Tuesday, January 20, 2026
For professionals in the woodworking and timber industries, the source of our material is just as important as the craft itself. As we look ahead to the future of our forests, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) has announced that registration is officially open for the 2026 SFI Annual Conference.
Scheduled to take place from May 5-7, 2026, the event will bring the global forestry community to the vibrant city of Montréal, Quebec.
This isn’t just another industry trade show. The SFI Annual Conference has established itself as a critical meeting ground where the abstract concepts of sustainability meet the concrete realities of the marketplace.
The 2026 theme focuses on the intersection of markets, innovations, and nature-based solutions. For woodworkers and furniture makers, this dialogue is essential. Understanding how “climate-smart forestry” impacts the supply chain helps businesses anticipate future material availability and consumer demand for certified sustainable wood.
The conference aims to drive measurable impacts, moving beyond rhetoric to explore how the sector can tangibly improve forest health while meeting the world’s growing demand for wood products.
One of the major draws for the 2026 event is an impressive roster of speakers representing a diverse cross-section of the industry—from corporate giants to conservation non-profits.
Attendees will hear from Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI, who continues to steer the organization toward a future where commercial forestry and conservation work in tandem. The speaker list also highlights the crucial balance between industry and environment:
For the woodworking journal reader, the session topics for 2026 are particularly relevant. The conference will move beyond generalities to tackle specific challenges, including:
The excitement for Montréal follows a landmark gathering in Minneapolis in 2025. Last year’s conference celebrated SFI’s 30th anniversary, drawing over 340 attendees for a week of reflection on three decades of progress. If 2025 was about looking back at milestones, 2026 is squarely focused on the road ahead.
With the forestry sector facing pressure from climate change and shifting market dynamics, the discussions held in Montréal this May will likely set the tone for the rest of the year.
Whether you are a large-scale timber buyer or a boutique furniture maker interested in sustainability, this conference offers a unique opportunity to network with the people shaping the future of wood.
Early bird pricing is currently available, offering significant savings for those who register soon.
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Tags: Forestry sustainability trends 2026, Indigenous-led forestry, Sustainable Forestry Initiative Conference, Woodworking Supply Chain
