MANHEIM, Pa. – The 2023 edition of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster features a smorgasbord of learning opportunities both in the classroom and on the show floor. 

Each day of the show, Oct. 12-13, kicks off with a two-session conference program, a free keynote address, and a free course that allows attendees to earn continuing education units (CEUs) from the Architectural Institute of America.

The education program spills over onto the expo hall of Spooky Nook Sports via the Running Machine Program. Industry experts will lead scheduled demonstrations of technology and field questions from attendees. NewCNC and RT Machine are among exhibitors participating in the Running Machine Program.

Thursday, Oct. 12 education program snapshot
FDMC columnist Brad Cairns will serve up a pair of morning sessions on Lean best practices. Cairns is the senior principal of Quantum Lean and is dedicated to improving the North American woodworking industry using lean methods. He also owns Best Damn Doors, a cabinet door manufacturer based in St. Thomas, Ontario.

Cairns’ two presentations will be helpful to managers of wood products companies already practicing lean methods, as well as those just getting started on their lean journey. The sessions include:

10 a.m. Lean Tools You Need to Implement Today

11 a.m. Is Your Factory Producing the Right Thing? -- Advanced Lean Concepts

Read Cairns’ FDMC columns on all things lean.

Noon Keynote: Avoiding Pricing Pitfalls
FDMC Editorial Director Will Sampson will address the pricing quandary in this free keynote presentation. The veteran woodworking journalist, podcaster and lean advocate will share the highlights and his personal insights based on his decades of interactions with hundreds of woodworking companies as well as his analysis of FDMC's annual Pricing Survey. Sampson will examine how much various shops charge for the same work, the fundamentals of pricing custom work, and common pitfalls to avoid in the estimating process. Learn more.

1 p.m. High-Performance Waterproof Wall Panel Systems for Interiors (AIA CEU course)
Robert Schaefer, Wilsonart product manager for Fessenden Hall for 25 years, will lead this free AIA-sanctioned course. He will compare a waterproof wall panel system installation to a traditional tile installation in terms of its cost of ownership, ease of installation, cleanability, and durability. Mosquera will also discuss the features and performance benefits of waterproof wall panel systems, including their scratch and scuff resistance and antimicrobial protection that helps to protect occupant health and inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing mold and mildew. Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 13 education program snapshot
Day two of the Wood Pro Expo Lancaster paid conference program pairs a session on developing a business succession plan and exploring sales opportunities in the closet and home storage market.

10:00 a.m. Business Succession Strategies

Gayle and Chuck Ross, principals of Ross Business Solutions help clients navigate the three key phases of business ownership: launch, grow, and exit. The duo will focus their WPEL presentation exit strategies to maximize maximum return on a business, managing tax consequences, and reducing stress throughout the organization.
 
11:00 a.m. Tales from the Closet
Eric Marshall, co-owner of the Closet Training Institute and immediate past president of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, will share some of the key lessons he has learned during his more than 40 years of experience working in the closet and storage industry. Among the topics Marshall will cover include how to design with the customer’s needs in mind, how to close the deal the first time; and how to accomplish seamless installs.

Noon Keynote: Building a Magnetic Company Culture to Attract, Empower, and Retain Your Team
Brady Lewis, founder of Allmoxy, will address the woodworking industry’s long-standing workforce challenges. He will discuss some innovative strategies designed to cultivate a culture that not only attracts but also retains employees of diverse skill levels.

1:00 p.m. Appropriate Architectural Uses of Compact Laminate
Miguel Mosquera, specification manager of Wilsonart, will discuss the unique composition and characteristics of compact laminate that contribute to their long-lasting durability. His presentation will also delve into the manufacturing process of compact laminate, applications, and more. Learn more.

Learn more and register at woodproexpolancaster.com.

Aout Wood Pro Expo 
Wood Pro Expo is a regional event for woodworking businesses that brings together suppliers and experts for a localized presentation of equipment and supply solutions. WPE includes a strong educational program on best practices for shop production and business management. The expo features a wide variety of equipment and supplies mainly geared to small and medium-sized shops.

Wood Pro Expo Lancaster takes place Oct. 12-13, 2023 at Spooky Nook Sports/Warehouse at the Nook in Manheim (Lancaster County), Pa. For information visit woodproexpolancaster.com. For exhibitor information contact Lewis Goldman at [email protected] or 800-969-2212. 

More upcoming Woodworking Network events 
Executive Briefing Conference, Sept. 26-28, 2023, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Wood Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 2-4, 2023, International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

Closets Conference & Expo / Wood Pro Expo Illinois, April 17-19, 2024, Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, Ill.

Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré (SIBO Expo), Oct. 24-26, 2024, Centrexpo Cogeco, Drummondville, Quebec.