Thousands to attend AWFS Fair: Here’s why

AWFS Fair provides attendees with a firsthand look at new products in the marketplace. The show takes place July 22-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

A showcase for new technology, machinery, materials, supplies, and services, the AWFS Fair will play host to thousands of professionals involved in the production of cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, retail fixtures, closets, components, and other industry segments. Owned by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), the biennial trade show and conference takes place July 22-25 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with show hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. 

Attendees get an closeup look at technology to optimize their production.

This year’s theme is “Thrive in 2025,” and the AWFS Fair delivers that with a first look at a wide range of technology, trends, products, and services to help woodworking companies grow their business.  In a survey following the last event, 75 percent of attendees made purchases at the show, and 60 percent of attendees said they recommend or have the power to purchase machinery and materials.

Along with the thousands of new products showcased during the show, there will be exhibit floor demonstrations and plenty of networking and educational opportunities. 

Educational opportunities are plentiful. They start July 21 with all-day symposia on CNC Bootcamp and Closets, and continue July 22-25 with the CWWK seminars on the topics of Business, Technology, Production, Workforce and Educator.

Education and networking begin even before the show floor opens. July 21, the day prior to the start of the fair, features two all-day Woodworking Network symposia: CNC Bootcamp, which addresses the needs of companies new to CNC manufacturing; and Closets, which features speakers/panels of interest to designers, fabricators, architects, and manufacturers involved in closets and organized storage. The Leadership Reception recognizing Woodworking Network’s 2025 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 honorees immediately follows the symposia.

More education starts on Tuesday and continues throughout the show’s duration. The AWFS Fair College of Woodworking Knowledge offers a large selection of seminars on the topics of Business, Technology, Production, Workforce, and Educator. For additional information on the symposia or CWWK seminars, visit AWFSfair.org.

Returning in 2025, the popular Tool Tour showcases portable power tools on display by exhibitors.

Favorites & new features
New and popular showcases at the AWFS Fair 2025 include: 

Visionary Awards: Winners announced Wednesday, 9 a.m., the AWFS Fair Visionary New Product Awards recognize exhibitors for innovations in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance the industry; new-to-market products include any product introduced to the industry since the 2023 AWFS Fair. Entries submitted for the Visionary Award will be featured in the New Product Showcase in the Grand Lobby/Lobby 2 of the West Hall, throughout the show’s duration.

First Time Exhibitors Showcase: New products by exhibitors will also be on display throughout the show in the Grand Lobby/Lobby 2 of the West Hall.

Fresh Wood Student Design Competition: The competition showcases furniture designed and built by students from U.S. high schools and post-secondary schools, with prizes awarded to the top entries in the categories of: seating, tables, casegoods, design for production, open category and 2025’s special theme of Spin N’ Shape. Prizes are also awarded for Best of Show and the People’s Choice Award. Finalist entries can be viewed at Booth 3871, with winners announced Thursday, July 24 at 4 p.m. at the AWFS Fair Live stage.

Field Trips: Register to join experts on the new CWWK Field Trips and network with select exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in one of five themes: kitchens, closets, furniture, getting started in the industry, and educator/student.

Additional new and returning features on tap include the Tool Tour showcase of portable power tools offered by various exhibitors, Biomass Block, designed to connect biomass equipment exhibitors with attendees looking to turn waste into biochar and energy, and The Safety Zone, featuring companies that carry products focused on workplace gear, job-site and personal protective equipment, as well as those offering safety resources.

Other popular events during the show include WED Talks (Wood EDucation), taking place at the AWFS Fair Live stage, and Rapid Fire 15-minute presentations on the show floor.

More details and educational opportunities are available at AWFSfair.org, including up-to-the-minute information.

A wide range of woodworking machinery, supplies and services will be on display and in action at the biennial show.

AWFS Fair at a glance
Date: July 22-25 (All-day symposia: July 21)
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall
Show hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m
Visionary Awards: Winners announced Wednesday, July 23 at 9 a.m., in the Grand Lobby/Lobby 2. 
Fresh Wood Student Competition: Fresh Wood winners will be announced Thursday, July 24 at 4 p.m.at the AWFS Fair Live stage on the show floor, Booth #4675.
For updates, visit AWFSfair.org.

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 35 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As senior editor, her responsibilities include writing and editing for Woodworking Network publications FDMC Magazine and Closets & Organized Storage Magazine, as well as the website. She also oversees many of Woodworking Network's special projects and programs, including Red Book: Resource Guide for Best Practice, FDMC 300, 40 Under 40, and the Wood Industry Market Leaders. She can be reached at [email protected].