More than 3,000 delegates attended the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland, Oregon, last week – a new record for the world’s largest mass timber conference, now in its ninth year.
“Once the dust settled, we came in at 3,173 attendees from 29 countries, 221 exhibitors, and well over 100 speakers — conference bests at every level,” said the conference president and CEO, Craig Rawlings. “Despite various economic and political headwinds, we consider this an enormous success.”
Those in attendance included Nick Hewson, director of Arboralis, who touched back down in Australia after attending the three-day conference last week: “There are so many projects around Portland – it’s the first city I’ve walked around and just randomly found mass timber buildings!”
According to the 339-page Mass Timber Report handed out to delegates during the three-day conference, the US demand for mass timber buildings declined by 20% last year in line with general construction—down from 197 buildings (either built or commencing construction) in 2023 to 155—with developers squeezed out by high interest rates.
“Another 1,168 projects are in the design stage in the US as of December, indicating that there is strong demand for mass timber construction once funding becomes available and affordable,” the report said, revealing the industry was operating at 39% manufacturing capacity (down from 47% last year).
Notably, the report reveals that demand for mass timber is not equal across the United States – with certain states outperforming others in the use of mass timber: “This year, California, Texas, Washington, Massachesus, Georgia, Colorado and New York all have more than 50 timber projects in design and construction, (with) assembly, business, educational and multifamily buildings were the leading market indicators, accounting for 80% of all mass timber construction.”
According to Mr Rawlings, attention will turn to 2026: “If you want to add to the magic next year, mark your calendars for March 31 – April 2, 2026. Catch us in Portland, Oregon, for Mass Timber’s biggest show on earth!”
Please Note: Wood Central will have further updates from Nick Hewson in the coming weeks.
