Dallas, TX, April 2, 2008 – Deck professionals from around the world gathered at DeckExpo March 5 – 6 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. DeckExpo, the leading industry show for deck, dock and railing professionals, is officially sponsored by the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) and PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER Magazine.

Professionals in attendance represented 40 U.S. states and 16 countries from around the world, including Australia, France, Spain, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Canada and the Netherlands. All segments of the deck, dock and railing industry were represented including deck-building contractors, dock builders, remodelers, marine construction professionals, general contractors, manufacturers, distributors, architects and engineers.  In terms of exhibiting companies, booths and net square footage, this year's show is the largest in DeckExpo history with 166 total exhibiting companies and 35,000 net square footage - approximately 10% larger than the  2007 show floor. 38% of exhibiting companies were new to the show this year alone.

The 2008 event showed a slight decrease in attendance from the prior year with total attendance coming in just under 2,000. “We’re very pleased with the high-quality professionals who took time from their busy schedules to attend DeckExpo this year,” said Rick McConnell, Senior Vice President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions, owner and producer of DeckExpo. “This group was serious about making important purchasing decisions as they understand how investing in themselves is an investment in the future of their businesses.”

Opening day featured an empowering Keynote Address, The Accidental Leader, by renowned management and leadership consultant, Gary Topchik. There was standing-room only in his presentation covering personal and professional leadership and how to use those skills for inspiring staff members to deliver outstanding results.

On the show floor at DeckExpo, the industry came together, face-to-face to preview new products, introduce new technologies, learn the latest construction techniques and network with peers. Hanley Wood Exhibitions continued its tradition of providing interactive show floor education through 3 Live Action Clinics at this year’s DeckExpo with a combined 22 unique learning opportunities over the two show days.

Glen Kinley of Ram Marine Services, Inc., a marine contracting company in Nokomis, Florida attended DeckExpo specifically to view the clinic in action, sponsored by Simpson Strong-Tie. “It's what drew our attention to the show and encouraged us to attend. As marine contractors, we can see products a lot of places, but the clinics addressed questions and concerns we had.”

“Mike Guertin, Rick Arnold and Mark Clement represented the products very well and they were very informative…. Now I have a good supply of literature and a better understanding of how to use the product for our construction,” Kinley added.

“Our programs of peer-to-peer presentations are evenly mixed with product demonstrations and job-site techniques conducted by nationally recognized professional contractors. At our clinics attendees see new products and tools in action and then can easily check them out in further detail at the sponsors’ booths on the show floor,” said Don Dunkley, Construction Events Manager for DeckExpo. “Investing time on the show floor can improve knowledge, productivity and profits.”

In addition to the show floor’s buying and selling activity, conference education addressing ongoing business challenges offered 50% more sessions this year than at the 2007 DeckExpo. The 20 education and training opportunities offered this year were segmented into four specific tracks, including business, marketing, production and sales, with a heavy emphasis on the business track. For the duration of DeckExpo conference seminars, conference attendees enjoyed Conference Coffee Breaks, sponsored daily by Overseas Hardwood Company, The Thompson’s Company and Allied Tube & Conduit, respectively.

This year, DeckExpo introduced a couple of new, less formal networking opportunities around the show that were open to all registered attendees and exhibitors, including Brown-Bag Rounds and Brunch-on-the-Deck. Both were set up to encourage conversation and networking between industry peers.

The North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) kicked off a full week of DeckExpo with NADRA Designation courses on Monday, March 3. NADRA produced and managed the courses along with Simpson Strong-Tie and DeckTools Software. The NADRA Annual Meeting and Reception, which concluded opening day of the show, “…was bigger than ever with about 350 folks piling in at 5:00pm,” said Michael Beaudry of NADRA. “We had lines 6 people across and 10 people deep…. What a great thing to see!” The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm and those in attendance were treated to an evening full of networking, food and drinks topped off with an awards presentation, state of the industry report, board member introductions, farewells and association programs.

Capping off a full week at DeckExpo was NADRA’s 3rd Annual Silent Auction. “NADRA raised over $10,000 at this year’s event,” Beaudry continued. Monies raised will be used to support NADRA Member Programs. “Some of the items up for bid this year include 10 cases of OHC Everlasting Hardwoods (in any color); an Ipe wood park bench; a Titan Series Low Voltage Lighting Kit from Aurora Deck Lighting; a Decktools Design and Sales Software package; and a 32-foot long section of stainless steel deck railing from Atlantis Rail Systems.” Most items up for bid were donated by NADRA member companies and the products themselves along with literature were on display in the NADRA booth up until the close of the silent auction.

For more information on DeckExpo and future DeckExpo dates and locations, please visit www.DeckExpo.com.

About Hanley Wood
Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America’s leading provider of home plans. Hanley Wood Exhibitions (Dallas) conducts 17 trade shows, including World of Concrete, one of the top 20 trade show events in the country.

Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $250 million company owned by affiliates of JPMorgan Partners, LLC. CCMP Capital Advisors manages the Hanley Wood investment for JPMorgan Partners.

About NADRA
North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) is the unified voice of the deck and railing industry comprised of deck builders, manufacturers, dealers/distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers. Its mission is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of their customers. NADRA serves as a trade association with emphasis on safe building practices and deck safety. For information on the North American Decking and Railing Association, please visit www.NADRA.org or call 888.NADRA.4U (888.623-7248).

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