Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) 2028 is set to be a significant event for professionals in the wood products industry.
Taking place at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, this conference will feature a variety of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in engineered wood products, veneer, plywood, and more.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and gain insights into current trends and technologies.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: PELICE 2028 takes place from April 6-7, 2028, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for the wood products industry, featuring numerous exhibitors and speakers.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., and Georgia Research Institute.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include executives and decision-makers from the wood products sector.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online; check the website for details.
Why visit
Attending PELICE 2028 offers valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Attendees include executives and decision-makers from the wood products sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at PELICE 2028 provides unparalleled visibility to key decision-makers in the wood products industry. Showcase your latest products and innovations to a targeted audience of professionals. Build valuable relationships with potential clients and partners. Gain insights into market trends and customer needs. Maximize your return on investment by participating in this premier industry event.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Manufacturers of engineered wood products
Suppliers of wood processing machinery
Distributors of wood products
Industry consultants and analysts
Researchers in wood technology
Regulatory bodies and associations
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Wood product manufacturers
Machinery and equipment suppliers
Chemical and adhesive suppliers
Sustainability solution providers
Consultants in wood processing
Trade associations and organizations
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Panel and engineered lumber production equipment
Plywood and veneer lathe systems
Dryer lines and thermal oil systems
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and mass plywood panel
Residuals and bioenergy handling
Strapping and packaging systems
Adhesives and coatings for wood panels
Sensors and process control for mills
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
2Grand Ballroom NorthGrand Ballroom A (North Tower, M4)
Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, 190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Facilities
Parking
Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park in Atlanta typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park in Atlanta typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc.
Panel World
Georgia Research Institute
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
—
Completed
Exhibitors: 75
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
- 1
—
The most recent edition's programme placed CLT, glulam and other engineered wood products alongside traditional panel sessions, reflecting mill and producer interest in structural wood markets.
- 2
—
Technical papers on defect detection, vision grading and continuous press optimisation drew production engineers looking to raise recovery and board quality on existing lines.
- 3
—
Adhesive chemistry, resin cost management, drying energy and fibre supply were treated as commercial issues rather than purely technical ones, matching the cost pressure panel producers faced.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Atlanta, USA
Why it matters
Attending PELICE 2028 offers valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Gain insights from expert speakers on the latest trends and technologies in the wood products sector.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Wood And Panel USA - Woodworking Magazine USA | Woodworking News USA
ReadWood Paneling Manufacturing in the US Industry Analysis, 2026
ReadWood Products News and Updates - EUWID Wood Products and Panels - EUWID ...
ReadTimber and Wood Products Industry News and Market Reports
ReadMarket Report: US Wood Products Market Remains Challenging
ReadU.S. Wood Panel Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis, 2032
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Venue-connected
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Downtown Atlanta - the ballroom venue itselfUSD 115–170 / night
Grand Ballroom North sits inside this property, so delegates can reach the show floor and sessions indoors with no transfer. On-site parking and dining are available; breakfast and Wi-Fi are paid extras, and room rates rise on event nights.
sourceUpscale convention district
Peachtree Street / Andrew Young International Blvd cluster, 0.5-1 mi from Centennial ParkFull-service convention hotels with the largest room blocks and restaurant choice; a 10-20 minute walk to Grand Ballroom North, or a short rideshare in rain.
Midscale downtown
Downtown Atlanta, 0.5-1.5 mi from the venueLimited-service properties, often with breakfast included; the practical value option for a two-day technical conference where you are on the floor all day.
Midtown Atlanta
Midtown, 1.5-2.5 mi north of Centennial ParkBetter evening dining and a quieter stay, connected by MARTA Red/Gold line to Peachtree Center plus a walk or short rideshare to the Omni complex.
Airport-area
Hartsfield-Jackson ATL corridor, south of the cityLowest nightly band with direct MARTA rail to Downtown; the trade-off is roughly 25-35 minutes of travel each way on both show days.
