The show also holds nearly three dozen first-time exhibitors –  including companies just arrived to do business in Canada.  It is the first time for the Conference at WMS, with 11 sessions in two tracks designed to get you thinking "out of the box" and to help reboot your business. The keynote address on Wood Industry 4.0 at 8:00 a.m.represents the first presentation of this business and operations strategy to a North American woodworking event.

This is also the first WMS Expo and Conference to be held in the newly remodeled conference center and the improved setting of Halls 1 and 2.  

Familiar Faces, Too

For all the changes, WMS continues in its long-term partnership with leading wood industry organizations in Canada. The Centre for Advanced Wood Processing CAWP at the University of  British Columbia has played a key role in guiding the conference – the first time the Conference at WMS has been scheduled to take place during show hours.

CAWP has also been instrumental in assembling a Educational Steering Committee for WMS. This includes representatives of exhibitors and the educational community, along with show management. WMS 2015 will also make a contribution to the WoodLINKS Education Program for the first time.

ARTICLE WMS Kicks Off with Ribbon Cutting Parlimentary Assistant Marie-France LaLonde will offers remarks and cuts the ribbon as WMS 2015 opens its door.

The wood manufacturing sector that serves every consumer, business and organization in Canada, is also a critical resource globally. And Canada provides leadership here as well.  We are reminded that Canada contains 10 percent of the world’s forests, a vast resource that supports $58 billion in turnover, employing nearly a quarter million people, and representing 2 percent of Canada’s GDP.

More about WMS 2015  
The business world has shrunk, and measured by the show two years ago, WMS 2015 is worlds apart. Innovation is now available to everyone in the industry, and

1. WMS Reboot Your Business Conference 
For this first time, WMS 2015 will run a two-track conference program on November 5, opening day of the show, right on the exposition floor. This arrangement gives everyone a chance to stop in and attend sessions at will. Registrants are more than welcome to duck out for a product demonstration, then come back for a session. The two track conference agenda, divided between business and operations, means you have a dozen learning events to choose from, along with a keynote and luncheon.

2. Profit Booster WMS Expo Floor Tour
In addition to great conference sessions, registrants are invited to a special VIP showing of technology and new product developments on the floor. This curated tour will provide insights into the newest supplier offerings, and it is anticipated that it will include some beta products and developing technologies. A definite must-see.

3. Meet The Award Winner 
Conestoga College woodworking program has delivered a brand new industry star: Young Wood Pro Dylan Horst. He’ll be on the WMS Expo floor with his winning entry, this Benge and Ash masterpiece. His appearance is sponsored by Rampa Tec, at Booth 1085. Hear Dylan also during the Woodworking Inventors panel on Saturday,  Nov. 7 at 11:00 a.m.

4. Peer to Peer Woodworker Roundtables
This perennially popular feature at many woodworking venues makes its WMS debut, with two occasions to allow you to get elbow to elbow with other woodworkers. Friday Nov. 6  “What’s your Problem Roundtable: CNC Technology” runs 11:00-11:45 a.m.; and on Saturday Nov. 7 “What’s Your Problem: Finishing” runs 11:00-11:45 a.m.

5. Facetime with Houzz
The juggernaut that is Houzz.com has gone global,  (with offices in Berlin, Sydney, Moscow, Tokyo and London) but major audiences are concentrated across North America, where it is sharing the best work of fine cabinetry and home interior craftsmanship, and helping customers find woodworking pros buy more than 3 million curated products. Houzz marketing guru Lindsey Thudin will guide you to getting prominence and sales, through your own Houzz website. Bring your laptop: wireless is provided and Thudin will help you build or improve your Houzz page in real-time.