Why AIFP Loves Attending the Building Component Manufacturers Conference & Framer Summit

This year, the Building Component Manufacturers Conference & Framers Summit (BCMC) took place in Indianapolis, and AIFP sent Ken Timmins, Jeff Hoggard, and Scott Valenkamph from our U.S. Lumber Department; Justin Binning, Parker Riser, Dylan Conway, and Ben Ailstock from our Southern Yellow Pine Department; and Andy Liu from our Canadian Department.

For our traders, attending building materials and construction industry events is a great way to stay up to date on the latest industry news, network with current partners and customers, meet new prospects, and discover new technology and equipment. Here’s what they loved from BCMC 2023!

Networking with Current Partners & Customers

Because AIFP has customers and partners across the country, a lot of business is done over phone calls, video meetings, and email. BCMC offers a chance for our traders to talk face-to-face with mill reps and lumber buyers, which helps us build trust and develop deeper relationships. While there’s a lot of shop talk throughout the conference, sharing meals with customers and vendors gives our traders an opportunity to connect with them on a more personal level.

Connecting with Owners, Management Teams, Designers, and Framers

Connecting with owners, management teams, designers, framers, and other industry players gives our lumber traders a better understanding of the industry as a whole. It also helps them learn more context for what we can do to best serve them in the future.

Meeting Potential Clients

While BCMC is a great opportunity to strengthen existing business relationships, it also gives our traders the ability to meet potential clients, learn about their business, and to explain how AIFP can help them meet their unique building materials needs. Meeting in person is great for future business, as it allows for a more personal connection than you can get over the phone, and it connects our traders to people who are actively looking for ways to grow and improve their business.

Discovering New Technology, Equipment & Techniques

Because of emerging technology and equipment, the building materials and construction industry is constantly evolving. Attending BCMC is a great opportunity for our team to learn more about how new tools from companies like Mitek and Stimpson are transforming the industry so we can better serve and support our partners and customers. In fact, there are roundtable discussions and sessions throughout the conference that touch on everything from lumber futures contracts to factors influencing global wood supply. The better we understand the industry, the more we can do for our clients.

Fun Conference Events

While the team spends much of their time in the exhibit hall and attending sessions, BCMC also offers a wide range of exciting activities that make networking even more fun. From happy hours and industry celebrations to bike rides and a pinewood derby tournament, the BCMC conference knows how to combine work and play for maximum productivity AND enjoyment.

As a wholesale lumber supplier, relationships are key to our business. That’s why our traders love attending industry conferences like BCMC that allow them to meet face-to-face with customers, partners, and other industry players. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and said hello during the conference. It’s truly the people that make these trips so great! Looking to buy lumber in bulk for your business? AIFP can help! Contact our traders today to find out how we can get you the best deals on the highest quality products, delivered right when you need them. In the meantime, check out our lumber blog where cover everything from what you need to know about pressure-treated wood to the benefits of working with a wholesale lumber supplier like AIFP. See you next year!