2025 Manufacturers Assembly

NWFA/NOFMA members invite all wood flooring manufacturers to join them at Live! by Loews – Ballpark Village in St. Louis for the 2025 Wood Flooring Manufacturers Assembly, held as part of NWFA’s second Leadership Development Summit. This expanded gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, explore forward-looking industry insights, and sharpen your strategic and operational focus. From market trends and supply chain dynamics to AI integration and LEAN leadership, the Assembly delivers the tools and perspectives needed to lead in a rapidly evolving industry. You’ll also have the chance to support the next generation of wood flooring professionals by participating in the second annual NWFA Education & Research Foundation Golf Tournament.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The evening before the Manufacturers Assembly, join us for an evening reception for all Leadership Development Summit attendees from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 

Thursday, October 16, 2025

This year’s Wood Flooring Manufacturers Assembly features a well-rounded lineup of business leaders, market analysts, and industry strategists offering timely insights into the forces reshaping the wood flooring sector. From global trends and raw material sourcing to AI integration and LEAN leadership, each speaker brings a real-world perspective grounded in deep industry experience. Explore the sessions and get to know the presenters below.


2026 Wood Flooring Industry Outlook

Libby White Johnston
Publisher/VP of Media
Hardwood Floors Magazine/NWFA

Libby White Johnston is the publisher of Hardwood Floors magazine and the vice president of media for the National Wood Flooring Association. In this role, she works with the NWFA team to create content that matters to wood flooring professionals, as well as to raise consumer awareness of the many positives of real wood floors.


Leading with LEAN: Driving Efficiency in Leadership and Operations

Doug Howard
President
Growth Team Strategies

Doug Howard is president of Growth Team Strategies, a business consulting firm that supports owners with strategic planning, succession, and organizational growth. Drawing on 30 years of experience and a Wharton education, Doug combines practical insights with engaging real-world examples to help businesses thrive.


The New Toolbox: How AI is Powering Smarter Business Operations

Reid Lambright
Lambright Flooring LLC

Reid Lambright is president of Lambright Flooring and chair of NWFA’s Emerging Leaders Council. A third-generation wood flooring professional, he has transformed his family’s local contracting business into a custom manufacturing company known for delivering bold, design-driven solutions. He is active in NWFA leadership and passionate about developing the next generation of industry professionals.


Upstream Resources and Markets: Current and Future State of Oak Forests, Logs and Lumber

Dan Meyer
Hardwood Review

Dan Meyer is a veteran market analyst and editor with more than two decades at Hardwood Review, where he served as managing editor and director of market analysis. With a background in forestry and an MBA, he now brings academic and industry expertise to his ongoing work in forest biomaterials.


Challenges & Champions: How Washington is Influencing the Wood Sector

Dana Lee Cole
Executive Director
Hardwood Federation

Dana Lee Cole is the Executive Director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington-D.C.-based trade association that represents the hardwood industry on Capitol Hill, and advocates on its behalf. She meets regularly with political leaders on both sides of the aisle to inform and educate them about issues impacting the hardwood industry.


Global Wood Flooring Industry: Recent Changes and New Outlook

Bruce Zwicker
Principal
Zwicker Advisory

Bruce Zwicker is principal of Zwicker Advisory, where he advises manufacturers, distributors, and investors across the flooring industry on strategy, leadership, and market trends. He is the former CEO of J.J. Haines, the largest floor covering distributor in North America during his tenure, and has served in interim leadership and board roles throughout the flooring value chain.

About the location

Experience the NWFA Leadership Development Summit at Live! by Loews – Ballpark Village, a premier venue in the heart of St. Louis. With modern amenities, convenient access to local attractions, and stunning city views, this dynamic setting is perfect for networking, learning, and connecting with industry peers.