AWFS organizers see a bigger and better 2015 event

A strong turnout and plenty of business activity is expected at the 2015 AWFS fair, the year’s biggest industry trade show held in the U.S, which is scheduled for July 22-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

AWFS executive director Angelo Gangone said an improved economy and early exhibitor commitments point to improved attendance from the 2013 fair.

“We exceeded our exhibitor space [requests] quite a few months back. Normally, when you see your exhibit space expand, it’s a pretty good indicator that attendance will follow,” Gangone says.

“We want to keep expanding our show and that is happening, which is really good because it means our exhibitors are not only gaining confidence in the overall market but they’re also going to be bringing new technology, possibly different equipment that they didn’t bring last time.”

This year’s show will feature continuous CAD/CAM software presentations in the AWFS theater.

“The theater is a new feature for 2015 and this is really something we’re looking forward to because there is going to be a much greater emphasis on software. That doesn’t necessarily mean there will be more software companies there, but the software companies that are in will be able to address the needs of the attendees who are just curious about the manufacturing process,” Gangone says.

Changes have been made to the floor plan, highlighted by moving registration to a more accessible area just inside the convention center’s main entrance. An expansive new products display will be located near the entrance of the Central Hall exhibitor area. There will be gallery displays of finalists in the Fresh Wood student design competition and the new American Association of Woodturning’s student competition.

The fair will also have more than 50 seminars and classes as part of College of Woodworking Knowledge educational program.

For information, visit www.awfsfair.org.