IWF Woodworking Show Buyout

DELRAY BEACH, FL - Wood machinery trade groups WMIA and WMMA, part owners of the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair (IWF), jointly bought out the American Home Furnishings Alliance's one-third interest in the biennial show. Separately, WMMA (Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America) and WMIA (Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn.) said they have entered into a new partnership agreement to own and manage the IWF trade show.

WMMA president Mark Chappell adds his signature to the agreement signed by John Henderson, WMIA president, under which the two wood industry trade groups bought the American Home Furnishings Alliance's one-third interest in IWF. WMIA and WMMA will now jointly own and manage the IWF woodworking show. The announcement came at WIC 2012, the annual Wood Industry Conference running through Friday in Delray Beach, FL. The transaction is expected to close following the end of IWF 2012's August 22-25 run in Atlanta.

The deal follows a lengthy negotiation process over the future management of the show, as existing agreements among the owners were set to expire.

The three parties have jointly operated the IWF show, North America's largest woodworking equipment and supply showcase, for 30 years. Signing the agreement on behalf of the AHFA was association Vice Chairman Wyatt Bassett, CEO of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. WMIA President John Henderson and WMMA President Mark Chappell signed on behalf of their respective associations.

"Our decision is not only good for the thousands of woodworkers in North America and abroad who attend IWF, but also for the numerous companies that exhibit," said Henderson.

Chappell added that IWF gives attendees the chance to "see firsthand new technology in action and new equipment being introduced." 

In a statement announcing the ownership change, WMMA and WMIA said IWF will carry on the tradition set in place by the original three associations, "yet change to answer the needs of today's marketplace."

When asked what type of changes might be expected, Chappell said the show may reach into new business markets, and would try to "get back to the 700,000 square foot size" to make it a truly global wood industry event."