Auburn University Gears Up for Cross-Laminated Timber Conference in October

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) will host the only cross-laminated timber (CLT) conference to be held in the southern United States in October at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center in Auburn, Alabama.

The three-day event titled “The Sustainable Future of CLT in the South: Grow. Design. Build.” will be held Oct. 7-9 and will feature renowned experts in forestry, building science, engineering and architecture and design who will share the latest research, trends and developments impacting the advancement of CLT in the South. CLT is a prefabricated wood panel made from wood stacked and glued crosswise in alternating directions to create pressed layers. It has become a burgeoning industry in the southern United States due to the abundant presence of southern pine and other softwoods available within the region to produce this sustainable material.

“The unique engineering of CLT gives the panel exceptional strength and strong fire protection while remaining lighter and creating less waste during installation than conventional alternatives, such as concrete and steel,” said Adam Maggard, Alabama Extension specialist and the Harry E. Murphy associate professor, who is the lead conference planner.

“Because of its relative structural strength, appearance, ability to sequester carbon and numerous other benefits, the use of CLT for residential and commercial construction is growing and benefits developers, contractors, architects, engineers, foresters and landowners throughout the region.”

The CLT conference will be the second to be hosted by Auburn University and will be presented in collaboration with the College of Architecture, Design and Construction and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering as part of Auburn’s Mass Timber Collaborative, a multidisciplinary initiative created to advance research, education and outreach in mass timber design and construction.

Following a design and theme centered on the CLT supply chain, conference sessions will explore diverse topics, including wood quality needs, silviculture, the wood products sector, mass timber markets and economies, economic development, managing risks and insurability of mass timber projects. Presenters will also discuss the structural design, construction, performance and operation of CLT buildings and the economics and carbon accounting of mass timber projects.

“We are proud to offer professionals within our region this exceptional opportunity to stay abreast of advancements in the dynamic realm of CLT and sustainable mass timber products,” said Janaki Alavalapati, the Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.

“Auburn University is primed to be in the forefront of this emerging field-leading innovation within our colleges and alongside industry experts with backgrounds in forestry, building science, engineering, architecture, design and sustainable business.”

Early bird discounts on conference registration are available and registration is currently open. Multiple packages are available, including full attendance or partial date registration. Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor of the conference may also select from multiple levels or opt to become premier sponsors of keynote sessions, receptions and/or meals.

A complete roster of speakers, session tracks and tour opportunities showcasing local CLT-constructed buildings will be announced in July and will cater to the unique needs of multiple audiences, including foresters, forest landowners, architects, contractors, CLT researchers, students and industry professionals.

Discounted accommodation will be available at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center through August.