September 2026

EXPO 2027 Planning Advances as SFPA Leadership Previews Savannah Venues and Hotels

Planning for EXPO 2027 continues to move forward as SFPA leadership gathers in Savannah, Georgia, November 10-12 for the SFPA Board of Directors Meeting and EXPO 2027 Preview Meeting.

The visit marks an important milestone in preparations for the association's premier trade show, giving board members and the EXPO Advisory Committee an opportunity to evaluate key venues and logistics firsthand.

Savannah is more than a picturesque destination. It is one of the nation's leading forest products hubs. Georgia's forest products industry includes nearly 1,400 manufacturers and generated $31.8 billion in direct economic output in 2024, supporting more than 57,000 jobs statewide. The state remains a national leader in pulp and paper production, making it a fitting location for the forest products industry's largest gathering.

The region's importance is further strengthened by the Port of Savannah, which handles more containerized forest product exports than any other U.S. port. Its extensive transportation network and global market access help connect Southern Pine and other wood products to customers around the world.

During the visit, SFPA leaders will tour the recently expanded Savannah Convention Center, review host hotel properties, and assess transportation options connecting hotels and event venues.

"Savannah checked all the boxes for EXPO," said Eric Gee, SFPA Executive Director. "The newly expanded convention center can now accommodate an event of our size, and the variety of hotel properties on both sides of the river provides exhibitors and attendees with a range of lodging options to fit their needs."

Each host hotel was selected following a detailed review of rates, location, amenities, and overall guest experience. The preview meeting allows SFPA leadership to validate those decisions firsthand and fine-tune plans as EXPO 2027 continues to take shape.

The meeting room block is filling quickly. For information on how to register for the meeting, please contact Katie Kopf at kkopf@sfpa.org.

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SFPA helped bring woodworking to life at Build Live as part of the Think Wood exhibit, where live demonstrations and hands-on craftsmanship attracted steady crowds throughout the event.

From a handcrafted Southern Pine rocking chair to direct conversations with industry experts, attendees experienced firsthand why wood remains a preferred choice for builders and designers.

When building with Southern Pine lumber, span tables are an essential resource for determining how far joists, rafters, and beams can safely span between supports. Developed through extensive testing and engineering research, SFPA's span tables help builders, designers, and contractors make informed decisions while meeting code requirements and maintaining structural performance.

Whether you're framing a deck, designing a roof system, or planning a residential project, span tables provide trusted guidance for building safely and efficiently with Southern Pine.

Access design guidance, downloadable resources, and span tables.

Understand how span tables apply to common framing applications.

Member News

Click on any of the headlines below to learn more

• COMACT UNITES CUTTING EXPERTISE THROUGH A PORTFOLIO OF ESTABLISHED BRANDS
• Visit Savannah - A Growing Convention Campus
• EU Forest Strategy for 2030​‌ 

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and information regarding EXPO 2027 and SFPA’s industry involvement. 

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