With the U.S. economy showing signs of improvement, there is definite optimism to be seen in the wood products industry as we approach the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair (IWF), North America’s largest woodworking trade show. IWF will be held Aug. 22-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
A biennial event, IWF provides woodworkers with the opportunity to view, in a single North American venue, the latest technology, products and services offered by approximately 850 exhibitors. The large number of entries in this year’s Challengers Awards Competition underscores the level of innovation on display at this year’s show. (Click here for more on the Challengers Awards or go to tiny.cc/WWN-2012Challengers to view the official IWF Challengers Awards publication.)
IWF traditionally attracts visitors from more than 80 countries and all 50 states, and this year looks to be no different. With pre-registration figures already showing a 40 percent increase compared to 2010, it is easy to see why show management is upbeat for a strong IWF. (Final figures for IWF 2010 showed 11,425 verified buyers attended the show.) Demographics from previous years also show IWF attracts visitors from all segments of the wood products industry: cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, store fixtures, home organization and more, giving those in attendance a chance for close-up looks at the products and one-on-one discussions with the experts as well as extended opportunities to network with industry experts and peers.
Rolling Out the Red Carpet
The staff of Woodworking Network will be rolling out the red carpet for some “showstopping” moments at the fair. As the official IWF videographer, Woodworking Network will host the Innovation Soundstage at Booth #2429, where we’ll interview attendees about the products seen at IWF, their plans for improving productivity and profitability, and get their wish lists of the hot products on display. Our roving cameras also will be on hand throughout the show to capture activity on the exhibit floor.
The Innovation Soundstage also will be the site of the Market Leaders Forum, where members of the WOOD 100 and Wood & Wood Products Market Leaders are invited to join us Thursday afternoon, Aug. 23, for networking and refreshments.
Rounding out the red carpet events is Woodworking Network’s Passport to Innovation. Get your passport stamped at key exhibits and, when completed, return it to Booth #2429 to receive coupons good for discounted refreshments from area businesses.
Live Coverage Daily
Whether you’re at the show or in the shop, keep watch at WoodworkingNetwork.com for the latest posting of news and highlights from IWF. Online, and featured in daily e-newsletters, our coverage will include:
• Videos highlighting new technology and design innovations;
• Interviews with industry leaders on new developments in the industry;
• Winners of the Challengers Awards, Design Emphasis Awards and more.
Hope to see you at IWF.
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
Related IWF 2012 articles
Woodworkers Excited for IWF 2012
Celebrating Innovation: IWF 2012 Challengers Award Publication
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