Four years in the making, IWF 2022 was a resounding success with thousands of attendees from across the world visiting nearly 1,000 exhibitors and learning about some of the latest in technologies.

Robotics and automation were the most prominent technologies of the show, with seemingly every aisle, especially in the A, B, and BC halls, operating a robot or automated technology.

Despite this prevalence, these technologies were not part of the industry's most prevalent awards competition. The Challengers Award. 

The IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award has become known throughout the world for recognizing outstanding companies who have distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance the industry.

Winners of the 2022 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award were announced on Aug. 23 during the International Woodworking Fair.  The Challengers Award promotes the development of innovative new technology in woodworking machinery, supplies, and services for furniture, kitchen cabinets, architectural woodwork, store fixture, upholstery, or specialty and general wood product industries.

Selected from a field of 20 finalists, the seven award-winning companies and products are:

• Bacci America: The T4MO CNC is a CNC turning lathe with 4 vertical spindles.
• Biesse America: The T-Jet dust mitigation system.
• Felder Group USA: The PCS (Preventative Contact System) is a saw safety technology.
• Northtech Machine: The iDovetail is a single-spindle CNC dovetailer with a three-axis system.
• Salice: The CQ Full Access hinge.
• James L. Taylor/Cameron Automation/JLT: The Rack & Stack nests and bundles flooring strips.
• Topp Line/Blind Stapler:  Joining system that eliminates the need for pocket screws, biscuits, or nails.

A panel of 9 distinguished judges, who are all industry professionals representing a broad cross-section of the industry review and analyze each entry. The finalists will perform live demonstrations for the panel of judges, who then make their final decisions on the most innovative product development. The finalists will be on display in The Challengers Award Gallery throughout the show.

Students highlighted

The Design Emphasis Showcase was a “must-see” at the International Woodworking Fair. This gallery will be located in the lobby of Building C and displayed furniture pieces designed and built by students from colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Winners of the 2022 Design Emphasis contest were announced during the International Woodworking Fair (IWF), being held August 23-26 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Six winners were chosen out of 48 finalists.

Design Emphasis is widely acclaimed as the foremost furniture design competition for students and offers design students a unique opportunity to demonstrate their talent and originality before a judging panel of furniture industry designers, manufacturing and retail executives, and members of the trade press who have design-oriented backgrounds. It also provides a unique chance to experience an international industry trade show, make important career contacts, and exchange ideas with other students from around the nation.

The Best in Show winner was Rebecca Juliette-Duex, Haywood Community College for her Tea Towel Cart. To view the rest of the winners, click here.