The AWFS Fair show floor was full of the sounds of machinery, of drilling and cutting, the fall of hammers and the suctions of vacuums. And that was even before the show started.

According to show organizers, this year’s AWFS Fair will host 45% more exhibitors than the 2021 event. From large machinery manufacturers to cutting-edge software providers, a lineup of industry leaders and innovators will converge at the show. 

The week-long woodworking was launched on Monday with a full-day of events from the Woodworking Network. 
Monday started with concurrent educational programs, the CNC Bootcamp and the Closets Symposium and ended with a celebration of some of the brightest and best young men and women in the woodworking industry.

The CNC Bootcamp was a daylong educational program that was designed for professional woodworkers new to CNC woodworking or who are just considering getting into CNC Woodworking. The day featured tips and techniques that the woodworking crowd could take home and put to good use. The day ended with a light-hearted look at editorial director Will Sampson's own first foray into CNC woodworking

One important segment of the program dealt with software for CNC. Ken Frye from KCD Software discussed software applications for cabinets, closets, and similar production panel processing applications. Additionally, Edward Powell, managing director of Vectric Ltd., a global software company headquartered in the U.K., discussed many other applications that can either expand the reach of your existing CNC or offer entry points into the world of CNC woodworking.

Closets & Organized Storage magazine and members of the Association of Closet & Storage Professionals (ACSP) came together for a day of networking and industry education programming. 

The Closets Symposium, sponsored by Richelieu Hardware, will educate designers, fabricators, retailers, and installers on the most current design, marketing, and business topics relevant to industry professionals seeking to profit from this growing and exciting market niche. 

The day was capped off by the Leadership Reception that honored the 2023 class of the Woodworking Network 40 Under 40. The 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 honors were sponsored by PaintLine.

This year marked the eighth annual awarding of the 40 Under 40, which celebrates the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America. Those selected have been recognized for achievements and innovations in productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, innovation, peer inspiration, product development, and organizational leadership. Honorees were involved in the cabinet, furniture, closets/home organization, architectural woodwork, retail fixtures, and wood components markets, as well as industry organizations and educational institutions.

Day 1

In addition to the full show floor of equipment, software and services, was a full slate of educational opportunities. The AWFS Fair’s comprehensive education program, the College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK) provided in-depth coverage of the issues that show organizers say concern woodworkers today, and gives them a workable roadmap of real solutions and best practices for solid business advancement.

The “AWFS Fair Live” booth, a stage on the show floor at the AWFS Fair, will offer presentations and events throughout the show. Located in booth #4780, all AWFS Fair Live sessions are complimentary and are open to all registered AWFS Fair attendees, advance session registration is not required.

Rapid Fire sessions are fast-paced ten-to-fifteen-minute presentations offered by AWFS Fair exhibitors, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; each day will focus on a different theme.

• On Tuesday, learn about Hardware and Materials from seven different exhibitors: MicroJig, Accoya USA, Eagle Aluminum, Alvic USA, Disston Company, 3M, and Shaper Tools.
• Wednesday presentations will focus on Machinery with C.R. Onsrud, Advanced Dimensions, Oneida Air Systems, Bill’s Custom Trim, Neway Corp, Thermwood Corp, All*Star CNC, Nederman, and JPW Industries.
• On Thursday, join these exhibitors to learn about Software: Cabinet Pro Software, Cyncly, MNP LLC, ClosetPro Software, Nederman, and KCD Software.

Here is a brief look at Monday's educational tracks and the presentations that started the day off: 

AWFS Fair Live Stage Sessions: WIRC Update: Promoting Careers in the Wood Industry

Business Management and Leadership: The Great Game of Business

Cabinet and Millwork: Breathe Easier and Learn More About Dust Collection and Combustible Dust

Culture and Workforce: Building a Training Program for Your Workers

Furniture: Integrating Craft and Digital Processes

Software and Technology: Spend Money to Make Money

Teacher Track: How to Keep Your Keester Out of Court (and Other Tips from a Veteran Educator)

Techniques and Applications: Color Strategies for Achieving Optimum Results

A highlight of the educational program are WED (Wood EDucation) Talks, which are short inspirational presentations by experts and wood industry community members on the topics about which they are passionate…including workforce development, Lean manufacturing, and new products.