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IWF Atlanta: What I Gained and Why I Attend Events Like This

“Meeting representatives and vendors from around the world is a powerful reminder of the global reach and endless possibilities in our industry.”
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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. As the owner of Legend Interiors, a kitchen and bath design firm, attending IWF was invaluable to me for several key reasons.

Networking Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of attending IWF is the chance to network with industry leaders and change-makers. IWF is a global business powerhouse, and I had the privilege of attending alongside the President and VP/Plant Manager of North American Cabinets. This gave me direct access to discussions on expanding production capacity while maintaining quality, training new employees, addressing current factory bottlenecks, the impact that a single machine can have on a company’s success or setbacks, and countless other nuggets of knowledge.

To me, these insights are crucial. For example, they enable me to better communicate and educate my clients on why certain products might be taking longer than they did six months ago. Being in the know helps me manage expectations and maintain trust with my clients.

Access to Innovative Tools & Resources

IWF is the go-to event for discovering the latest solutions in woodworking and cabinetry – I look at it as the innovation watering hole. The fair showcases thousands of innovative products, services, and technologies from the world’s top manufacturers and emerging brands.


Live demonstrations are always a highlight for me—there's no better way to understand the benefits of a product than by seeing it in action. This year, a few exhibitors particularly stood out:

  • Blum: this is one of my favorite booths! Blum is a top hardware manufacturer in the woodworking industry, and they showcased the impressive Revago push-to-open pocket door system, along with a hidden hinge door lift system. I'm excited to incorporate these innovations into future designs.

  • Anderson America: As one of the leading providers of industrial CNC routers, Anderson America's machines are built like tanks, offering a stable base for routing tools to effortlessly blaze through sheet goods. Watching their machines in action, with insights from the NAC team and the distributor representative, was a learning experience I wouldn't have had without attending the show.

  • IMA Schelling Group: This was next-level woodworking! From edgebanding machines to conveying systems, and precise storage, sorting, stacking, and sawing, IMA has everything to bring a manufacturing plant into the automated realm of woodworking. It was a real treat to witness these technologies in action.

  • Makor Group + Cefla Finishing Machines: For me, finishing is the most critical aspect of cabinetry—it's what sets companies apart from the competition. Finishing is what everyone sees and touches every day, so it must be as close to perfect as possible. These automated flatline spray machines help alleviate the common bottleneck in woodworking shops—the finishing department—by ensuring consistent and flawless painting and staining.

  • Tafisa + Egger: Both companies showcased new super matte polymer colors and textured wood melamine. I'm thrilled to add these options to our offerings. Melamines and polymers are great alternatives to paints and wood veneers in terms of cost, consistency, and sustainability.

These companies showcased cutting-edge tools and machinery that have the potential to revolutionize the way we work.


Ideas & Inspiration

Every time I attend IWF, I leave with a renewed sense of inspiration and appreciation for my line of work. It’s impossible not to be inspired. Meeting representatives and vendors from around the world is a powerful reminder of the global reach and endless possibilities in our industry. For designers, events like this are essential. Understanding how different materials and methods come together is one of the most valuable tools in our "designer toolbox." It empowers us to offer solutions to complex designs, making us a go-to resource for clients and peers alike.

Educational Courses

IWF also offers a wealth of educational sessions led by industry experts. These sessions are designed to address the challenges we face in business and manufacturing, with practical learning opportunities in business operations and management. I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to attend any of the sessions this year, but what I’ve heard from my colleagues is that the courses provided them with actionable insights that they can apply directly to their business, helping you stay ahead of the curve.


The Key Takeaway

Attending events like IWF is more than just a professional obligation—it's a source of growth, inspiration, and connection. If you’re a designer or industry professional, I highly recommend making these events a priority in your calendar. They’re an investment in your career and the future of your business.


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