Timber iQ April - May 2019 // Issue: 43 | Page 14

EVENTS Record-breaking 9th annual Wood Conference Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was a hive of activity on 26 February 2019, when delegates from across the world attended the ninth annual Wood Conference. By Dineo Phoshoko | Images by HWZ International Delegates register at the ninth annual Wood Conference. E very year, the conference hosts public professionals from different industries such as architecture, engineering, wood construction, carpentry and interior décor. The event is a platform to discuss topical issues involving sustainable, green and energy-efficient construction with wood – both high-end and low-end. The day was divided into three sessions where different speakers gave presentations which offered ideas on how to build with wood. Some of the presentations also provided background information on wood in relation to architecture, town-planning as well as science and technology. “Since it is a neutral platform many architects, engineers and others in the build environment attend the conference, so we try to incorporate ideas for all,” explains Zaida Davids, event organiser. MC Hannu Garny kicked-off proceedings, by welcoming guests to the conference. “Here we are nine years later.” He explained that nine years ago the conference started with just under 100 delegates. Since then the number of delegates has grown significantly to a record number of more than 700 delegates in 2019. According to Davids, the conference brought many newcomers and late registrations after the closing date. 12 APRIL / MAY 2019 // Delegates listen attentively to one of the presentations during the conference. “We then extended the registration to almost the very last day,” she adds. OPENING AND WELCOME For the event’s opening address, head of corporate development at the Kuratle Group Roger Kuratle, expressed his excitement for the ninth conference. “Every year when I get the opportunity to open the Wood Conference, I realise how fast time goes. Another year has passed, and we look at what we have achieved, what has been done and what still need to be done,” he said. One of the achievements of the family-owned enterprise, was the completion of the Ark Angel kindergarten project in Cape Town. “I am very proud and happy that we can announce the completion of the kindergarten project and it is up and running. Just going there and seeing the kids play, run, eat and sleep in an environment that is safe, healthy and sustainable gives me a lot of gratitude,” he said. He also took the opportunity to express gratitude to all the sponsors, supporters and friends involved in the project. Another important achievement was the completion and opening of a new facility in Switzerland. Kuratle explained how the 10 000m² complete wood structure building took www.timberiq.co.za