Quality over Quantity

THE SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF AWFS FAIR

“This was my first time coming and I got exactly what I was looking for.”

DIKO KIROKIAN, DIKO KIROKIAN HOME DESIGN

“We had a good amount of leads and they were way more serious this year.”

Industry professionals who attended AWFS Fair 2021 in Las Vegas might tell you that when they walked into the Convention Center this past July, they didn’t know what to expect. It turns out attendees and exhibitors alike were pleasantly surprised. “Attendance was understandably lower than other years, but the turnout was excellent, and I think we’ve been received quite well, especially considering COVID and all that happened in 2020,” said

Matthew Mance of Salice. Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers Fair 2021 was one of the first major industry events since the return of tradeshows, and one thing many showgoers agreed on was that the overall quality of the event was much stronger and unlike previous years. “The show certainly surpassed our expectations,” said Ken Frye from KCD. “We came in thinking the turnout might be a little low. We anticipated good attendance but not great.” Frye explained that while the event’s smaller footprint concerned him at first, he was thrilled with the traffic and the PR response the company received. “We invested a lot in our display here and it was definitely the right time to do it.” Many exhibitors agreed that, despite the lower attendance numbers, engagement was much more meaningful. “It was unpredictable,” said Josue Miranda from Mockett. “The show really ramped up towards the end and we were able to get so many great leads. It definitely surpassed 2019.” Mark Craig of SCM agreed, while adding that not only did he get a lot of leads, but they carried much more weight than previous years. “No doubt our leads are stronger this year,” said Craig. “I think the show was really good.” In addition to a lively tradeshow, the event featured the AWFS

Visionary Awards—an impressive showcase of outstanding products—displayed at the entrance lobby of the show.

“The turnout was excellent and I think we’ve been received quite well. It’s been a really great show.”

MATTHEW MANCE, REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR FOR SALICE

“One word: Awesome. This is the highest quality of customers in the last six years.”

BETH MILETELLO, KNAPE & VOGT

The AWFS Fair Live stage offered mini sessions and events like Rapid Fire Presentations, a session that particularly focused on software, hardware, materials, and machinery. During the sessions, fast-paced 15-minute presentations were offered by exhibitors Peterman Lumber, Centurion Wood Coatings, Colonial Saw Company, Rev-A-Shelf, and CalPlant. The following day attendees got to hear from Bill’s Custom Trim, MakeSAFE Tools, DMT Holdings, Schmaltz, Peak Toolworks, and SCM.

“I got so much out of those 15-minute sessions,” said attendee Jordan Hill of C.R. Onsrud. “Shows like this can get very busy and I always want to go to seminars, but I never really have the time. These sessions were quick and got right to the point. I really hope they bring them back next year.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 ›

“This has been a great jumpstart back to normal.”

MIKE VANDENBERG, DAUBERT

◆ CLEANING ◆ PRE-TREATMENT ◆ COATING ◆ DRYING ◆ AUTOMATION

FINISHING TECHNOLOGY FOR DEMANDING SURFACES

Venjakob North America Inc.

130 Healey Road, Unit #18 Bolton, Ontario | L7E 5B3 Andrew Scott | ascott@venjakob.com Phone: 905 951 9966 www.venjakob-na.com

“We’re thrilled with the traffic and we’re thrilled to be able to connect with our customer base and meet some new people. The time was right to make the investment.”

KEN FRYE, KCD

The overall response from showgoers was positive, but that didn’t keep AWFS president Angelo Gangone from keeping his eyes on some major challenges in the industry. In addition to discussing product availability and supply chain disruption with economist Chris Kuehl of Armada Intelligence, Gangone talked about the labor shortage and how it’s important to change the way young people see the industry.

“The labor shortage is not going away any time soon,” he said. “Suppliers will find a way to catch up, but we need to change the perception of the industry when it comes to young people. It’s time to start taking kids to shows. We need to start them young. We must get involved with institutions to provide the right education and management training. And it all begins with the parents.”

AWFS Fair 2021 left industry leaders confident but cautious and overall excited for the return of industry events. And while we’re just starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, attendees and exhibitors agreed that it was worth the investment.

“It’s about quality over quantity,” said Cami Waner of Collins. “Conversations have been so much more meaningful this year and I think people are ready to get out again. The industry thrives on events like this.” s p

“The show definitely surpassed 2019.”

JOSUE MIRANDA, PRODUCT DEVELOPER, MOCKETT

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