Wood-First-Wednesday began at the end of 2021, following the British Columbia Timber Building Tour hosted by CAWP. After touring facilities and projects across BC’s Interior with a group of professionals, it became clear that what was needed was not another one-off event, conference, or tradeshow, but a consistent place to keep the conversation going. We started meeting in Vancouver in December 2021 and have gathered on the first Wednesday of every month since, expanding to Squamish in December 2023.

WFW is unique in its simplicity: no agenda, no talks, and no sponsorship. It’s an informal space for people working in and around wood to build meaningful relationships and exchange knowledge. Designers, builders, fabricators, engineers, suppliers, researchers, students, and newcomers to the industry all share the same table. If you have a question about wood, chances are someone at the table can answer it or point you in the right direction. That collective knowledge, built month after month, is the real value.

The recurring nature of WFW gives it strength. As people return, relationships deepen, knowledge flows more freely, and opportunities emerge naturally. While business may happen, that’s not the purpose—the real aim is momentum and genuine connection. Each month, ideas and experiences cross disciplines and generations, and knowledge is shared freely, strengthening the industry’s capacity to innovate.

If you work with wood, are adjacent to the industry, or are considering stepping in, Wood-First-Wednesday is a place to start. You can listen, contribute, or simply show up.

Find us at a local establishment in Vancouver on the first Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00.