MANHEIM, Pa. – The Wood Pro Expo brand showcases the value and need for well-managed regional industrial woodworking shows.
In recent years, successful Wood Pro Expo events have been held in Charlotte, N.C.; West Palm Beach, Fla.; and most recently San Diego. The mother of all Wood Pro Expos is Wood Pro Expo Lancaster (WPEL). It is an annual event held in one of the most robust sectors for wood product manufacturing in the country right in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Perhaps the greatest validation of the importance of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster is the many 2021 exhibitors who are investing their time and resources to display their wares at the show again this year.
Woodworking Network reached out to a number of returning exhibitors to learn why they are making an encore at this year’s show. Wood Pro Expo Lancaster is scheduled to take place Oct. 13-14 at the Spooky Nook Sports Center/Warehouse at the Nook in Lancaster County, Pa.
Jeremy McClain, marketing director, Osborne Wood Products Inc. of Toccoa, Ga.: “Osborne Wood Products appreciates the opportunity to be in front of the regional audience that we find at Lancaster. WPE Lancaster is one of the better regional shows drawing woodworking professionals and enthusiasts from the Northeast and giving us the opportunity to network with potential customers that we may not connect with relying exclusively on national or international shows. We continue to explore and commit to opportunities to hear from customers which is why we consider WPE Lancaster an important event.”
Amy Dallman, marketing communications manager, Epilog Laser of Golden, Colo.: “Tradeshows are a large part of our business as our equipment is very visual. We love demonstrating our laser engraving/cutting tools at Wood Pro Expo because it allows us to get in front of both potential customers as well as other relevant exhibitors. Being able to showcase our equipment's capabilities in a one-on-one setting to the woodworking audience allows us to educate woodworkers, designers, and artists on how our equipment can help take their business to another level.”
Dwayne Schultz, vice president, DC Distributing of Abbottstown, Pa.: “This show is basically in our backyard. It’s less than an hour away from our warehouse! There’s no way we could see all of our current customers in the amount of time at the show as well as meet and greet potential new customers. The show provides us with a great opportunity to show everyone what’s new and what we have in stock. Customers in our industry really want to see and hold our actual products, not just look at pictures.” (Note: D.C. Distributing is sponsoring the tote bags that will be handed out at Wood Pro Expo Lancaster.)
Norman Fink, global sales and marketing manager, Crows Nest Software of Happy Valley, Ore.: “The WPE-Lancaster show has continuously attracted woodworking professionals who eagerly display significant interest in learning about woodworking specific software that facilitates company growth and profitability through best practices enforcement and project management. Exhibiting at WPE-Lancaster is a true win/win scenario as the industry benefits from shared knowledge exchange while we gain new business directly related to booth visitors.”
Erik Boose, operations manager of RT Machine Co., Hughesville, Pa.: “Wood Pro Expo gives us the opportunity to have a more personal connection with our customers. The Lancaster area is beneficial because of its core customer base and because it not only draws a local crowd but a substantial following from outside the region as well.”
Jason Howell, chief executive officer, Lockdowel, Hayward, Calif.: “The WPE location in Lancaster (County), PA, lends itself to a regional hotspot for woodworking companies. Last year’s show resulted in meaningful and quality attendee participation for us at the event. We found many woodworkers who embrace technology to be present and were excited to be able to provide them with the opportunity to experience firsthand the profit-increasing advantages of the Lockdowel fastener solutions. It created a win-win for both Lockdowel and the attendees.”
Rick Ballard, senior account manager, Raptor Nails/Utility Composite Inc. of Hutto, Texas: “We feel like WPE Lancaster is a good fit for us to showcase Raptor Polymer Composite Fasteners solutions. Historically, the attendees of this show are looking for ways to improve their operations in some capacity, and we can deliver this value to our customers.
“2021 WPE Lancaster was a show where attendance seemed to be down, as the country was trying to feel comfortable with crowded settings once again. We feel like 2022 will be a return to past attendance numbers. The woodworking community seems to be ready to share best practices and discover solutions like Raptor Fasteners, that they may not have seen previously. When we show people how we have helped the woodworking industry for almost 30 years, and they give you the “A-ha” reaction as they see how Raptor can improve their production, it’s a great feeling.”
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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 and business management. The expo features a wide variety of equipment and supplies mainly geared to small and medium-sized shops. The 2022 edition of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster takes place Oct. 13-14 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 15-17, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré (SIBO), Oct. 27-29, Centrexpo Cogeco, Drummondville, Quebec.
Closets Conference & Expo co-located with Wood Pro Expo Florida, April 12-14, 2023, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 2-4, 2023, International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.
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