press release - January 2, 2008
Kathy Raissifar
Hanley Wood Exhibitions
kraissifar@hanleywood.com
972.536.6461
Dallas, TX, January 2, 2008 – The Show floor at DeckExpo 2008 will offer more products, networking opportunities and hands-on education than ever before. Owned and operated by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, DeckExpo is a full-service event with three major components: networking, conference and the trade show floor. The 2008 show will be held March 5 – 6 (conferences begin March 4) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. DeckExpo is officially sponsored by the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) and PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER Magazine.
The show floor at DeckExpo is where the industry comes together, face-to-face to preview new products, introduce new technologies and learn the latest construction techniques. As the industry leader in designing interactive show floor features, Hanley Wood Exhibitions will continue its tradition of providing excellent show floor education through Live Action Clinics at this year’s Deck Expo. Taught by leading construction professionals, three clinics will offer 14 unique learning opportunities over the two show days. These one-hour sessions will provide attendees with hands-on tips and techniques they can take back to the jobsite immediately. Admission to the clinics is free for all registered attendees.
“Knowledge is like money in the bank,” says Don Dunkley, Construction Events Manager for Hanley Wood Exhibitions. “Some of the best learning experiences are achieved on a visual basis and our Live Action Clinics are designed to take advantage of this and provide our attendees with educational content in an exciting reality-based visual learning environment.”
At the Exterior Stairs Clinic, attendees can learn about construction techniques relative to this challenging construction process. On Wednesday, demonstrations will cover the basic stair-building techniques from planning to assembly including guardrails and handrails. Advanced builders will benefit from Thursday’s sessions focusing strictly on curved exterior stairs with specific topics ranging from bending frame construction to making a stringer
‘story pole’ and determining proper tread shape.
A second clinic, Building Technologies, will focus on the technologies behind the tools, fasteners and support structures that keep all of the individual elements of the deck in place. Each session will pinpoint particular elements of a safe and secure deck, such as fastener capacities specific to lumber species, ledger connection options, deck railing post connections, flashing techniques and exposure issues related to composite decking – all essential topics for builders at any skill level in the deck industry.
With the increasing popularity of deck additions on the home, the Carpentry Clinic will have professionals demonstrate techniques necessary for creating door openings in exterior walls and outline the various scenarios. As the show progresses, the topics covered will address specific structural details related to elevated decks, necessary jobsite engineering in regards to live loads and the principles for construction of curved decks.
“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 you will see new products and tools in action and then easily check them out in further detail with a visit to our sponsors’ booths right on the show floor,” Dunkley continued. “Investing time on the show floor can improve your knowledge, productivity and profits.”
In addition to the Live Action Clinics, there are multiple networking opportunities taking place on the show floor that are open to all registered attendees and exhibitors. On Wednesday and Thursday during lunch hours, tables will be set inside the exhibit hall for a new networking opportunity called “Brown Bag” Rounds. At each table, there will be suggested topics of discussion along with an industry expert as moderator. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and the casual surrounding will be conducive to making new contacts and learning about new business opportunities – all within close proximity to the show floor.
On Thursday, March 6, another new networking event called ‘Brunch on the Deck’ will take place in the Registration Area of the Exhibit Hall. Coffee and pastries will be provided to give attendees and exhibitors time to network in a more informal setting. Admission is free to all registered attendees and exhibitors.
The North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) will host its 3rd Annual Silent Auction from their booth (Booth #451) for the duration of the show. Funds raised will support NADRA Member Programs and a majority of the items available for bidding will be donated by NADRA member companies. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about the items for bid prior to the show by visiting www.NADRA.org and onsite as the products themselves and/or literature will be displayed in the NADRA Booth for the duration of exhibition hours. As of press date, exhibiting member companies participating in the silent auction include BASF and Hickory Dickory Decks.
DeckExpo 2008 will be held March 5 – 6 at the Orange County Convention Center, Hall NA2 in Orlando, Florida. Conferences will run March 4 - 6. For more information on DeckExpo, 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).
