LAS VEGAS -- Multiple guests will make special appearances during events at this week’s AWFS Fair.

The WED Talks on Thursday, July 18 will feature eight presentations by speakers from throughout the industry: Patrick Molzahn, Whitney Pyle, Thomas Allott, Scott Grove, Kayleen McCabe, Wendy Maruyama, Judson Beaumont, and Norm Abram and Nathan Gilbert of This Old House.

Each speaker will speak on their area of interest, topics range from generational collaboration and supporting the future of our workforce, to artistic influence on environmental issues and women in the industry. Presentations are short, mostly around 15 minutes, and free to all registered AWFS Fair attendees.

In their WED Talk, Norm Abram and Nathan Gilbert, hosted by Festool, will speak about Generation NEXT, This Old House’s initiative to close the skills gap by encouraging young people to master the vocational trades that built this country. They will share how a passion for working with your hands can translate into a personally and financially rewarding career, and how important it is for all tradespersons to commit to training and inspiring the next generation.

See the WED Talk schedule of all presentations and details here: https://awfsfair.org/attendee-information/show-features/wed-talks/

Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) will speak at the Student Awards Ceremony on Friday, July 19 at 4:00 p.m. in Room N110. The awards ceremony is open to all registered AWFS Fair attendees and exhibitors and the winners of the Fresh Wood and Turning to the Future student competitions will be announced.

“We are honored to have Congresswoman Titus with us at the AWFS Fair”, said AWFS executive vice president Angelo Gangone. “We recognize that since she has been in office, she has been a supporter and advocate for workforce development and Perkins funding.” Representative Titus is very aware of the value of workers and seeks to provide them with the tools and assistance needed to succeed.

Take a break on the show floor and make something fun in the Make & Take Booth. Skilled trades and SkillsUSA advocate Kayleen McCabe and furniture maker and social media influencer Ethan Abramson will be at the Make & Take booth during designated times to help attendees create an item to take home. The booth will be run by the Society of Wood Manufacturing, and attendees can make donations to support wood industry education.

See the Visionary Award Ceremony, Friday, July 19, 9:15 a.m. at the AWFS Booth in the Grand Lobby. Find out which exhibitors and innovative products will be recognized and honored. AWFSFair.org