The International Woodworking Fair (IWF), will be held Aug. 20-23, at the Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta, Georgia
IWF Atlanta is ready to put on a great show with advance registrations and exhibitors numbers running well ahead of the last event.
“It’s looking like it will be a really good show,” says Jim Wulfekuhle, IWF’s vice president sales & marketing.
“We have already signed up more than 900 exhibitors, that’s a significant increase from the last show, and early registrations are also way up.”
The International Woodworking Fair (IWF), which will run Aug. 20-23, at the Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta, Georgia will feature more exhibitors and more ways for business to improve, learn and survive and an extensive selection of the latest technology in machinery, products, hardware and supplies, organizers say.
“The mood is very upbeat,” Wulfekuhle says.
“There is a lot of pent up demand and people are ready to buy. Everyone I’ve talked to is positive, there is a good feeling out there, people are seeing more demand and companies are ready to invest and grow their businesses again.”
“And this show is a great opportunity for people to see the latest technology and products and also take advantage of our significantly expanded educational and seminar component.”
Wulfekuhle says there are more than 50 educational sessions for manufacturing, marketing, business development, production, material processing non-wood, business management and six symposiums.
“We have really expanded the educational component this year, because people have told us they are interested and it’s also a good way to introduce show attendees to new products and new ways of doing things. ”
In addition, there is the new product showcase, the design emphasis gallery and of course the Challenger Awards, which will be presented at 10:30 a.m. on opening day, Aug. 20.
Another first this year will be an Opening Night, also on Aug. 20, from 5-7 p.m.
There will be industry events at participating hotels - details will be emailed to guests - and on Aug. 21, after the show, there will be IWF America’s International Reception (also known as Canada Night) with an open invitation to all Canadian show attendees who are are invited to a special IWF reception just for them. Held right after the days' show, the event is a chance to relax after the busy day, enjoy free food and drinks and meet with fellow Canadians. A Latin American reception will also be held on the same evening.
Book now
IWF Atlanta is the largest exhibition for the industry in the U.S. and will feature machinery ranging from robotics, CNC’s and advanced material handling to tooling as well as the latest in finishing equipment, hardware, flooring and countertops, software and supplies and much, much more.
And with increased demand, both from visitors and exhibitors, Wulfekuhle urges anyone to hurry up and book their rooms now, as availability, especially in the popular core area, is limited.
Mood is upbeat
IWF 2014 Chairman Richard Hannigan, vice president of sales for HOLZ-HER U.S., says he is looking forward to a great show and adds that the mood among exhibitors is “extremely upbeat” with the industry experiencing some real growth.
Hannigan says the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta is the trade show where the most top management and qualified buyers go to source their products and find solutions for their business.
“These professionals come from a broad range of industries related to the cabinetry, architectural wood, home furnishings, business furnishings and related material processing machinery, supply and service industries,” he says.
“They are looking for products like CNC machinery, tooling, lumber, finishing, sharpening, laminates, hardware, adhesives, moulding, doors, windows, routers, saw blades and accessories and much more, and IWF can connect you with the customers you are looking for. We reach over 66,000 qualified buyers with our promotional pieces and connect the world to the Americas.”
Hannigan says IWF has expanded its Educational Conference and there are all kinds of ways to learn from your peers and “industry leaders who have troubleshot the challenges and found solutions that you will be able to implement in your business. And of course there is nothing more valuable than a face-to-face connection with other industry professionals, suppliers and peers.
“IWF is a must-see show and offers the largest showcase of machinery, materials, supplies, and services in the western hemisphere for woodworking and related industries. And with more than 200 first-time exhibitors already signed up, it means there will be hundreds of new products many of which you have never seen and may not have known they existed,” he says.
“IWF has what’s new and what’s next for technology for your industry and thousands of new products are showcased by the world’s top manufacturers of machinery, supplies and services.”
