WMS News
WMS 2017, projecting big crowds, warns visitors to register in advance
By Bill Esler
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WMS 2017, projecting big crowds, warns visitors to register in advance for Canada's largest professional woodworking exposition. Underlying economic strength bodes well for the show, running Nov. 2-4 at the International Centre near Toronto.

The latest count shows 266 exhibiting woodworking suppliers listed, significantly ahead of the last edition of the 2015 edition of the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo. The show will again be staged in Halls 1 & 2 at the International Centre, in Mississauga, minutes from the Toronto International Airport.

"Registration is running ahead of the 2015 pace by 25 percent," says Harry Urban, WMS Show Manager. Earlier this year, Urban returned to WMS show operations at Woodworking Network, which has operated the event since acquiring it from Reed Expositions in 2006, in a deal led by Urban.
 
The show is truly national in its scale and scope, Urban notes. "We have registrants from all provinces and 18 foreign countries." Urban strongly advises those planning to attend to register advance online, to avoid waiting times for badges when they arrive. 
 
The education component of the show also carries the most extensive WMS Conference so far - four tracks spread over two full days - devised for the biennial event. As well, a plant tour of ProPly Custom Plywood is scheduled for November 2 as part of that day's conference tracks. A first-ever pre-show conference finishing program on Finishing & Surface Preparation is being presented by Taurus Craco on November 1.

Also new this year are Luncheon Keynotes on November 2 and November 3, with industry luminaries Sylvain Garneau, CEO of business furniture giant Groupe Lacasse, and Scott Hodson, president of Superior Cabinets, delivering their business management observations. Garneau's presentation is sponsored by exhibitor ACIMAL, the Italian Machinery trade group that operates Italy's large national show, XYLEXPO 2018.

Exhibitors will be generating most of the excitement on the show floor, with the latest technology and supplies answering the demands of business and consumer customers in cabinetry and furniture production. 

WMS continues its long-term partnerships with leading wood industry organizations in Canada, including the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing - CAWP - at the University of  British Columbia, as well as the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association, the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers of Canada, and the Bluewater Wood Alliance. 

Following WMS 2015, CCI Canada, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CCI Media. LLC., acquired the Woodworking Network and all related assets – including the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo - from Vance Communications Canada. CCI Media’s flagship publication, FDMC magazine, circulates monthly in print and digital formats. Woodworking Network is the umbrella brand for the combined portfolio of wood manufacturing print, digital, and web products and industry events operated by CCI Media.   

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

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