
AWFS Fair is an important event for thousands of woodworking manufacturing professionals who need cutting-edge ideas and technology to help their businesses.
AWFS Fair 2025 will once again bring the entire global industry together for an in-depth review of the new developments and advances that are driving the market.
Participants benefit from high-quality educational programming, the College of Woodworking Knowledge, an expanded show floor that features top suppliers and resources, and a variety of opportunities to network, learn and acquire the relevant information and strategies to help them grow along with their industry.
Show Dates & Hours
July 22-25, 2025
Exhibit Hall Hours
Tuesday, July 22 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday, July 23 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday, July 24 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday, July 25 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
For up-to-the-minute Show information, go to http://awfsfair.org.
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Join us for a full day of networking and industry education programming, available the day before the opening of the AWFS® Fair exhibit halls and brought to you by Woodworking Network! Choose from the CNC Bootcamp or the Closets Symposium. All July 21 symposium registrations include lunch, leadership reception, and AWFS® Fair exhibit hall registration.
CNC Bootcamp
July 21, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Room W208
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CNC Bootcamp is an intensive workshop for those who are relatively new to CNC manufacturing or looking to buy their first CNC. Moderated by Will Sampson, Editorial Director of FDMC, the day will cover selecting the right CNC machine, integrating it into your operation, choosing and using the tooling, dealing with dust collection and vacuum issues, and getting onboard with the software you need.
Register now to experience this outstanding line-up of content.
Sponsored by: | ![]() |
Program Outline | ||
| 9 a.m.: | Intro and Welcome: Will Sampson, Editorial Director, Woodworking Network | |
| 9:15 – 10:00 a.m.: | Choices in CNC Machines An overview of the panorama of entry-level CNC machines. From small desktop units to full-size nested-base routers, the range of options in CNC manufacturing is extensive. This session is designed to give you a taste of what’s available, whether you are shopping for your first machine or want to expand your CNC capabilities. | |
| Speaker: Edward Ford, Carbide 3D | ||
| 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: | CNC Software Learn what kind of software you need to use your CNC, whether you are making cabinets, closets, or any number of other products. | |
Speaker: ![]() | Ken Frye KCD Software | |
| 11 a.m. – Noon: | Lessons from Teaching People to use CNC Learn how best to flatten the learning curve for CNC manufacturing. | |
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Ted Bruning | |
| Noon- 1 p.m.: | Networking Lunch | |
| 1 p.m.- 2 p.m.: | Tooling for your CNC What does a beginner tooling setup for CNC look like? What do you need to know about feeds and speeds? What’s the difference in tooling between smaller desktop CNC units and full-size production machines? | |
Speaker: ![]() | Mark Alster Leitz | |
| 2p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: | Dust Collection for CNC CNC routers create a lot of dust and chips, and evacuating that dust is crucial to efficient machining. This session talks about everything you need to know to ensure good dust collection on your CNC. | |
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| 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: | Vacuum Hold-down Strategies One of the biggest challenges in CNC manufacturing is securing your parts for machining. Vacuum hold-downs are preferred for most industrial applications. Learn how to get the most out of your vacuum setup, how to make custom vacuum fixtures, and even how to add vacuum hold-downs to a CNC without a vacuum table or pods. | |
Speaker: Mike Murphy, All*Star CNC | ||
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: | Case History, My First CNC Will Sampson shares his ongoing experience getting started with his first CNC machine. Will Sampson is the editorial director of Woodworking Network. He’s a lifelong woodworker and has visited hundreds of shops, but he’s had a CNC in his own shop for only a couple of years. | |
Speaker: ![]() | Will Sampson Woodworking Network | |
The Closets Symposium
July 21, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Room W209
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The Closets Symposium, moderated by Michaelle Bradford, Editor of Closets & Organized Storage, will educate designers, fabricators, retailers and installers on the most current design, marketing, and business topics of relevance to these industry professionals seeking to profit from this growing and exciting market niche.
Register now to learn from industry experts in closet design.
Sponsored by: | ![]() |
Program Outline | ||
| 9 a.m.: | Intro and Welcome: Michaelle Bradford, editor of Closets & Organized Storage | |
| 9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: | Maximizing Vertical Space and Niche & Hidden Storage Solutions This session moves beyond traditional closet layouts, exploring innovative vertical storage solutions, specialized compartments for accessories, and optimizing underutilized areas. We'll delve into pull-down systems, hidden storage, and custom solutions for unique items. | |
| Speaker: Eric Marshall, The Closet Training Institute | ||
| 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.: | Material Alchemy: Blending Sustainable & Luxury Materials for Modern Closets Exploring the intersection of eco-conscious materials and high-end aesthetics. This session will cover sustainable wood alternatives, recycled materials, and innovative finishes, demonstrating how to create luxurious closets with a reduced environmental footprint. | |
| Speaker: Miss Sjerven, Northern Contours | ||
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:55 am.: | Optimizing CNC and Automation for Closet Manufacturing Looking into the latest advancements in CNC technology and automation for closet component manufacturing. This session will cover optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and improving production efficiency through advanced machinery and software. | |
| Speaker: Doyle Edwards, MachMotion | ||
| Noon – 1:00 p.m.: | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:05 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.: | Lighting: Total Solutions for the Whole Home What if you could incorporate customization and adaptability throughout your entire home? It’s important to open people’s minds to the idea that it’s possible to create ambiance and evoke emotions throughout the house without limitations. This can be achieved using lighting solutions that allow for cross-compatibility in all flexible spaces. Homeowners desire more diversity and options when it comes to lighting, making it essential for cabinet and closet design and manufacturing firms to think outside the box and develop solutions that go beyond traditional offerings. | |
| Speaker: Ashleigh Lawson, Elektra | ||
| 2:10 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: | Building a Strong Brand and Customer Experience in the Closet Industry Addressing the evolving retail landscape and how closet businesses can build a strong brand, enhance the customer experience, and thrive in a competitive market. This session will cover marketing strategies, online presence, showroom design, and customer service excellence. | |
Speaker: ![]() | Mike Carson Inspired Closets Chicago | |
| 3:00 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.: | Break | |
| 3:10 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: | Strategies for Growth, Profitability, and Sustainable Success This session will provide actionable strategies for closet design company owners and managers to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. | |
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Woodworking Network Leadership Reception

Introducing the Woodworking Network 40 Under 40 Class of 2025!
The Leadership Reception takes place on Monday, July 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center (W228-W233).
Register at tinyurl.com/2025-wwn.
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