AWI Chicago 2026 Annual Golf Outing connects woodworking industry leaders

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club - West Chicago. Photos by AWI Chicago

CHICAGO — The AWI Chicago Chapter will host its 2026 Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, June 25, 2026, bringing together architectural woodwork manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, designers, contractors, clients, and industry partners for one of the chapter’s most established annual networking events.

For more than three decades, the outing has served as a key relationship-building event for the regional architectural woodwork community. More than 175 attendees are expected to participate, representing companies and professionals involved in custom millwork, casework, finishing, coatings, hardware, materials, distribution, specification, design, installation, and project delivery.


 

Founded in Chicago in 1954, the Architectural Woodwork Institute is a national association serving the architectural woodworking industry through standards, education, networking, compliance resources, and member-focused programs.


“AWI Chicago, a chapter of the national association founded in 1954, fosters the collaboration of woodwork professionals, suppliers, and designers through industry standard education, networking, and advocacy—advancing craftsmanship and supporting long-term industry growth,” said Kim Alsup, General Manager at Milestone Cabinetry and President of the AWI Chicago Chapter.

“For more than 35 years, the AWI Chicago Chapter Golf Outing has been a cornerstone event for the architectural woodwork community, bringing together more than 175 members, industry partners, clients, and guests each year. The outing provides a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships, foster new business connections, and celebrate the collaboration that drives successful projects throughout our industry. Its continued growth and strong participation reflect the value our members place on connecting outside the jobsite and office. The support of our sponsors is instrumental in making this event a success and helps further the AWI Chicago Chapter's mission of advancing excellence in architectural woodwork through education, advocacy, and industry engagement,” said Chris Farrell, President at Inter Ocean Cabinet Company and Director of the AWI Golf Outing.

The 2026 outing is supported by sponsors representing a broad cross-section of the architectural woodwork supply chain, including coatings, finishing products, hardware, panel products, lumber, veneer, tools, machinery, technology, distribution, and related professional services. Sponsor participation provides companies with opportunities for brand visibility, customer engagement, product conversations, and direct connection with AWI Chicago members and guests. Premiere sponsors include Federated Insurance, Egger, Aetna, Sierra, Arauco, and more.

“We enjoy participating in and sponsoring the AWI Chicago Golf Outing event because it allows us to showcase new products and technologies, connect with our vendor partners, and spend valuable time with our customers. Events like this help strengthen relationships and foster collaboration throughout the woodworking industry,” said Jose Salinas, coating sales and project manager at Würth Baer Supply Company.

The event also helps advance the chapter’s continued focus on education, advocacy, industry standards, and engagement with the architecture and design community.


As the architectural woodwork industry adapts to the ongoing trend of digital transformation, AWI Chicago’s annual outing serves as a platform to discuss these developments while strengthening the business relationships that support successful project outcomes. 

For more information visit the AWI Chicago Chapter golf portal.

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Dakota Smith | Assistant Editor

Dakota is an assistant editor at Woodworking Network, avidly exploring the woodworking industry.