The 2024 International Log Builder’s Association Conference took place April 26 – April 28 in Montebello, Quebec, Canada, and marked its 50th anniversary. The ILBA conference attracted log and timber building science professionals from across the globe to celebrate and advance our industry. They discussed the latest log and timber building trends, technologies, and methodologies. In case you missed it, here are a few of the highlights. We hope to catch you there next year.
Tradeshow & Vendors
The conference tradeshow ran from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon and hosted 14 vendors, including—
The Day Before: Thursday, April 25, 2024
As you can see in the photo below, the tour of the Harkins facility was well-attended. It ended with a BBQ and social time.
Day 1: Friday, April 26, 2024
Bob Kenel, ILBA President and IMTA board member, kicked off the opening ceremonies and welcomed the crowd. Monique Frison from Canadian Forest Services presented on the commitment to plant two billion trees by 2031, supporting research, development, and deployment of innovative processes and forest products.
Earl Laverty sent a pre-recorded video honoring the ILBA’s Past Presidents.
Connie Rowley and Matt Smith presented a Living Memorial and honored those members with a plaque as a living tribute; 100 trees will be planted in Canada’s Boreal Forest in honor of those members.
Alan Mallory’s keynote focused on succession planning, emphasizing the importance of preparing the next generation.
The Log Building Games overall winner was Yannick Baillargeon from Harkins Inc., who earned a trip to Estonia to compete in the International Log Games—the day concluded with a dinner at Sucrerie de la Montagne (Sugar Shack). Guests were transported to dinner by horse and wagon and treated to a facility tour, Wapiti drinks, and lots of interactive entertainment.
Day 2: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Day two was jam-packed with educational presentations and panels. Natasha Jeremic discussed codes and standards, and Annika Kadaja presented the future of log building in Europe.
Robert Savignac, an IMTA board member, presented on the thermal performance of log and timber buildings, and Dai Ona presented on fiber stabilization technology (moisture in trees).
The historical hour (see photo above) featured discussions with Robert Chambers and past members Jim Durham, Brian Olynek, Ron Lepard, and Jacques Lariviere.
The Women’s Panel, moderated by Connie Rowley, highlighted women’s contributions and challenges in the log-building industry with Amelie Harkins, Linda Bourdage, Katharina Kolbel, Annika Kadaja & Mira Steinbrecher.
Robert Chamber then presented Tricks for Solving Construction Problems and Inventing Stuff.
The day ended with the President’s Plated Dinner and Live Auction hosted by Daniel Richer.
Day 3: Sunday, April 28, 2024
On the last day of the conference, we focused on preservation and modern business practices.
Kevin Maynard gave a presentation on Structural Screws and Preservation. Nate Demers discussed modern business practices for the traditional craftsman. Herb Meeker covered log home maintenance. The day ended with a truss building demonstration by Charpente Beaurivage, showcasing advanced construction techniques
Summary
Overall, the 2024 International Log Builders’ Association Conference was a resounding success. It offered attendees knowledge, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities. We hope it sets the stage for future developments and collaborations.
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