The global woodworking community hits the jackpot when AWFS Fair takes over Las Vegas, July 22-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall. Show hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Under the theme “Thrive in 2025,” the AWFS Fair offers a firsthand look at the latest technology, equipment, supplies, and services in the marketplace. With thousands of products on display by approximately 500 exhibitors, the AWFS Fair is designed to help manufacturers, fabricators, contractors, installers, and designers significantly grow their businesses. The biennial show is owned by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS).

AWFS Trade Show Committee Chair Karl Frey stressed the show’s importance to those involved in the cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, retail fixtures, closets, components, and other industry segments.

“Beyond a trade show, AWFS Fair immerses attendees in the future of woodworking,” he noted.  “Discover cutting-edge machinery, tools, and materials while engaging in WED Talks, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations designed to sharpen your skills and industry knowledge. AWFS is committed to education and workforce development.” 

The AWFS Fair College of Woodworking Knowledge offers a comprehensive selection of seminars on the topics of Business, Technology, Production, Workforce, and Educator. Woodworking Network’s Will Sampson, Michaelle Bradford, and David Biggs are among the industry experts offering insights and information on a variety of subjects, including: Pricing for Profitability, From Cabinets to Closets (both on Tuesday), Pricing Workshop, Beyond the Algorithm: Smarter Social Media Strategies for Real Results (both on Wednesday), and So You Want to Start a Woodworking Business: 7 Things You Need to Know (Thursday). Register for all the CWWK sessions at tinyurl.com/3x85a7b9.

The always popular WED Talks (Wood EDucation) take place from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the AWFS Live Stage. They include: Cloud-Powered Millwork: Bridging Craftsmanship and Innovation by Brian Hamilton of New Horizons Data (Tuesday); Understanding the Custom Woodworking Business from a Contractor’s Perspective by Geoffrey Finkel, Source-Book.com (Wednesday); and How Can We Get Younger Generations in the Woodworking Industry? by Matt Buell, M Buell Studio (Thursday). Also, check out the Rapid Fire presentations providing a quick take on some of the must-see technologies, hardware, and software new products by innovative companies.

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New and popular showcases at the AWFS Fair 2025 include: 

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. 

“This initiative provides attendees, students, and educators firsthand exposure to the industry via a guided tour on the trade show floor with exhibitor interactions and specialized sessions on kitchens, closets, furniture, and more,” Frey stated.

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 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 of the West Hall of the convention center.

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.

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.

Details and educational opportunities are available at AWFSfair.org.

“AWFS remains dedicated to supporting woodworking professionals through education, advocacy, and industry growth,” Frey said. “As we gather for the 2025 AWFS Fair, we celebrate our community’s resilience and the innovations shaping our future.” 

Woodworking Network at AWFS Fair 
Stop by Booth 1563 and meet the staff of Woodworking Network – FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines – who will be out in force before and during the AWFS Fair.

To start, join Woodworking Network on July 21 at two all-day symposia. CNC Bootcamp addresses the needs of companies new to CNC manufacturing, and the Closets symposium features speakers/panels of interest to designers, fabricators, architects, and manufacturers involved in closets and organized storage. Register at AWFSFair.org.

Also on July 21, the Leadership Reception celebrates the 2025 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 honorees. Network with current and past 40 Under 40 honorees, industry VIPS, and other distinguished guests as we celebrate the next generation of wood products professionals. Register at tinyurl.com/2025-wwn. The 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 is sponsored by PaintLine and Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Co. (PLM).

During the show, don’t forget to check out the popular CWWK seminars, including those by Woodworking Network’s Will Sampson, Michaelle Bradford, and David Biggs. CWWK seminars are on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Register at tinyurl.com/3x85a7b9.