Rising to the challenge of fine-tuning the art of veneer grading to meet the needs of 21st century manufacturing, Woodworking Network has partnered with Veneer Technologies and Columbia Forest Products to present the 2025 Veneer Grading Seminar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as part of Wood Pro Expo in October.

The suppliers will share their decades of expertise in veneer grading and selection, covering all aspects, from manufacturing methods, to species, color selection, defect identification, matching options, and more. 

The seminar will be a true hands-on experience with more than 300 samples on display, including multiple species, grades and cuts of veneer. The goal is to add value to purchasing and design decisions by increasing the understanding of the options available in hardwood veneer and plywood.

The seminar will be presented on two consecutive days, with each session running from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will include a networking lunch. Each session will be limited to 50 attendees, so sign up early at woodproexpolancaster.com.

More education on tap
Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, the nation’s only professional woodworking event in the Mid-Atlantic region this year, will take place Oct. 23-24, at Spooky Nook Sports, the largest indoors sports complex in the United States. In addition to a crowded expo floor, the event features an array of education programs in addition to the veneer workshop.

Speakers will cover a variety of topics including how to plan your shop, pricing your products, business planning and succession, and managing your staff. There are also material presentations showcasing unique products and detailed education on their uses. Here’s a look at the schedule: 

Thursday 
Exit and Succession Planning in Action: Chuck Ross of Ross Business Solutions discusses the difference between a lifestyle business vs. an asset business, with a workshop and case study on how to plan.

Pricing Workshop: Will Sampson, editorial director of Woodworking Network, shares tips to improve your pricing for custom woodworking, including fundamental pricing components, pricing for profit and market at the same time, and establishing a realistic loaded hourly shop rate.\Little Things Make a Big Difference: Matt Buell of M. Buell Studio discusses how small things can get overlooked when running your business, defining those small things, how they can be coupled and, if neglected, become big problems.

CEU session: Robert Schaefer, Fessenden Hall, offers a CEU program on high-performance waterproof wall systems for interiors.

Friday
Plywood, Seriously? Kenn Busch, Material Intelligence, talks about how today’s decorative, interior hardwood plywood combines the best of all worlds.

Building Your Bench: Chris Cimaglio, Best Human Capital & Advisory Group & Pinpoint Business Solutions, asks, “Do you currently have the right people on the bus? Are you concerned with building your bench for today and tomorrow?” He explains why the woodworking industry must change its thinking about recruiting inside and outside the industry.

Luxury Pricing for Woodworkers: Paul Mencel, owner of Philadelphia Table Co., urges woodworkers to shift their mindset around pricing. He offers tips for attracting high-end clients who value craftsmanship and will pay top dollar.

CEU session: Miguel Mosquera, Wilsonart, offers a CEU program on appropriate architectural uses of compact laminate.

Learn more and register for Wood Pro Expo Lancaster at woodproexpolancaster.com.