AWFS Fair 2023

THE NATION’S LARGEST WOODWORKING TRADE SHOW THIS YEAR MARKS A SUCCESSFUL WEEK IN VEGAS

We’re wrapping up an awesome time at the AWFS Fair”

“Wow — what a GREAT week we had at AWFS Fair …Fantastic catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones!”

“Great opportunity to reconnect with the industry and squeeze in some valuable networking opportunities with friends and other woodworking pros.”

These were just a few comments made by those attending the 2023 AWFS Fair July 25-28 in Las Vegas, a biennial event that has become a critical hub for international commerce in the woodworking industry.

The week-long show brought together people and companies from the extended industry and offered a chance for industry professionals to meet, network and learn from fellow woodworkers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers and industry insiders.

With more than 125 first-time exhibitors, this year’s largest woodworking trade show in North America showcased companies large and small from around the world. The floor bustled each day, and many enjoyed the machinery demonstrations with nearly entire production lines in operation throughout the week.

There also was an Education Pavilion, featuring schools and organizations seeking to attract and teach skills to the next generation of woodworkers.

But the week wasn’t just about the trade show floor. Dozens of educational sessions were held on everything from attracting and keeping employees to supply chain issues and sustainability in the industry. Many of the educational opportunities were part of the seminar program by the College of Woodworking Knowledge. Others were held on the AWFS Fair Live stage on the floor and were free for anyone to attend. The Live presentations ranged from a Rapid-Fire format to more in-depth WED Talks.

It was noted that several of the exhibitors and education sessions centered around the growing closets and organization market, which also served as a full-day symposium the day before the official start of the show. S P

ABOVE: KELSEY SPITZ-DIETRICH, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER OF UCS FOREST GROUP, WON A SPIRITED GAME OF AXE THROWING WITH FRIENDS AND INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES. THE EVENT WAS SPONSORED BY TIMBER PRODUCTS.

RIGHT: LAGUNA SHOWCASED ITS PRODUCTION LINE AND MACHINERY IN ACTION AT AWFS.

BELOW: POLYGRAIN, A POLYMER SHEET FROM SIMONA AMERICA INDUSTRIES, OFFERS A WOOD-LIKE GRAIN AND TEXTURE WITH SUPERIOR WATER RESISTANCE, AS SHOWN IN THEIR AWFS BOOTH RECENTLY.