The Interior Logging Association’s conference and trade show is back bigger and better.
The 57th annual event runs from Thursday to Saturday, with about 400 delegates and the outside equipment display returning for the first time since 2009.
“It’s probably equal to or greater than any I’ve organized since 1974,” said Wayne Lintott, general manager of the Vernon-based ILA.
On Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there will be 90 pieces of equipment in the Kal Tire Place parking lot and 40 displays inside the facility.
Lintott isn’t surprised to see equipment suppliers flocking to the event.
“From the trade side of things, they have started to sell more equipment,” he said. “That pick-up is due to the fact that over five to six years, there were not many sales and the guys (logging companies) are catching up on equipment.”
The public is invited to check out the displays.
“It provides an opportunity to learn about the industry and its importance to the community,” said Lintott.
“We have got word out to the school district to bring the students to learn about the displays. It shows them there is a future in the forest industry and lots of jobs if they chose to go that route.”
The public can also attend a number of seminars for free at the Best Western Vernon Lodge.
They include steep slope logging updates Friday at 10 am., a safe companies update Friday at 2:30 p.m. and workplace safety law reform in New Zealand Saturday at 9 a.m.
Motivational speaker Philip Jones will provide tips on “How to fit a heart attack into your busy schedule,” Saturday at 1:30 p.m. it is a light-hearted look at managing stress.
Admission events are also part of the agenda, including Friday’s luncheon with Forests Minister Steve Thomson.
With 400 delegates in Vernon, Lintott is anticipating a major economic boost for the community during the conference.
“The Lodge is booked solid and visitors are flowing over to the Village Green Hotel and other hotels,”