EXTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principia Partners announces its eighth annual executive conference WPC 2011 – Decking and Outdoor Living Products at the Charlotte Marriott City Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 3-4, 2011. Hanley Wood is the exclusive media partner, with specific publications Professional Deck Builder and ProSales featured at this event.
This Principia conference has become the premier industry event for WPCs and other decking and railing materials. The conference has grown on its informative commercial and market developments, interactive panel discussions on industry trends, technical advances, and in-depth perspectives and discussions with the major players from every point in the supply chain from raw material companies, to decking and railing manufacturers, to wholesalers, pro dealers, retailers and contractors.
Steve Van Kouteren, chairing the conference, says, “We are excited to be back in Charlotte and with our very popular hot topics conference format. This year’s themes are growing the decking and railing category, new decking and railing products, and developments in the distribution channel.”
Recovery in the demand for decking and railing has been minimal, yet demand has been very dynamic in regards to product mix. Changes in consumer attitudes and tastes have affected both wood and synthetic decking and railing products. For example, a large shift to ultra-low maintenance composite and cellular PVC decking as well as increased demand for the darker, variegated colors that mimic the look of exotic hardwoods have increased demand for these products by over 40%, while the demand for traditional WPCs has decreased by more than 25%.
The entire decking and railing category needs a boost in demand and one catalyst could be increasing consumer awareness about deck safety and the need to replace over 10 million old decks in North America. The opening day of this year’s conference will focus on the growing industry effort to grow decking demand via consumer education and awareness. In addition, trends in material preferences, performance and competitive products (e.g. patios and hardscapes) will be discussed.
WPC 2011 will also examine critical issues affecting product management in the supply chain, how companies can maximize economic value via supply chain partnerships, and business strategies to leverage brands and distribution channels to diversify outdoor living product portfolios.
Mr. Van Kouteren says, "We look to feature leading industry experts presenting the latest information on important topics and provide input and perspective from each sector of the value chain.”
Hot topic sessions and interactive panel discussions include:
- Driving Decking Demand in the R&R Market
- Trends in Deck Material Preferences
- Synthetic Decking Performance vs. Value
- Creating Economic Value through Partnerships in the Supply Chain
- Expansion of Outdoor Living; Growing Your Business
- Voice of the Customer: Interactive Pro Dealer and Contractor Panel Discussions
Principia's unique forum continues to be an outstanding way for attendees to learn and network with others from around the world. The event will offer the industry an opportunity to collaborate, build and enhance strategic partnerships and alliances while broadening the traditional scope of the building products industry.
In addition, companies including raw materials, equipment, and processing leaders will exhibit their latest product and service offerings aimed at the plastic-based decking and railing products. The exhibition gives attendees an opportunity to discuss first-hand their specific needs and interests with these various suppliers.
Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Principia Conferences is a part of Principia Partners, a leading boutique strategy consulting firm that serves the broad building products and construction materials industry as well as other materials-related industries. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.PrincipiaConsulting.com.
About Hanley Wood
Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich market data and custom marketing solutions.