AWFS expands Fair’s education program

Attendees can expect a more robust College of Woodworking Knowledge education program at the 2023 AWFS Fair, scheduled for July 25-28 in Las Vegas, compared to the 2021 show.

“We are at 55 sessions,” says Adria Salvatore, director of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS). “It’s a pretty strong lineup getting back to 2019 numbers and the breadth of the program, where 2021 was pretty limited.

“Our largest session track is Culture and Workforce. We’re at 11 sessions with that. It’s definitely a marriage of what we’re doing on the association side and with the show. The workforce is our big message. We wanted it to be highlighted and obviously it’s a big interest and hot topic for people lately. Within that track there’s everything from attracting, retaining, and training employees, to Kelly Victor Burke’s apprenticeship session, to building a strong culture within your company. We’re trying to hit all the aspects of how to strengthen your culture.”

Another track, Business Management and Leadership, will feature several high-profile speakers, including business coach Steve Baker, vice president of The Great Game of Business, members of the Architectural Woodwork Institute, and Shawn Rhodes, author of Bulletproof Selling.

The Software and Technology track will feature a session hosted by the Cabinet Makers Association on upgrading to a larger machine and how to make it profitable and efficient. There will be several sessions on using software to increase efficiencies.

The Teacher Track will have seven sessions, including furniture maker Scott Grove’s two-part instruction on veneering.

“We’re also doing a speaker lunch series on the show floor stage with a headline speaker each day. One day will feature Dr. Chris Kuehl, an economist who does a lot of presentations for us. Then we’re working on a panel session on the supply chain, and where it’s at with our industry. Jamie Scott from Air Handling Systems is moderating, and there will be a machinery, supply person and materials person speaking,” says Salvatore.

For the full schedule, visit awfsfair.org.  

This article was originally published in the May 2023 issue.