IWF gets set to turn up the heat in Atlanta

The International Woodworking Fair, or IWF, is about three months away and attendees can expect a very large show, so pack a pair of extra comfy shoes.

Organizers say exhibitor space is at a premium, with sellouts reported for the two new pavilions created for this year’s event, focusing on flooring and cabinet and closet storage. More space is being created in the area reserved for suppliers and there’s a wait list for machinery exhibitors.

More than 1,000 exhibitors have contracted for exhibit space, according to the IWF. The show will occupy more than 500,000 net sq. ft. at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. IWF 2016 will take place Aug. 24-27.

A third pavilion on countertops, sponsored by the International Surface and Fabrication Association, is also sold out.

“IWF continues to grow and add sectors that are beneficial to the industry,” says Tom Onsrud, IWF 2016 chairman and president of C.R. Onsrud Inc.

The flooring pavilion, sponsored by the National Wood Flooring Association, includes a one-day educational session on Aug. 23. The Cabinet Makers Association is sponsoring the cabinet and closet storage pavilion and will host 11 seminars on manufacturing, design, business management, marketing and other topics during the event.

IWF 2016 will feature a total of six symposiums on Aug. 23 and 59 educational sessions during the show.

“IWF wants to provide the best opportunity for industry professionals to see everything they need in one place,” Onsrud says.

For information and online registration, visit www.iwfatlanta.com.

We launched WoodTech News, the official weekly e-newsletter of the IWF, in May, featuring show news and new product introductions from exhibitors.

There will be a total of 14 issues prior to the show sent to more than 40,000 Woodshop News’ subscribers and IWF attendees. This is a great resource, especially for those going to the show.

But even if you’re not going, you’ll get a preview of some exciting new products for 2016.

If you’re not getting WoodTech News, please visit www.woodshopnews.com and complete the e-newsletter subscription form.

This issue is mailed with our second annual CNC supplement, a compilation of some of our best recent articles on automated machinery and practices. Articles cover software, purchasing decesions, additive manufacturing, aggregate heads, brushless motors spindles and more.

In other news, the Cabinet Makers Association promoted Amanda Conger to the position of executive director.

Conger has been with the organization for more than a year, initially as the director of sales and marketing and most recently filling in as the interim executive director.

Conger’s resume includes marketing positions with Premier EuroCase and Stiles Machinery, as well as operating her own marketing consultancy.

“I’m excited about the direction the CMA is heading,” says Matt Krig, current CMA president and owner of Northland Woodworks in suburban Minneapolis. “There is a lot of energy among the organization right now, and we hope to keep that momentum going through IWF and beyond.”

This article originally appeared in the June 2016 issue.