Budget / limited-service periphery
Downtown fringe and Castleberry Hill, 1-2 mi from the venueCheapest walkable-ish option; check the evening route back to the hotel and plan a rideshare after dark rather than walking through quiet blocks.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50 one way per MARTA rail trip; add approx. USD 2 for a reusable Breeze card if you do not use contactless - confirm current fares
Best forHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) to Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Roughly 25-30 minutes of rail time plus a 10-15 minute walk to the Omni complex; trains run frequently through the day and the airport station is directly connected to the terminal.
streetcar / bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.00 one way on the Atlanta Streetcar; MARTA bus trips approx. USD 2.50 - confirm current fares
Best forAtlanta Streetcar downtown loop and MARTA local bus services around Centennial Park and Peachtree Street
Useful for short hops between Downtown hotels and the park when it rains; the streetcar loop is slow but cheap, so walking is usually faster inside the core.
rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forATL ground-transportation pick-up zone to Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, 190 Marietta St NW
Uber and Lyft both operate at ATL from designated zones; the return leg to the airport should be booked 15-20 minutes before you want to leave during weekday afternoons.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-55 metered or flat airport fare to Downtown - confirm the meter or flat rate with the driver before departure
Best forATL taxi ranks to Downtown Atlanta hotels and the Omni Centennial Park complex
Taxis wait at the airport ranks and avoid app dead zones; for a two-day business trip the fixed fare removes surge-price uncertainty.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-35 per day in Downtown Atlanta decks; event-day and special-event rates at park-adjacent lots can run higher - confirm posted pricing on arrival
Best forDowntown parking decks and lots around Centennial Park, the Omni complex and the Georgia World Congress Center
Decks fill quickly when there is a stadium or arena event nearby; arrive before 8:30 am if you plan to self-drive on show days.
walking
Estimated costFree - indoor walk within the Omni complex; 10-20 minutes on foot from surrounding Downtown hotels
Best forOmni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park to Grand Ballroom North and the Centennial Park hotel cluster
Downtown Atlanta is walkable between the Omni complex, Centennial Olympic Park and Peachtree Street, though some blocks are quiet after dark - use well-lit main streets.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Atlanta in early April is mild but changeable. Climatological normals put afternoon highs near 21-24 C (70-76 F) and overnight lows near 10-13 C (50-55 F), with April among the wetter spring months at roughly 90-100 mm (3.5-4 in) of rain, often arriving as short showers or thunderstorms. Indoor conference space means weather mainly affects the walk between Downtown hotels and the Omni complex. Treat these as planning normals and check the forecast in the final 72 hours before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks run on 4G LTE and 5G, so most international handsets with eSIM support can add a US data plan before departure; check that your operator allows Wi-Fi calling and international roaming. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs, so European and most Asian visitors need a plug adapter and a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices. Wi-Fi is generally a paid extra in Downtown Atlanta hotel rooms (the Omni property notes paid Wi-Fi and breakfast), so budget for a data plan or hotel internet package rather than assuming free connectivity in the ballroom.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service charges
Service is not included in US restaurant bills; a 18-20 percent tip is standard for table service, and a dollar or two per drink is normal at a bar. Hotel housekeeping and bell staff are usually tipped separately.
Business dress
Business casual is the default for a technical wood products conference - collared shirts and trousers for men, business separates for women. A jacket helps in heavily air-conditioned ballroom sessions.
Greetings and pace
Introductions are brief and first-name based, and meetings start on time. Small talk about flights, sports or the host city works well; keep technical detail and throughput numbers ready for the first substantive exchange.
Sales tax and prices
Prices in US stores and menus typically exclude sales tax, and the combined rate in the City of Atlanta is around 8.9 percent - confirm at the point of sale. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, including on transit.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ATL
Atlanta is a major airline hub, so ATL normally offers the widest choice of nonstop and one-stop connections into the US Southeast and from Europe, Latin America and the US West Coast. Book 6-10 weeks out for the best economy fare buckets, and land on 5 April so that a missed connection does not cost you the 6 April opening. Morning arrivals clear immigration and reach Downtown by rail in time for lunch; late afternoon arrivals risk hitting the Downtown Connector rush hour. If you are travelling from a Visa Waiter Program country, remember that an approved ESTA is required before boarding, not on arrival.
