SA’s biggest timber conference turns 15

Over 1000 professionals, academics, business owners, investors, sawmillers and students interested in using timber in the built environment joined the Kuratle family to celebrate the 15th annual Wood Conference in Cape Town in February.

The apt theme of this year’s conference was Celebrating 15 years of timber, innovation and expertise connecting South Africa and the world.

The first Wood Conference was founded and hosted by the Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist, George Kuratle, in 2011. Although only one hundred people attended, he and his organising team persevered, and each year the numbers grew.

Over time, the Wood Conference has established a reputation as the leading platform for hearing the latest developments in timber construction, knowledge sharing, and relationship-building. When George retired, he handed over the CEO role at the Kuratle Group to his son, Roger.

Roger has continued the tradition of hosting the event, working closely with the local organiser, Zaida Davids, to invite international and local speakers from leading architecture, timber engineering, manufacturing, and digital services companies to share their knowledge and experience with like-minded South Africans.

Hannu Garny, a close friend of the Kuratle family, was the master of ceremonies for the 15th time and ensured that the speakers and audience tore themselves away from the delicious refreshments to stay on schedule.

In a moving speech, Roger welcomed everyone to the 15th Wood Conference. “The conference represents our commitment to innovation and open dialogue across borders, focusing on modern and sustainable timber construction. It has developed into an internationally recognised platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration”.

After the Consul General of Switzerland, Andreas Rufer, officially opened the conference, the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Councillor Eddie Andrews, took the floor.

Read more – https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/february-2026-issue-56/10/