Bigger crowds expected for expanded Wood Pro Expo Lancaster debut in new facility
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More than 65 exhibitors have committed to participate at Wood Pro Expo Lancaster October 18-19 at Warehouse at the Nook in Manheim. Pa.

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Wood Pro Expo returns to Lancaster County October 18-19 in a new venue with significantly larger exhibit space and the promise of more attendees based on pre-registration numbers. The event will be held at Warehouse at the Nook in Manheim, PA.  The facility features ample free parking, restaurant, and hotel on site."Warehouse at the Nook is a convenient, easy location to get to," according to WPE show manager, Lewis Goldman.

At press time Wood Pro Exp Lancaster had approximately 12,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space compared to 7,200 in 2017. "This year's event will be the largest face-to-face gathering of manufacturers and distributors to the professional woodworking community in the Mid-Atlantic region," said Goldman.

About the Warehouse at the Nook

"The Warehouse at the Nook facility gives Wood Pro Expo Lancaster and woodworkers in the region the space it really deserves,” said Tim Fixmer, CEO of CCI Media, the parent company of Woodworking Network and FDMC Magazine, which operates the show.  "The response from returning and new exhibitors has been outstanding and we expect a great turnout from woodworkers in the area."

The Warehouse Hotel is housed in a former industrial warehouse along with the country’s largest indoor sports facility. It features luxurious modern rooms with amenities including free internet, refrigerators, large flat-screen TVs and more in an environmentally friendly, recycled facility.

Spooky Nook Sports

You don't have to leave the site to find some great activities the family will love. The arcade has more than 60 games, and kids earn tickets to cash-in for awesome prizes. Bring them to the Nook Climbing Gym or Clip 'N Climb to give rock climbing a try.

Local attractions: Even when you leave the site, you don't have to drive far for fun things to do. Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland and Strasburg Railroad are a short drive away. You are also in close proximity to historic downtown Lancaster and the Central Market.

Aerial View of the Spooky Nook Sports complex in Manheim, Pa., home to Wood Pro Expo Lancaster


Running Machinery Program
New this year for Wood Pro Expo Lancaster is an expanded conference schedule that includes the WPE Running Machine program.  "These sessions are scheduled equipment demonstrations, said Goldman.  "Machine functions will be explained by operators, not salesman, live on the show floor."  This part of the conference is included in Expo admission. The Running Machine program is aimed at giving participants a comprehensive understanding of the machines on display.  "We have found over time that our attendees want to see running and operating machines in action," said Goldman.  "But they also want to learn as much as they can about the machines. This is our effort to encourage our exhibitors to really educate attendees. It's also a way to expand our conference and education program to the show floor."

VIEW Running Machinery Program Schedule.

VIEW Classroom Conference Schedule.

VIEW latest exhibitor list.

Wood Pro Expo
Wood Pro Expo is the regional show series that brings education, equipment, and supplies close to cabinetmakers and custom woodworking businesses around the country. It will include a strong educational program on best practices for shop production, and as well as an expo oriented to equipment and supplies geared to the small and medium size shops, including CNC basics, employee recruitment, finishing, lean manufacturing, business management, software, and shop safety.
 
Launched in 2014 in Baltimore, Wood Pro Expo was first held in Lancaster in October, 2017.  It returns to Lancaster October 18-19, 2018 and Charlotte March 16-18, 2019.

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About the author
Harry Urban

Harry Urban is the retired publisher of the Woodworking Network. Urban spent more than 30 years working in business-to-business publishing, trade shows, and conferences. He has travelled extensively throughout North America and overseas visiting and reporting on major manufacturing facilities and trade shows. In retirement, he's still following the woodworking industry, but he plans to do a lot more fishing.