Visa
B-1 temporary business visitor visa is the standard route for conference delegates and exhibitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program; VWP-eligible travellers use ESTA instead. Confirm your category on the U.S. Department of State business visa page.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Visa appointment wait times vary sharply by consulate, so book the interview slot as soon as travel is confirmed. Carry the PELICE invitation or registration confirmation and proof of ties to your home country to the interview.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). Allow road or rail time to Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Downtown Atlanta - the ballroom venue itself: Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Downtown Atlanta - the ballroom venue itself; Peachtree Street / Andrew Young International Blvd cluster, 0.5-1 mi from Centennial Park: Peachtree Street / Andrew Young International Blvd cluster, 0.5-1 mi from Centennial Park; Downtown Atlanta, 0.5-1.5 mi from the venue: Downtown Atlant
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Atlanta and at Hartsfield-Jackson ATL, where pick-ups are from designated rideshare zones rather than the terminal kerb - follow the airport signs after baggage claim. A ride from ATL to Downtown hotels is roughly 15-25 minutes outside peak hours; weekday afternoon traffic on the Downtown Connector can double it. For the return leg to the airport, request the car 15-20 minutes before you need to leave and allow extra buffer on 6-7 April. Configure a payment card that works in the US and check that your app account can receive SMS verification while roaming.
Public transit: MARTA is the backbone of Atlanta public transport: the Red/Gold line links the airport with Downtown and Midtown, while the Blue/Green line serves the GWCC/CNN Center station on the edge of the Centennial Park district, with a change at Five Points from airport trains. Single rail trips cost approximately USD 2.50, payable by Breeze card or contactless where available. The Atlanta Streetcar loops through Downtown for approximately USD 1.00 one way and is useful for short hops in rain. Service is frequent through the day but thins late in the evening, so plan a rideshare if you stay out after sessions.
Parking: Self-driving delegates can use the parking decks attached to the Omni complex and the Georgia World Congress Center, plus commercial lots around Centennial Olympic Park. Expect roughly USD 15-35 per day in Downtown decks, with higher special-event pricing when there is a game or concert at the nearby arenas. Arrive before 8:30 am on show days to secure a space, and confirm the current rate and height clearance with the venue before relying on a specific deck.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2028 - early spring in Atlanta, with the event running 6-7 April 2028
Temperature: Approx. 21-24 C (70-76 F) daytime highs and 10-13 C (50-55 F) overnight lows - climatological normals for early April, confirm the forecast before travel
Seasonality: April is one of Atlanta's wetter spring months, with roughly 90-100 mm (3.5-4 in) of rain typically falling as short showers and occasional thunderstorms rather than all-day drizzle. Because the conference is indoors in Grand Ballroom North, rain mainly affects the walk from Downtown hotels to the Omni complex.
Packing: Pack light layers that work from a cool morning to a warm afternoon, a packable rain jacket or compact umbrella for the Centennial Park blocks, and comfortable shoes for the walk between hotels and the ballroom. Session rooms run cool air conditioning, so a light jacket or knit is useful indoors; bring a Type A/B plug adapter and check that chargers handle 120 V.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) 2028 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your PELICE delegate registration and badge collection point — The event runs 6-7 April 2028 in Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park; confirm whether your pass is posted in advance or collected at the on-site registration desk when the organiser publishes the 2028 attendee guide.
T-2
Lock flights into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) — Plan to land on 5 April so a delayed connection does not cost you the opening morning; ATL is roughly 10 mi south of the Centennial Park district.
T-3
Reserve a downtown Atlanta hotel within walking distance of Centennial Park — Venue-connected and convention-district rooms sell out around large downtown events; a property between Andrew Young International Blvd and Peachtree Street keeps the morning transfer to a short walk.
T-4
Check passport validity and US entry authorisation — Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA; others typically need a B-1 business visitor visa. Passports should have at least six months validity beyond your stay.
T-5
Map your MARTA route from ATL to the Omni district — Rail from the Airport station runs north through Downtown; the closest stations to the Omni complex are GWCC/CNN Center (Blue/Green line, transfer at Five Points) and Peachtree Center (Red/Gold line).
