Closets and home org solutions at AWFS Fair 2021
Alvic-booth

 Alvic USA featured its panel products in a 1,900 sq. ft. exhibition space developed by the studio of architect Héctor Ruiz.

Photo By Alvic USA

More than 400 exhibitors displayed new machinery, materials, and equipment at AWFS Fair 2021 which took place July 20 to 23. Thousands of attendees from across the country traversed the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall to view the latest technology and solutions on display.

Laguna-CNC-High-Speed-Drilling-Machine
Laguna Tools' CNC High Speed Drilling Machine.

A few sightings from the show floor include the following:
•    Laguna Tools highlighted its new CNC High Speed Drilling Machine
•    HP5D – Horizontal Bore, Dowel and Panel Grooves from Pillar Machines was one of several new products on display.
•    Rev-A-Shelf featured its Tresco lighting solutions and new storage containers by Sidelines.
•    Cabinet Hero, a first-time exhibitor, showed attendees its slip-on edge protector for cabinets.
•    The Exedra-2 pocket door system from Salice was one of several storage solutions on display.
•    Grass America featured a variety of products including its Timos hidden hinge and Kinvaro T-Slim Lifter Flap system.
•    HandiWALL | Custom Accents highlighted new storage solutions for the garage.
•    Show attendees were able to meet The Idaho Painter Chris Berry at the PaintLine booth.
•    CalPlant launched Eureka MDF, a panel made from rice straw.
•    Hardware Resources showed products from its Northpoint Cabinetry line as well as its TandemLED lighting solutions.
•    Alvic USA featured its panel products in a 1,900 sq. ft. exhibition space developed by the studio of architect Héctor Ruiz. Three curved walls generated an organic shape directing visitors into the core of the ALVIC brand. Alternating between solid panels and empty space intensifies the sense of depth and layers created by the walls, company representatives said. The futuristic feeling was enhanced by the mirror-gloss surface of ALVIC Luxe Plus. The use ALVIC products in the uniquely designed booth showcased the variety of possibilities the panels can offer.
•    VTM, maker of the VantEdge Edgebander series, displayed its VantEdge 6.5 fully loaded edgebander – one of the largest models in the VantEdge series and offered show attendees a chance to win an electric bike.

Closets symposium

The 2021 AWFS Closets & Organized Storage Symposium was held July 19, one day before the AWFS Fair started.

Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network hosted an all-day symposium, sponsored by Rev-A-Shelf, at the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 19, one day before the AWFS Fair opened.

The all-day event included a roster of closet industry veterans who shared their thoughts on new ways to market, design challenges, installation hacks, new opportunities in a post-covid world, and product and supply trends.

Designed for closet and home organization professionals as well as cabinet makers and remodeling pros, the line-up was geared toward best practices and forward-looking discussions on closets and organized storage industry.

The Great Closets Challenge

Show attendees had the chance to assemble a custom closet system while competing against their peers for an Apple Watch. As part of the Closets Pavilion, sponsored by The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) and Closets & Organized Storage magazine, attendees had the chance to assemble a custom closet system while competing against their peers for an Apple Watch.

These winners were announced each day of the competition: Day 1 - Nick Weber, The Cabinet Shop in Middleton, Idaho; Day 2 - Ezra Berger, Sage Custom Designs in Lakewood, New Jersey, and Day 3 - Noah Beason, The Embroidery Shoppe, Craig, Colorado.

The competition featured three parts: a designer challenge featuring a custom closet designed by Eric Marshall, DEA Remodeling, Tempe, Arizona (Marshall was also the event MC); the Fabricator challenge sponsored by Weinig/Holz-Her, Hafele America, and Closet Pro Software; and the Installer/Assembler Challenge.

Weinig/Holz-Her, the official machinery sponsor of The Great Closets Challenge, provided the prefabricated components needed for the custom-designed storage space. Hafele America, an official hardware sponsor and provided hardware, slides, Rafix fasteners, and closet accessories. Closet Pro Software, the official software sponsor, provided cultists for machining the parts. Drawer Connection supplied the drawer boxes and Festool supplied power tools for the challenge.

Closet Pro Software owner displays ACSP Pioneer Award

Closet Pro Software owner Joe Bergamo displayed his ACSP Pioneer Award at his booth during AWFS Fair 2021.

Bergamo received the award from the Association of Closet & Storage Professionals (ACSP). According to the association, the Pioneer Award is meant to “acknowledge contributions to the closet industry that are visionary, out of the box and exhibit a willingness to face risk in bringing value to the industry.”

Bergamo said that he was surprised by the “wonderful honor” and noted how the closet industry has been very welcoming. “I loved sharing [that moment] with my family…and my staff,” he said.  
 

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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.