IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to the recent influx of COVID-19 cases throughout the United States, the organizers of IWF 2020 have decided to cancel the event.
The risk of infection to the vendors, attendees, and local community has been deemed far too high to safely hold the exhibition. However, you can still plan to attend the next IWF event in 2022.
The information in this post will still apply for the next scheduled exhibit. For more information on the decision to cancel IWF 2020 and what you should do if you already paid for registration, click here.
As the largest woodworking event in the United States, the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) is set to take place on August 23 - 26, 2022 in Atlanta, GA. Hosted by the Georgia World Congress Center, thousands of vendors and woodworkers of all skill sets will be present.
As a massive showcase for state-of-the-art woodworking technology, attendees can meet other woodworking enthusiasts and explore new concepts in wood product production across all relevant industries.
Meanwhile, here are a few features to wet your appetite for this event. If you are a woodworking enthusiast, hobbyist or pro, mark this show in your calendars.
1. Timing Is Everything
Since the country shut down due to the global health crisis this year, there have been no industry events that have taken place recently. While the IWF 2020 event will not being happening this year, it is still on for 2022.
For decades, the IWF has been a wood industry tradition. It has served as a premium venue for American woodworking professionals and hobbyists to explore new technology, products, designs, and even get some great hands-on experience in the field. Furthermore, it’s the best event for woodworkers to network and to make connections.
If you attend the IWF, you will have the opportunity to not only expand your horizons but also to meet your fellow peers who share the same love for wood and sawdust as you do.
2. Size Matters
As we mentioned before, the IWF is the largest woodworking event in the country. With over 1,000 exhibits and more than 30,000 expected attendees, there’s always something to do or someone to meet at this event.
From first-time exhibitors to the long-time pros, the selection of vendors grows each year. That’s why the IWF will be providing a printable exhibit list and an accurate floor plan for your convenience. You can plan ahead by finding where your favorite vendors are situated on the floor and choosing a route accordingly.
Also available to help you organize your day(s) will be the My IWF Show Planner. This free service uses the information you provide to match you with the best vendors. You can choose from the exhibits that are the most interesting to you, schedule meetups, and even search through the virtual floor plan to find shows.
As a complimentary online tool to help you plan your day, the organizers will make available an online tool called My IWF Show Planner on your personal computer or mobile device. You can print off your map ahead of time or navigate through the venue using your phone.
3. Showcasing Laguna Tools
That’s right. You can expect to find our Laguna Tools representatives at the show. Our experts will be happy to meet and talk with you about our woodworking products and services.
With over 33 years of experience in the field, we specialize in CNC tools that everyone can use. Professional, intermediate, and even novice woodworkers can enjoy wood artistry with the help of our affordable, user-friendly machines.
4. Education Is Key
Part of what makes the IWF so special is the Education Conference. Here, professional woodworkers and companies will be able to further their education in the industry.
These programs are meant to improve workflow and profitability. There will also be several all-day symposiums that will take place covering woodworking-related topics.
Various subject matters will also be presented via Track in the form of Education Sessions. Current topics on the table include an Education Sessions on Business Management, Manufacturing and Design, Marketing and Business Development, Workplace Maintenance and Organizational Culture, and New Business Sectors.
More information will be available on the IWF Education Conference at a later date.
5. The IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award Gallery Is Inspiring
In a world-renowned effort to recognize outstanding businesses in the woodworking industry, the IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award was created. This prestigious award is given to companies that develop groundbreaking technology in the woodworking industry.
Finalists perform their demonstrations in front of 10 distinguished judges, and their innovative creations will be on display at The Challengers Award Gallery during the IWF. If you have been seeking inspiration for your next woodworking project, you may find it in the award gallery.
6. The Design Emphasis Showcase Is a “Must-See”
Finally, another amazing showcase that you can’t miss at IWF is Design Emphasis. As a Student Furniture Design Competition Gallery, you will be able to see the work of promising young students from across the country.
Unique furniture pieces from talented college students will be displayed in the Build C lobby, and it is the perfect networking opportunity for other young woodworkers.
Additional IWF Information
The event is sponsored by the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) and the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA), and it will attract all levels of woodworkers from all across the country.
Laguna Tools' experts are expected to be present at the IWF, and we would love to meet you. If you’re planning to attend, be sure to stop by our section and see our latest products. For more information, get in touch with us today.
