IWF 2010: Highlighting New Technology and Trends
Click on the image to open
Click on the image to open
 
Thousands of woodworkers will be in attendance at IWF 2010 to view new machinery and
supplies from approximately 900 exhibitors.


Thousands of professional woodworkers will converge on the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta Aug. 25-28, to see the latest innovations in machinery, supplies and services by approximately 900 exhibitors at the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair - USA (IWF). The largest woodworking show in North America, the biennial IWF is sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America and the Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn.

Show management is upbeat, despite the current economic climate in the United States that has devastated the woodworking industry. In 2008, 35,181 attended the show, of which 19,314 were verified buyers. Early projections call for between 12,000 to 15,000 verified buyers this year, and a total attendance in the 25,000 to 27,000 range.

“IWF 2008’s timing was just ahead of the economic downturn that began that fall. It looks like with the timing of this year’s show, it could be the beginnings of the road back to recovery for a lot of us. I think everyone would be in favor of that,” said Patrick LaFramboise, IWF president and CEO.

“By the time the show opens, we should have 900 or more companies exhibiting and we’re very proud of that. We take that as a vote of confidence and that the industry is ready to get back to the business of business,” he said.

“Industry leaders need a strong event where they can see new products, get training and network with their peers,” added Riccardo Azzoni, IWF 2010 chairman and president of Atlantic Machinery.

Answering the Search
Finding the suppliers and products they need will be easier than ever this year with IWF’s new search engine tool: myIWF GPS. Attendees enter in either a company name or list of products and the myIWF GPS highlights where they are on the show floor.

“It’s a great way to make the best use of your time while you’re at the show,” LaFramboise said. “It will print out a map showing you where you are and where you need to go to see the companies and the products. After the show, you can continue to use the myIWF GPS database to find products and companies, and it helps you connect with them when everyone gets back home.”

New Show Features
In addition to myIWF GPS, this year’s show features new programs and projects, including the Green Product Showcase and Upholstery Pavilion “to make it easy and convenient to find products for those involved in manufacturing upholstered products,” LaFramboise said.

Of the four in-depth symposia, one is targeted to the upholstered furniture segment of attendees, one on finishing technology and sustainability, another on opportunities in cabinetry and countertops and the fourth on the growing closets market. (See IWFatlanta.com for details.)

The symposia will be held in conjunction with 21 technical sessions spanning six conference tracks: Business Management, Production Strategy, Manufacturing Techniques, Green/Environmental Issues, Marketing & Business Development, and Non-Wood Based.

“This is our largest conference offering ever. There is a broad range of topics and there should be something there for just about everyone,” said LaFramboise.

“We’re continually developing our conference program to provide solid, real world practical content. The audience will have great take-aways that they can put to work as soon as they get back to their shop.”

Also new this year for attendees and exhibitors alike is the IWF-Atlanta Hospitality Program. “Quite a few hotels restaurants and attractions in the Atlanta area are giving special discounts on food, beverage and entertainment to attendees and exhibitors, just by showing their IWF badge,” LaFramboise said. “It’s a great way to enjoy a lot of what Atlanta has to offer and save money too.”

International Buyers Program
Also of interest to international visitors, and further reinforcing the global nature of the show, IWF 2010 has been chosen to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyers Program. The IBP has been helping to promote the woodworking show and its exhibitors through the overseas offices of the Commercial Service in 74 countries, and also in U.S. Embassies in countries where the Commercial Service does not maintain offices .

IWF was selected to participate in the program based upon meeting a wide range of selection criteria, including: its high export potential, international interest and the fact that the event offers a matching system to bring together international buyers and suppliers on an individual basis.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.