MANHEIM, Lancaster County, Pa. -- Registration is now open for Wood Pro Expo Lancaster 2021 to be held Oct. 14-15 at the Spooky Nook Sports Center/Warehouse at the Nook in Manheim, Pa.

The annual regional event returns this year after being canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. So far, more than 55 exhibitors have committed to the event, according to show manager Lewis Goldman.

"The time is ripe for the return of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster," Goldman said. “The industry is strong in the Lancaster area and woodworkers are looking for solutions to supply chain issues and the skilled labor shortage.” Goldman said 53 percent of WPE Lancaster attendees come from a 25- to 100-mile radius of the Lancaster area. 

Goldman added that WPE Lancaster is the largest woodworking exposition and conference in the Mid-Atlantic region. “In addition to the strong local woodworking base, we have plenty of attendees from states like New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and Massachusetts. Our attendees can discover all that is required to run an informed woodworking business -- from leading-edge technology to the latest in materials and supplies,” he said.

WPE Lancaster educational program
Wood Pro Expo Lancaster attendees can choose from a number of educational opportunities including two free keynotes and classroom sessions. Woodworking Network, the organizer of the event, and the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) have once again collaborated to develop a lineup of presenters who will share valuable information on best practices and evolving market conditions.  

The two-day event is preceded by the CMA's popular regional meeting and plant tours on Oct. 13. The full-day of shop tours begins with a networking breakfast at the Spooky Nook before the bus departs. Stops include a visit to CMA member, Seven Trees Woodworking’s, newly expanded facility. The group will also enjoy a hearty lunch at the famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord midday.

Oct. 14 keynote and education sessions
Verlon Miller, business advisor for Gehman Accounting of New Holland, Pa.,  will deliver the opening keynote at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14 on the topic, “Financial Decisions – from Confusion to Confidence.” According to Miller, "not understanding your business numbers can lead to confusion and uncertainty, especially when you need to make a financial decision."  Miller will explain some fundamentals of business finance that every business owner should know. He stresses the importance for woodworking owners and managers to know their business' breakeven point and how to maximize profits with full capacity. 

Also slated to present on opening day is Ken Kumph, president of Premier Builders of Georgetown, Mass., on the topic, “Understanding your Profit and Loss Statement.” According to Kumph, most entrepreneurs start companies because they are passionate about the primary work of the business – which usually isn’t accounting. He will share the fundamentals of using this important financial tool.

Chris Valenti, owner of CK Valenti Designs of Chandler Ariz., will present a session titled, “Survival of the Fittest: An honest look at what it takes to successfully run a small shop.” Valenti has a long history of working with wood, beginning when he was very young. His father, a union carpenter in New York, introduced him to the craft; he has continued to build his skills over the years. 

Oct. 15 keynote and education sessions
Day two of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster will kick off at 8 a.m. with a keynote by FDMC editorial director, Will Sampson titled, “Solving the Pricing Puzzle.” During his presentation, Sampson will share the highlights and his personal insights of FDMC's annual Pricing Survey. He’ll examine what various shops charge for the same work, the fundamentals of pricing custom work, and common pitfalls to avoid in the estimating process.

Les Smith, business development manager for low cure powder for PPG, will present, ”Finishing Technology Update: Explore the latest in wood finishing.”  A popular return presenter to Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, Smith will discuss the newest wood finishing technologies, including powder coating.

The final session of the day, “Taking the Leap: Investing in Machinery,” will be presented by Matt Wehner, co-owner of Cabinet Concepts by Design in Springfield, Mo.  Wehner will discuss how he has invested in machines ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. He will share what he's learned, what he wishes he had known, and what he'd do differently the next time. Wehner's presentation will cover the entire purchasing process from selection through set-up by explaining the surprises that come with integrating a big machine into your shop.

Another component of the educational agenda is WPE Lancaster’s Running Machine Pavilion (RMP), The RMP features scheduled demonstrations of the latest machines conducted by informed technicians. New this year is the Classic Machine Pavilion. Goldman said exhibitors will not only demonstrate smaller classic floor machines but will they will have inventory specials that can be purchased and loaded into attendees’ vehicles on the spot.

Learn more and register to attend Wood Pro Expo Lancaster.

For exhibit space and sponsorship inquiries, contact Lewis Goldman, show manager, at [email protected] or phone 800-969-2212. 

About the Spooky Nook Sports Center/Warehouse Hotel at the Nook
The Spooky Nook Sports Center/Warehouse Hotel at the Nook sits on 65 acres and was once an old Armstrong World Industries distribution center and is nearly twice the size of the next biggest sports complex facility in the country. Use the room block for Wood Pro Expo Code: 10176 or book through warehousehotel.com and use Group Code 10176 – no later than Sept. 13, 2021.

About Wood Pro Expo
Wood Pro Expo is a regional event for woodworking businesses that brings together suppliers and experts for a localized presentation of equipment and supply solutions. WPE includes a strong educational program on best practices for shop production including CNC basics, employee recruitment, finishing, lean manufacturing, business management, software, and shop safety. The expo features a wide variety of equipment and supplies geared to small and medium-size shops.

The 2021 edition of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster takes place Oct. 14-15 at the Spooky Nook Sports Center/Warehouse at the Nook in Manheim (Lancaster County), Pa. For information visit woodproexpolancaster.com. 

For exhibitor information contact Lewis Goldman at [email protected] or phone 800-969-2212. 

More upcoming Woodworking Network events
Executive Briefing Conference (EBC) Sept. 8-10, 2021, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Annual forecast of economic, technology and design trends for the North American woodworking industry.

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 4-6, 2021, International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario -- Canada's national woodworking show.

Closets Conference & Expo co-located with Wood Pro Expo California, April 27-29, 2022, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, Calif.