TORONTO – More than 200 woodworkers and other guests participated in Woodworking Technology Days, a Toronto-area showroom event organized by the Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors Association (CWMDA).

Eight CWMDA member held machinery demonstrations at their showrooms during the three-day event, held Oct. 22-24. They included: Akhurst, Biesse, Felder, Homag, IMA Schelling, Normand, SCM and Taurus Craco.

Due to heightened government restrictions enacted to thwart the spread of the coronavirus, each showroom was limited to the presence of 10 people at any one time, including host company personnel.

“Considering the COVID-19 context and restrictions, all CWMDA members reported a very satisfying number of customers,” said Marc Proulx, manager of the CWMDA. “Visitors commented that they were happy with the formula as the joint event allowed them not only to plan better but also have the vendors full attention, which is not always the case at a traditional show.”

Proulx added that participating members displayed a wide range of equipment, including technology being presented for the first time. “In several cases, the demo could be personalized in direct relation with the customer’s application. A majority of visitors who attended also reported having a very good level of activity for their businesses and expressed their intention to move forward with their investment plans as the recuperation continues to be strong.”

Based on the success of the event, Proulx said members “have already confirmed their decision to repeat the event in the fall of 2021. There is no doubt that a much larger number of customers will attend in a normal context.”