TORONTO - One week before WMS Expo Hall opening on November 5, the show organizers announced that this year's exhibitor list is up 29 percent from the last edition of the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo. 
"The numbers show that it's a good time to be in the marketplace," said Bill Esler, WMS Program Director. And WMS's list of exhibitors will exceed 150, representing more than 250 business and attendee pre-registraton is robust as well."
Preregistered attendance is is also pacing at a healthy rate, with some sessions for the Conference at WMS 2015 sold out.
Attendees will benefit from a significant number of “firsts” at WMS 2015, with many examples on the exposition floor of technology, panel finishes, and hardware that are making their Canadian debut or North American debut.
The show also holds nearly three dozen first-time exhibitors – including companies just arrived to do business in Canada.
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 these changes, WMS continues in its long-term partnership with leading wood industry organizations in Canada. We are very indebted to The Centre for Advanced Wood Processing CAWP at the University of British Columbia for guiding the conference – the first time the Conference at WMS has been scheduled to take place during show hours. Iain MacDonald from CAWP will moderate the program.
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. It is no accident that WMS 2015 will also make a contribution to the WoodLINKS Education Program for the first time.
The wood manufacturing sector that serves every consumer, business and organization in Canada, is also a critical resource globally. And naturally 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.
WMS NEWS Marie-France Lalonde To Open WMS 2015 Nov. 5 Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure (Economic Development), will officiate at opening ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. on November 5. | 
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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.
1. WMS Reboot Your Business Conference
For the 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.
Exchange Rate Benefits U.S.
WMS Conference Registration and Hotels are denominated in Canadian Dollars, for the moment providing a significant discount due to the U.S.-Canada exchange rate. A C$250 discount advance conference registration is $189 U.S. Hotel rooms at the WMS Four Points Sheraton at C$122 is about $92 U.S. per night for a 3-day stay (based on exchange rate Oct. 1, 2015.)
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 4. 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.
"Our goal at WMS 2015 is to enhance the show experience...give attendees more opportunities to network, trade tips and advice to grow their business," said Esler.
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