The last AHEC Convention, which brings together key suppliers, their European customers, plus trade organisations and press, was held in Venice in 2005. The event had been held annually for the previous 13 years and afterwards the organisation said it had no immediate plans to hold another.

But now, AHEC European director David Venables, said that the convention was back due to popular demand and is scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on October 25 and 26.

“Many of our hardwood colleagues in Europe clearly missed the convention, so it is good to be back,” he said. “We are now developing a new-style programme with more emphasis on open discussion and delegate participation.”

He added that topics on the programme would include “the challenges of sustainable procurment, as well as new market opportunities and the future for red oak”.

For details contact lucy.peacock@ahec.co.uk.

  • AHEC is back at the Interzum exhibition from May 9-12 in Germany this year after a six-year break. Its display comprises a 150m2 ‘red oak pavilion’.