The Wood Build Maine Conference – presented by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Maine International Trade Center – brings together people who are shaping the future of wood design and construction, right here in one of the most forest-rich regions in the world.
This event is sponsored by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).
Inspired by global forest bioeconomy leaders like Finland, this conference showcases how wood is transforming design, construction, and climate solutions in Maine through advanced manufacturing and forest products innovation.
Maine is uniquely positioned at the intersection of:
- Abundant, sustainably managed forests,
- World-class research and innovation, and
- A growing ecosystem of builders, designers, and manufacturers.
This is where those worlds come together.
Join architects, builders, foresters, innovators, policymakers, and investors to explore how wood can drive:
- Climate-smart construction
- Rural economic growth
- Scalable, modern building solutions
This isn’t just about building with wood. It’s about building what’s next—for Maine and beyond.
Event Details
Date:
June 5, 2026
Time:
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location:
The Smith Center for Education & Research
Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment
184 Burnett Road, Freeport, ME 04032
Registration Fee:
$35
Registration
Registration Now Open
Seats are limited. Reserve your place now for Maine’s inaugural gathering focused on the future of wood design and innovation.
Full program details and additional speakers will be announced as confirmed. See prelminary agenda below.
Check back for updates.
Why Attend
Climate Solutions
Wood stores carbon and replaces fossil-intensive materials—making it central to a comprehensive climate strategy.
Mass Timber Moment
Multi-story wood buildings are scaling globally, and Maine can lead in supply and innovation.
Economic Opportunity
New markets for Maine’s forest products = jobs, investment, and rural resilience.
Innovation Pipeline
From research to manufacturing, Maine is pushing boundaries in materials science and design.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
The future of wood construction depends on connecting disciplines, and this is where it happens.
Who Should Attend
If you build, design, manage, or invest in the future, then you belong here.
- Architects & Designers
- Builders & Developers
- Foresters & Landowners
- Engineers & Manufacturers
- Policy Leaders & Municipal Officials
- Investors & Economic Development Leaders
- Students & Emerging Professionals
Preliminary Agenda
8:30
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00
Supporting Maine Wood Building Innovation
Featuring leaders advancing wood design, policy, and innovation in Maine
9:30
Break
9:45
Maine Wood Building Case Studies – Part 1
Real-world examples from pioneering companies and projects
12:00
Networking Lunch Featuring Maine Culinary Excellence
Lunch catered by Big Tree Hospitality
1:00
Maine Wood Building Case Studies – Part 2
Additional featured projects and emerging innovations
2:30
Break
2:45
Maine Wood Construction & Supply Chain Panel
Insights from manufacturers, builders, and supply chain leaders
3:30
Closing Remarks & Adjourn
3:45
Optional Tour: Wolfe’s Neck Center
Confirmed Speakers
Amelia Swan Baxter, Co-Founder, WholeTrees Structures
Amanda Beal, Commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
Nick Farmer, President, Notch SB
Theresa Kerchner, Local WOOD WORKS
Shane O’Neill, Forest Industry Business Development Manager, University of Maine
Caroline Pryor, President & Founder, ZeroEnergy Homes
Additional speakers and case studies to be announced soon.
Sponsored By
Presented By
