MANHEIM, Pa. – The 2018 edition of Wood Pro Expo opened with higher registrations reported in a new location: Spooky Nook Sports complex near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

WPE is being held October 18 and 19 in the country’s largest indoor sports complex. The exhibit floor is part of a large building, including soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, and an adjoining hotel, The Warehouse at the Nook.

More than 740 attendees have pre-registered for Wood Pro Expo Lancaster.  This represents a 30 percent increase in preregistration numbers compared to last year’s event, also held in Lancaster.

Attendees can preregister or simply come directly to WPE Thursday and Friday, which is near Lancaster. See https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/wood-pro-expo-lancaster.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn as well as take in almost 12,000 square feet of exhibits. The event will be held at Warehouse at the Nook in Manheim, Pennsylvania.  Attendees can start their day by taking in a complimentary keynote ahead of the exhibits opening each morning.  The keynotes are presented at 8 a.m. on October 18 and 19 and the exhibits open at 9 a.m. each day.

FDMC editor, Will Sampson, will present his popular 2018 Pricing Survey as the opening keynote for Wood Pro Expo Lancaster on October 18. Gene Wengert, aka the Wood Dr., will headline Day 2 (October 19) of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster with his opening keynote, The Wood Doctor is in.  His wide-ranging presentation will address the changes in the industry and their effects on the typical woodworker's business.

Lean expert, Mike Roth, returns to Wood Pro Expo Lancaster to conduct a two-part workshop titled, “Jump-Starting Your Lean Journey,” on October 19.  Roth's session will address implementing lean management with any sized business.

If you are in the process of launching a woodworking business or have been in business for a while and just can't seem to stay on track, this new Wood Pro Expo session may be just what you need. Will Sampson will address best practices and more in his presentation, Path to Professionalism, October 18 at Wood Pro Expo Lancaster. 

Another presentation, "How to use PR effectively," will be delivered by Amanda Eden, director of public relations/media strategist at Stoner Bunting. Eden will address best next steps to take if you have completed a high-profile project or hired a well-known designer. Learn how to attract media attention and gain coverage of your firm by using effective PR strategies with digital marketing and social media.

Running Machinery Program
New this year for Wood Pro Expo Lancaster is an expanded conference schedule that includes the WPE Running Machine program. The program is aimed at giving participants a comprehensive understanding of the machines and systems on display.

Finishing and respiratory equipment distributor, Grapek Bates, will demonstrate its products in action.  According to Grapek Bates spokesman, Kyle Martin, the company will focus on how new respirator technology is changing the game. Another exhibitor, Ellert Equipment, will be offer hands-on finishing advice. Ellert has more than 30 years of experience in the spray equipment industry and is knowledgeable in various kinds of spray booths, spray gun systems and powder coating.

Also Felder will offer a demonstration based on the question, “What is the best shop setup, Jointer-Planer or Jointer And Planer?”

Other Wood Pro Expo Lancaster exhibitors participating in the Running Machine Program include Wurth Group (Big Machines or Small Machines, which one will work for you?)  and RT Machine (Lock Miter - Stronger Together, RT Machine demonstrates precision miter joints).

See https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/wood-pro-expo-lancaster