23 March 2015
Inaugural seminar and networking event to take place on the eve of the Dubai WoodShow

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and American Softwoods (AMSO) will be promoting 'American Wood Solutions' at the 'Talking Timber' seminar, which will be held on April 13, 2015 at The Address Dubai Marina. As part of their sponsorship of the industry-focused seminar and networking event, which is being organized by Timber Design and Technology Middle East, Dr. Scott Bowe and Professor Chris Knowles will present on behalf of AHEC and AMSO respectively to an audience comprising importers, manufacturers, specifiers and end-users. The seminar and networking evening is the first of its kind for the timber industry and is being held to coincide with the Dubai WoodShow, which opens on April 14, 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Dr. Scott Bowe is a Professor and Wood Products Specialist in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin and his presentation will examine the forests of the United States. His discussion will begin with the forest and end with the finished wood product including a discussion of forest growth, forest management, timber harvesting, value-added hardwood lumber manufacturing, and American hardwood species. Examining the forest resource in detail and exploring the vast acreage and volume of forests with emphasis on hardwood species, he will explain how scientific forest management and harvesting result in sustainable forests. Issues of sustainability and harvest legality will also be discussed in detail along with how hardwood lumber is manufactured and kiln dried to produce a quality and stable hardwood raw material for value added manufacturing.

"As with everywhere in the world, the greatest barrier to the increased use of wood is a lack of knowledge. Specifiers are often dissuaded from using wood because of their own lack of confidence in and understanding of the material. This is very much the case in the Gulf too and, perhaps more so, since wood is not a material from the Gulf itself," said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania. "The MENA region is an important market for American hardwoods with strong demand from the growing furniture sector in Egypt and the expanding joinery sector in the GCC. Through this seminar we hope to raise awareness about American hardwoods across all elements of the 'timber chain' in the MENA region."

Professor Chris Knowles is an Assistant Professor in Forest Products Marketing and the Assistant Director of the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC) at Oregon State University. His presentation will highlight the broad range of American softwood species that are available including Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, and Eastern white pine amongst others. In addition, he will also throw the spotlight on the versatility, durability, strength, aesthetic appeal, and price competitiveness of American softwoods as well as their strong environmental credentials. Professor Knowles will conclude with a short overview of the different uses that American softwoods have including for construction, structural use, outdoor decking and interior joinery.

"A common misconception around the world is the idea that American softwoods are expensive and are not readily available. The truth is that not only are American softwoods available in a wide range of grades and sizes and come from the most sustainably managed forests in the world, but they are of excellent quality and are competitively priced. The seminar will offer an exceptional opportunity for importers, traders and end users to gain an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics and advantages of American softwoods. Further, the event is designed to allow for full audience participation thereby offering a unique opportunity for anyone coming into contact with wood products to learn about American softwoods directly from our members," concluded Charles Trevor, Consultant to American Softwoods.

'Talking Timber' is being organized on account of the growing emergence of the MENA region as a major consumer and processing hub for timber. In addition to AHEC and AMSO, the event is also being supported by Swedish Wood and the Malaysian Timber Council. Aiming to throw the spotlight on timber and why we should be embracing it as the material of the future, the seminar will be followed by a networking reception. In addition to AHEC and AMSO representatives, member companies from both organizations will be on hand and ready to address any questions attendees might have on a one-on-one basis.

About AHEC
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed exporters among U.S. hardwood companies and all the major U.S. hardwood production trade associations. AHEC runs a worldwide programme to promote American hardwoods in over 50 export markets, concentrating on providing architects, specifiers, designers and end-users with technical information on the range of species, products and sources of supply. In addition, AHEC also produces a full range of technical publications. For more information, please visit: www.americanhardwood.org.

About American Softwoods
American Softwoods (AMSO) is a promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations, the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA), the Softwood Export Council (SEC) and APA - The Engineered Wood products Association (APA). The campaign encourages the use of American softwoods for both internal and external projects and increase awareness of its commercially available species. AMSO also works with the timber industry, providing technical information and assistance to develop the market for American softwoods.

Renowned for their strength, flexibility, versatility and beauty, American softwoods have been exported for almost 200 years. Harvested from sustainably managed forests in the USA, the success of forest management and conservation in the USA means that forested land is now greater than it was 75 years ago, and is increasing year on year. For more information, please visit: www.americansoftwoods.com

© Press Release 2015