Market is always networking on the show floor, this year’s show offered attendees even more value. Industry leaders packed the Magellan Network breakfast to hear Steve Lovett and Craig Larsen discuss the softwood check-off and global promotion efforts. The keynote speaker, Chuck Leavell, is a renowned tree farmer and the keyboardist for the Rolling Stones. He entertained a full house with his music and stories of Mick and Keith while also speaking passionately about forest stewardship. The Welcome Reception, in addition to being the place to renew friendships, gave attendees the chance to watch the dolphins perform outdoors at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

“For over sixteen years, NAWLA’s Traders Market has provided the industry unparalleled networking and business opportunities,” said Vitale. “Despite our past success, NAWLA is always looking to the future. This year, we had programs geared towards the next generation of leaders, including a Wood Basics Course Alumni reception and a special focus group exercise for future leaders.”

Traders Market will return to Chicago in 2012 and will be held November 7-9 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Registration will open after the beginning of the year and will once again be exclusively online. For more information, visit www.nawlatradersmarket.com.