Woodworkers Excited for IWF 2012
WWN Poll: How Did IWF 2012 Rate?

Woodworkers Excited for IWF 2012

Thousands of professional woodworkers will converge on the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Aug. 22-25, to view the latest innovations in machinery, supplies and services by approximately 850 exhibitors at the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair (IWF). (See IWF at a Glance, below)

The largest woodworking technology trade show in North America, the biennial IWF is sponsored by the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), the Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn. (WMIA) and the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA).

This will be the last year for AHFA’s sponsorship; after a long partnership, the furniture association agreed in May to sell its shares of IWF to the WMIA and WMMA.

Woodworkers Excited for IWF 2012IWF has long been recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the pre-eminent events for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and supplies. IWF’s widely recognized Challengers Awards program lauds seven exhibiting companies which have distinguished themselves in developing an innovative technology, manufacturing technique or service, or which have made significant contributions to environmentally sound manufacturing techniques.

Awards also will be given to innovative student furniture projects in the Design Emphasis Awards program. The competition recognizes student designs in five categories: Seating, Case Goods, Commercial/Office/Hospitality Furniture, Accent Furniture/Accent Tables, and Design Creativity. A prize also is given for Best of Show.

Winning pieces along with finalist entries will be on display throughout the show in the Design Emphasis Showcase.

Woodworkers Excited for IWF 2012Increased Attendance Projected

IWF attracts visitors from every level of the wood products industry, and from more than 80 countries and all 50 states. Show management said it is upbeat following its announcement of a 40 percent increase in early registration, compared to 2010 figures. Final figures for 2010 showed 11,425 verified buyers attended the show.

“In addition to the rebounding housing market, we suspect that increased attendee numbers can be attributed to demand for new machinery, supplies and services that IWF exhibitors offer,” said Michael Burdis, IWF 2012 chairman and president of James L. Taylor Mfg. Co. “The increase in exhibitor sales and advanced registration all point to a very strong IWF 2012.”

Demographic surveys show IWF attracts attendees involved in all aspects of the wood products industry: kitchen and bath cabinetry, home furnishings, contract/office furniture, store fixtures, architectural millwork, home organization, remodeling, etc.

In addition to a strong domestic showing, IWF 2012 also looks to have a robust international contingent of woodworkers in attendance. To aid foreign visitors, the show will host an International Buyers Lounge with interpreters available for assistance in translating Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese.

Search for Products & Services

IWF once again will offer the search engine tool myIWF GPS to help show visitors locate exhibiting companies by name or type of product offered, schedule appointments and create a personalized plan of the exhibit floor.

In addition, myIWF GPS creates a customized show guide and displays messages for networking. The online data service also can be used to connect with companies after the show. The free service is available to all registered attendees and exhibitors of IWF.

Education & Training Available

IWF 2012 will offer woodworkers a variety of symposiums and more than three dozen educational courses, from wood bioenergy and lean manufacturing, to market trends and strategies, ethics and business management and best practices for increasing yields.

Show management has made available education discounts that allow attendees to buy one symposium and receive one free session, or buy one educational session with the second session discounted 50 percent per individual registration.

Win a Free iPad, Voice Your Views: WWN Soundstage Events

Woodworking Network, the umbrella of Wood & Wood Products, CWB and CLOSETS magazines, will be teaming with IWF 2012 to roll out the red carpet as the Official IWF 2012 Show Videographer. Join us at Booth #2429, the Innovation Soundstage, for an online interview about your shop, what brought you to IWF, what’s new in your business, and hot ideas you’ve seen at the show or would like to share.

Woodworking Network’s roving cameras also will capture footage of show floor activity and attendee reactions to product introductions around the show.

The Woodworking Network Market Leaders Forum will take place Thursday afternoon, Aug. 23, at Booth #2429. Top wood manufacturing business executives, selected from among the WOOD 100 and Wood & Wood Products’ Market Leaders, will gather for a networking reception and discussion of business and industry news.

Woodworking Network also is issuing a Passport to Innovation. Have your passport stamped at a list of key exhibits and when completed, receive coupons good for discounted food and refreshments at local establishments. Completed entries returned to Booth #2429 will be entered in a drawing for a free iPad.

IWF AT A GLANCE

Dates: Aug. 22-25

Hours: 8:30-5:00 - Wednesday to Friday; 8:30-4:00 - Saturday

Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Buildings A & B. The footprint is projected at 365,000 net square feet.

Exhibitors: Approximately 850

Challengers Awards: Judging will be Aug. 21, and awards are given Aug. 22.

Design Emphasis Awards: Judging takes place Aug. 21.

Information: Visit IWFAtlanta.com or phone (404) 693-8333

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