The Stairway Manufacturers' Association's (SMA's) annual conference in Charlotte, N.C., attracted 20% more attendees than last year's event in St. Louis, the SMA announced.

During the conference, the membership ratified a new mission statement: "To be the greatest resource of knowledge and tools contributing to the success of our members and the stair industry." The SMA is currently reviewing its advertising and display policy to determine if less restrictions would be beneficial to its mission.