T-6
Download the 2028 conference programme and build a session shortlist — PELICE pairs a technical conference on panel and engineered lumber production with a tabletop exhibition; block time for both the paper sessions and the hall.
T-7
Pre-book meetings with machinery, resin and panel suppliers — Press lines, forming and sanding equipment, adhesives, screening and mill automation are the core of the hall - request slots before the show floor gets busy on day one.
T-8
Review the Atlanta forecast and pack for spring variability — Early April can swing from mild afternoons to cool, wet mornings; a packable rain layer covers the walk between Centennial Park hotels and the ballroom.
T-9
Save the venue address and transport fallback offline — Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, 190 Marietta St NW is the anchor address for the venue complex; keep a rideshare app configured with a US payment card.
T-10
Collect your badge and walk the Grand Ballroom North floor plan — Use the quieter arrival afternoon to locate the registration desk, session rooms and the exhibitor aisle numbers you need first thing on 6 April.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) 2028 registration concourse
Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) 2028 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) 2028, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You run or supply a panel, plywood, or engineered wood line and want technical sessions plus exhibitor floor time in one trip.
Best for
Panel mill operators, plywood and engineered lumber producers, and mill engineers evaluating equipment upgrades and residuals handling.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
6-8 weeks before 6 April 2028 to secure downtown Atlanta hotel rooms and travel.
Risks
Downtown Atlanta hotel rooms near the Omni fill quickly during spring conference season.
exhibit
Your equipment or service targets panel and engineered lumber mill buyers concentrated in the U.S. Southeast.
Best for
Machinery, adhesives, dryer, strapping, and process-equipment suppliers selling into North American panel mills.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand planning, freight to the Omni complex, and pre-show promotion.
Risks
Stand pricing is not published in public captures - confirm with the PELICE organiser.
skip
Your product category or regional market focus does not overlap with North American panel and engineered lumber production.
Best for
Companies outside the wood panel, plywood, or engineered lumber supply chain.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is PELICE 2028 held?
PELICE 2028 runs 6-7 April 2028 at Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It is the 11th biennial edition of the Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo.
Who should attend PELICE?
Engineers, plant managers, and executives from panel mills, plywood and engineered wood producers, plus machinery, adhesives, and process-equipment suppliers. Conference sessions like the residuals-profitability talk target mill operators looking to improve yield and by-product value.
Is PELICE a conference, an exhibition, or both?
Both. PELICE combines a multi-session technical conference (agenda slots such as 11:05-11:30 a.m. sessions) with an exhibition of panel and engineered lumber equipment and services in Grand Ballroom North.
Which airport serves the venue?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the main gateway; MARTA rail connects the airport to the downtown core near the Omni complex.
How do I exhibit at PELICE?
Exhibitor information and the exhibitor sign-up route are published on pelice-expo.com's 'Exhibit at PELICE' page; contact the organiser for current stand options and pricing since rates are not published in public captures.
Glossary
- Engineered lumber
- Wood products such as LVL, I-joists, and laminated veneer lumber made by bonding veneers or strands, a core PELICE exhibition category.
- Mass plywood panel (MPP)
- A mass-timber panel product built from plywood; discussed in PELICE conference sessions alongside cross-laminated timber.
- CLT (cross-laminated timber)
- Layers of lumber glued at right angles to form structural panels; a recurring topic in PELICE technical sessions.
- Residuals
- Mill by-products such as bark, chips, and sawdust; a PELICE session covers profitable solutions for the residuals challenge.
- Thermal oil hazards
- Risk identification topic for panel press heating systems, previously covered in a PELICE presentation on thermal oil safety.
1
2
3
4
5
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- PELICE 2028
- Panel & Engineered Lumber Conference
- Atlanta wood products expo
- Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) 2028
- Panel 2028
- Panel Atlanta 2028
- Engineered Lumber International Conference 2028
- Engineered Lumber International Conference Atlanta 2028
- Expo 2028
- Expo Atlanta 2028
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.