IWF planners are counting on bigger show

The International Woodworking Fair is fast approaching, slated for Aug. 20-23 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Show chairman Rick Hannigan says there will be more exhibitors and expects larger crowds at the year’s biggest industry trade show.

“We expect a 10 percent growth in verified attendance,” Hannigan says. “We were one of the Tradeshow Executive Magazine Fastest 50 in attendance in 2012. We believe we have a good chance again.”

The 2012 IWF had a verified attendance of 13,002, which does not include exhibitors, according to Hannigan. “We expect an increase. We are currently pacing 38 percent ahead of two years ago,” he says.

“We also expect there will be over 1,000 products at IWF in materials, design and software. As with machinery, we think our attendees will know they saw the next big thing at IWF because we refer to it as the ‘Gateway to Technology.’ ”

New to the show this year is the International Americas Receptions for Canada and Latin America, an opening-night reception, IWF After Hours and an expanded educational seminar schedule featuring a discussion on 3-D printing.

Returning is the Design Emphasis student design contest and Challenger Awards competition for new products and services.

Hannigan says attending the show is a sound business investment for a shop of any size.

“One idea, one session, one discussion with a supplier or peer will lead to an immediate improvement in your business. IWF is the industry and whether your company is big or small doesn’t matter. What matters is the show will have almost 900 exhibitors ready to work with you. Bottom line, the products and industry experts are what make up IWF and should be considered a must attend event.”

For information, visit www.iwfatlanta.com.