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Bill Esler
ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

Sedia, JumpSeat, Neocon 2015

Furniture

JumpSeat: Tambour Wood Technique Applied to Seating

Sedia's JumpSeat Wall provides touchdown short-term seating where space is limited. The chair is mounted 6” off the floor to facilitate cleaning and measures less than 4” when closed to maximize space. This wall-mounted chair is ideal for hallways, patient rooms, conference rooms, home entryways, mudrooms and walk-in closets. Sedia, which makes fold-down stadium seating, manufacturers the JumpSeat chair at its plant in High Point, North Carolina
By Bill Esler, June 16, 2015 | 5:45 pm CDT
Poggenpohl Accessories - Lightning shelf.jpg

Cabinets

Poggenphol Kitchen Cabinets Light Up NeoCon 2015

Germany's Poggenpohl kitchen cabinetry is at NeoCon 2015. While the show leans toward business and institutional furnishings, Poggenpohl is at home among the 40,000+ designers swarming through Chicago's merchandise Mart. It is also basking in recent awards for its Porsche kitchen design, and showing off its accessories line-up.
By Bill Esler, June 15, 2015 | 11:50 am CDT

Furniture

NeoCon 2015: Work Tables Dominate a Powered Up Office

Work tables dominate at NeoCon 2015, lending adaptability and collaborative capabilities, just right for the way knowledge workers get things done today - collaboratively, and requiring office space able to shape shift continuously.
 
Three key trends identified by exhibitors in the evolution of workplaces, especially to welcome next generation workers, are  a focus on health and wellness (desks that lift and lower, ergonomic seating, healthy materials);  an uptick in demand for flexible workspaces (so workers can work together on projects, then separat
By Bill Esler, June 14, 2015 | 6:34 pm CDT
Teknion, neocon 2015

Furniture

Warm Wood for Teknion-Cisco NeoCon 2015 Furniture

Business furniture manufacturer Teknion says its latest office settings borrow from the comforts of home with warm wood elements paired with soft seating, to make remote workers feel at home when they end up being in the workplace. It's part of a broader initiative to create workspaces with adaptable workplace furniture.
By Bill Esler, June 14, 2015 | 4:12 pm CDT
Gill-Eletronics-Chargers.JPG

Furniture

Wireless Chargers for Furniture Wins FCC Approval

Furniture with wireless chargers built in could see expanded application as the FCC approves use of the devices. Resonant products allow users to wirelessly charge their smart phones, tablets, laptops and other mobile devices without the need for "plugging-in" to a wall or other power outlet.
By Bill Esler, June 14, 2015 | 3:54 pm CDT