AWFS Fair education courses to focus on workforce and technology

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers’ (AWFS) 2021 AWFS Fair will be held July 20-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Its education program, College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK), will take place during that period, with all-day symposiums kicking off the event the day before on July 19.

Designed to meet the current needs of show attendees, the two dozen sessions will span topics to strengthen corporate culture and grow your workforce, enhance business management expertise, and increase knowledge of the latest technologies.

CWWK educational track highlights:

• Technology & Innovation: Learn how to maximize efficiency and productivity in edgebanding operations and vacuum clamping for CNC. Subject matter experts and wood manufacturers will help you walk through the process of identifying, selecting, and implementing robotic applications into your processes, including finishing.
• Business Management: Mark Harari, acclaimed speaker and author of Lobster on a Cheese Plate, will help attendees identify and strengthen their market positioning. Hear from a panel of financial experts on how to prepare your business for succession planning, including new tax policy changes and implications. ERP’s, MES, and more...what do all of these programs do and why do you need them? Marc Sanderson from Innergy will help attendees decode and navigate the current landscape of business software.
• Workforce and Culture: The need to attract, retain and train workers is more critical than ever. Author Kelli Vrla will provide guidance on how to engage employees and strengthen business culture. It is important for all businesses to assess their racial bias and how to address any potential issues; Lisa Landry will guide an in-depth workshop on how to respond to racial bias that can be applied in the workplace. Marc Sanderson will use the Kotter Change Method to show how businesses can influence change and impact their corporate culture. Learn how to use the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) Skills Standards as a reference manual for creating an in-house training program.
• Cabinet, Millwork, and Furniture: Leaders from the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) will present sessions on maximizing profit using the Cost of Doing Business Survey and Project Management in a New Era. The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) will host their popular “What’s Your Problem?” roundtable event (FREE) and sessions on CNC essentials and taking the leap to the next level of machinery. Learn from experts about RTF (rigid thermofoil) laminates and how to ensure quality and have success using this new process.

Free sessions

In addition to CMA’s “What’s Your Problem?” don’t miss these other complimentary sessions:
Learn more about the new Wood Manufacturing Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Framework and hear directly from the first WMS apprentice. CPA will host a panel of experts to discuss the environmental and sustainable attributes of composite wood products. Get updates on the new YouWood industry-wide career awareness campaign and how you can get involved to strengthen the talent pipeline. Advance registration is required for all free sessions.

Woodworking Network Symposia

Woodworking Network presents a full-day symposium -Closets and Organized Storage - on Monday, July 19. All symposium attendees receive complimentary show registration and access to the 40 under 40 Reception on Monday evening.

The full program is accessible at AWFSFair.org/education, including complete session descriptions and speaker bios.

For more information, please visit awfsfair.org.
 

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.