34 WESTERN PALLET
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From Timber to Tech: WPA Annual Meeting Draws 300+ to Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA - More than 300 pallet industry leaders gathered January 24–26, 2026, at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, for the Western Pallet Association’s Annual Meeting. Framed by desert mountains and clear winter skies, this year’s event carried a forward-looking theme: “From Timber to Tech: Transforming Wood with Smart Solutions.”
The theme proved timely. Across three days of networking, education, and strategic discussion, members explored how technology, data, leadership, and market forces are reshaping the pallet industry at every level, from raw material supply to digital procurement systems.
The result was more than a conference. It was a snapshot of an industry navigating complexity with both discipline and optimism.
Leadership Update
The Association introduced its 2026 Executive Committee:
President: Justin Hegsted, Challenger Pallet & Supply, Idaho Falls, ID
Vice President: Nic Wilson, Big Sky Lumber Sales, Hamilton, MT
Treasurer: Chad McConnell, Millwood, Inc., Vienna, OH
Past President: Tyrone Konecny, Utah Lumber Company, Ogden, UT
New Board Members welcomed this year include Jon Kearney of Ongweoweh Corporation (Ithaca, NY) and John Moran of Moran Pallets & Wood Products (Phoenix, AZ).
The leadership transition reflects continuity and renewed energy as the WPA strength- ens advocacy efforts, expands member engagement, and sharpens its focus on actionable industry insight.
Leading in an Exponential Age
Keynote speaker Kyle Hermans challenged attendees to consider how leadership must evolve in what he described as an “expo- nential age”
Hermans’ message aligned closely with the “Timber to Tech” theme. Technology is no longer a future consideration; it is an immediate and accelerating force. From artificial intelligence and robotics to advanced computing power and digital networks, the pace of change is compounding year over year.
Rather than encouraging reactionary behavior, Hermans advocated for essen- tialism, the disciplined pursuit of less but better. He urged leaders to identify the “vital few” priorities that truly drive impact, eliminate distractions, and execute with clarity.
One of his central questions resonated with many in attendance: What is the future state you desire to create—and what courage is required to build it?
For pallet companies balancing operational stability with transformation, the framework offered both perspective and practical direction.