TORONTO — Against the headwinds of a weakening Canadian economy, the 2025 Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo still managed to conclude a successful three-day run November 12-14 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

While attendance lagged by about 15 percent below projections, exhibitors who account for 60 percent of the show’s floor plan affirmed their support for Canada’s national woodworking event by reserving booth space for WMS 2027. 

“Even though we were disappointed in the three-day attendance turnout, we were extremely pleased with the quality of this year’s attendees,” said Tim Fixmer, president of CCI Media, owner of the event. “There was a good deal of buying taking place on the show floor. 

“We were also heartened by the fact that most of the largest exhibitors have already committed to participating at WMS 2027,” Fixmer continued. “Post-event polling indicates that the primary reason for the lower than anticipated attendance was due to the harsh economic conditions many Ontario manufacturing firms are facing right now. Many report feeling the pinch of lower revenues and an ongoing profit squeeze, placing them in a hold pattern on investments in upgraded technology and new materials or software changes.” 

It has been widely reported that Canada’s underlying economy is experiencing declining household consumption and curtailed business investment. Most notably, the Canadian wood industry was hit hard by U.S. tariffs beginning in October with a 25% duty on cabinets and other wood products. In addition to already struggling to adjust to the October tariffs, Canadian wood product companies face the challenge of a second round of U.S. tariffs that will subject their products to a 50 percent tariff as of January 1, 2026.

In the face of an unprecedented economic climate, WMS continues to present the largest assemblage of woodworking machinery and supplies manufactured around the globe. In addition to world-class products, this year’s show was bolstered by a robust and free three-day conference taking place at the WMS Live Stage right on the expo hall floor. 

Four of the 13 WMS Live sessions were presented in partnership with the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario. Each day featured an opening keynote address, including one headlined by Luke Elias, president of Muskoka Cabinet, and arguably one of the industry’s most forward-thinking practitioners of advanced technology in North America.

Plus, back by popular demand following their successful debuts at WMS 2023, were the WMS Live Auction presented by Boss Auctions and Student Day organized by the Wood Manufacturing Council and WMS in cooperation with the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association.

High praise for the Toronto Congress Centre
Fixmer noted that the vast majority of exhibitors he and his team spoke with said they were happy with show’s schedule changing from Thursday-Saturday to Wednesday-Friday. Exhibitors also widely praised the Toronto Congress Centre, the new home of WMS.

“To say we heard good things about the facility and staff of the Congress Centre would be an understatement,” Fixmer said. “We have never worked with a more congenial and accommodating staff in any of our shows. The facility is superb and all service-related accommodations are clean, modern and highly functional. We salute the entire team who made our exhibitors and attendees feel warmly welcome. We are happy with our choice to move to the Congress Centre and look forward to future events there.”

WMS will return in 2027
The next edition of the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo will take place November 17-19, 2027, at the Toronto Congress Centre.

For information about exhibiting at WMS 2027, contact Gavin McAuliffe of Corcoran Expositions at [email protected]; phone 312-265-9649.

For general inquiries about WMS 2027, contact Kim Lebel, executive director of CCI events, at [email protected].

Learn more at WMScanada.ca. 

About the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo
Since 1981, the biennial Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo has connected Canada's woodworking professionals with the world's most prominent machinery manufacturers and industry suppliers. WMS 2027, scheduled for November 17-19, 2027, will be held at the Toronto Congress Centre located minutes away from Pearson International Airport. 

In addition to being Canada's largest industrial woodworking event, WMS 2027 will feature free industry presentations focused on industry trends and best practices. 

For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, contact Gavin McAuliffe of Corcoran Expositions at 312-265-9649 or [email protected]. For general inquiries, contact Kim LeBel, Executive Director - Events, [email protected].

Learn more about WMS 2027.

More Woodworking Network events
Closets Conference & Expo, co-located with Wood Pro Expo Florida, June 30-July 2, 2026, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. 

Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, Oct. 22-23, 2026, Spooky Nook Sports/Warehouse at the Nook Hotel, Manheim, Pennsylvania.