AFMA Manufacturing And Suppliers Divisions Focusing On Product Development Technology At Annual Meeting

Furniture World News

Securing profit margin and competitive advantage through close attention to detail and cost reduction will be the theme of the 1997 AFMA Manufacturing and Suppliers Divisions annual meeting slated for August 13 - 17 at the Grove Park Inn Resort in Asheville, NC. The program assembled for this meeting will address many issues that affect manufacturing and production managers in all furniture manufacturing plants. Breakout sessions focusing on both casegoods and upholstery will address topics such as integrating product development technology, standardization of parts, quality control, product data management, future finishes, leather cutting automation, cushioning and others. Sessions will be led by leading manufacturing experts including a panel discussion entitled "Integrating Product Development Technology Into the Furniture Industry" led by John Sumney and Dr. Eric Wiebe of North Carolina State University, Klaus Gueniker of Virtual Systems, and Gary Bailey of Unigraphics. A highlight of the meeting will be a retail panel featuring Bob McLeod of Dayton Hudson, Tom Hunt of Macy's West and Don Derby of Federated Logistics West. The Suppliers Division will address several key industry issues. Topics to be discussed include "Employee vs. Independent Representative - What Difference Does It Make?" led by attorney Norwood Robinson of Robinson & Lawing, LLP; "Crisis Communication - How to Talk to a Reporter and Keep Your Scalp" presented by Rick Amee of Amee and Associates; and Frank Sunderland of Spectrum Management Group will present "The Continuing Evolution of Furniture Manufacturing - Who Will Survive the Change?". Roundtable Discussions focused on several important topics will also take place at this meeting.