New technology, machinery, materials, and supplies will be on display during IWF (International Woodworking Fair), as North America’s largest woodworking event plays host to an international crowd of professionals involved in the production of cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, retail fixtures, closets, components, and other industry segments. Owned and sponsored by the Wood Industry Association, IWF takes place Aug. 25-28 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, with show hours in halls B, BC and C from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Building A opens at 7:30 a.m. each day.  

This year’s theme is “Power Up Your Business,” and IWF delivers that with a firsthand look at a wide range of products and services to help manufacturers grow their business. 

“These days, technology is everywhere. In our homes, our cars, and of course, our phones, yet often our businesses lag behind, using ‘traditional’ equipment working in a ‘traditional’ way,” said Mark Craig, 2026 IWF Committee chair. “Technology can be intimidating, so being able to see the latest and greatest in woodworking manufacturing at IWF 2026 is by far the best way to see and touch what’s available to ‘Power Up’ our businesses for years to come.”

Research shows that woodworkers come to IWF for the ideas and innovations to do just that. In a survey of attendees and exhibitors following the 2024 event, 83% called IWF a “must-attend” show, 87% said they went to IWF to see the newest products and technologies all in one place, and 82% indicated their purpose at IWF was to source products for future purchases. 

Three months out, IWF already looks to match or exceed the previous show’s numbers of almost 1,100 exhibitors and more than 26,500 registered attendees from across the globe. “IWF 2026 will remain the largest, most important gathering of woodworking manufacturers, importers, distributors, integrators, and end users in one North American location since IWF 2024,” noted Craig. “It’s the ‘place to be’ for everyone involved in the woodworking industry. Although the floorplan is still growing, even in the floorplan’s current state — and with more growth to come — we already know that IWF 2026 will consume the same number of halls and areas as was the case in 2024, but with a wider range of sectors and technologies.”

New features & favorites return
Along with the thousands of products on display during the show, there will be showcases, exhibit floor demonstrations, and plenty of networking and educational opportunities. 

Among the new features this year is the Mass Timber and Prefabricated Construction Products Showcase, located in Building A. “IWF’s all-new Mass Timber and Prefabricated Construction Products collection presents the sector’s newest cross-laminated and glue-laminated products and technologies in the first-ever showcase of advanced mass timber innovations offered in a North American woodworking design and technology show,” Craig said.  “Attendees will discover why mass timber is a transformative force in structural design/planning/construction for anyone in the woodworking, building, contracting, and construction trades.” 

Other show favorites include: 

Comprehensive education program. The IWF conference program provides woodworking industry professionals with practical learning and development opportunities in both session and mini-symposium formats. Topics include: Business Management, Manufacturing & Design, Marketing & Business Development, Mass Timber & Prefab, New Business Sectors, and Workforce Maintenance & Organizational Culture. Also available are Wood Industry Innovation Tours, focusing on Industry 5.0 and the Smart Factory and Closets. Mini symposia include Tuesday’s Critical Leadership Roles for Sustained Success, and the Lean Bootcamp: Real-World Efficiency for Woodworkers, sponsored by the Cabinet Makers Association; with the all-day Design Summit, presented on Thursday by the Architectural Woodwork Institute. 

Challengers Awards. On Tuesday morning at the Challengers Award Gallery in Building B, the IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award winners will be announced. The award recognizes outstanding companies for technological innovations in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance the industry. See who entered the 2026 competition.

Design Emphasis. The IWF Design Emphasis Student Furniture Competition showcases furniture designed and built by students from colleges and universities throughout the United States, with prizes awarded to the top entries in five categories. Finalist entries can be viewed in Building C in the Design Emphasis Showcase, with winners announced on Wednesday morning.

Night at the Tabernacle. Back for 2026, IWF Night at the Tabernacle on Aug. 26 features live music, networking, cocktails, and overall fun after hours, from 8-11 p.m. More than 1,000 attendees and exhibitors connected at the 2024 event, and event organizers are sure this year’s event will also be great. Visit the IWF website for information and tickets. 

For show updates and registration information, visit IWFAtlanta.com.

IWF at a glance
Date: Aug. 25-28 
Location: Georgia World Congress Center
Show hours: 
Hall A, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Halls B, BC, C 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 
Show closes at 2 p.m. on Friday
IWFAtlanta.com