Seminars highlight second NexGen Event

The fall NexGen Event, the second of its kind this year, was held Oct. 5-7 in North Carolina.

The three-day event included the addition of an evening educational session and reception in each of the major cities of the participating companies. Tuesday evening's presentation in High Point was given by Steve Walker from The Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center at North Carolina State University. Walker's presentation focused on understanding the benefits and challenges of lean manufacturing for the home furnishings industry. In closing, he urged the audience, "If you do nothing else, establish a relentless, continuous drive to reduce setup times."

On Wednesday evening in Mooresville, Paul Hoffman, the manager of Sustainable Strategies for Choate Construction Co., talked about the LEED rating system. He said he has seen a market transformation within the last few years, where virtually every project now specifies green products. When discussing the challenges and opportunities within the industry, he stated that the current market is in retrofitting existing buildings.

Thursday evening's presentation in Charlotte about social media and its implications for business was given by Brandon Uttley.

Plans are under way for another event in the first quarter of 2011.

For information, contact the NexGen Event committee at info@nexgenevent.com or call 866-285-1958.