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Ranked among the largest trade shows in the world, the biennial International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) will return to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta August 20 to 23.
The show is recognized for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment, supplies and innovative new technology, and attracts more than 43,000 visitors from every level of the woodworking industry. Over 1,200 exhibitors from around the globe will be displaying the newest technology in machinery, supplies and services during the four days of the exhibition. Part of the growing global market, IWF 2008 is also expected to have nearly 300 international exhibitors.
The show offers live demonstrations of machinery and supplies, an expanded conference program with a new preshow finishing symposium and multiple renowned contests including the show’s Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award and Design Emphasis Showcase. In addition to these contests, the show will also offer chances to win prize vouchers to be used toward the purchase of products from show exhibitors.
EXPANDED CONFERENCE PROGRAM AND NEW SYMPOSIUM
An expanded technical and business conference program will be offered in 2008, including a new symposium the day before the show opens. The 2008 conference program focuses on advancing business management skills; implementing profitable, efficient and safe production strategies; and providing information on new technology, processes and manufacturing techniques and industry and environmental standards and regulations. The diverse program includes the all day symposium on the latest developments in wood finishing and technical and business sessions such as the economic and logistical impacts of going green, how to create a winning factory, CNC processing, lean manufacturing, expanding into new market segments, improving the bottom line and recruiting and retaining quality employees.
The all day preshow finishing symposium, “Industrial Wood Finishing: From Green to Lean and in Between,” will be held on Tuesday, August 19. The program will kick off with a presentation by Carl Smith the CEO of GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and will also include several case studies of wood product industry leaders that are balancing environmental regulatory compliance with quality, productivity and profitability goals. These end users will provide insight into the benefits and limitations of adopting new finishing systems and methodologies in their manufacturing operations.
A peek at the conference session lineup includes “Surfaces & Woodworking,” on Wednesday, August 20, co-produced by Surface Fabrication magazine. “How to Use and Specify Structural Panels, Composites and Veneers,” co-produced by APA — The Engineered Wood Association, Composite Panel Association and Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association will also take place on Wednesday.
Thursday, August 21, will feature conferences on “Functional and Decorative Hardware Trends and Applications,” co-produced by Wood Digest and Finishing magazines and “How to Create a Winning Factory,” co-produced by Art Raymond, A.G. Raymond & Company Inc.
On Friday, August 22, look for “What Successful Businesses Are Doing to Recruit and Retain Quality Employees,” co-produced by the Wood Products Manufacturing Association and “CNC Software from A-Z.”
The lineup for Saturday, August 23, will include “Automating for Profitability in the Small to Medium Size Shop – Learn How to Prepare and Implement an Efficient System Throughout Your Company,” and “Lean Manufacturing for Small Shops.
