Monday, July 31, 2023
Four days, a bunch of innovations, successful showcases, international exhibitors, and lot more! Finally, it’s a wrap for AWFS Fair.
This year’s AWFS Fair had an amazing ending and set a noteworthy example for woodworking shows. AWFS Fair 2023 again proved its capability of being a milestone for the woodworking industry by offering avant-garde showcases. Over its four-day run from August 25 to 28, one of the world’s leading woodworking trade fairs featured a plethora of innovations, inspiration, and networking. Remarkable attendees from over 40 countries presented their solutions for the wood industry, the furniture-making industry, the woodworking technology sector, the woodworking trades, and the primary sector.
The primary focus of AWFS Fair 2023 was sustainability, along with digitization. The responses are mind-blowing from different countries. Participants and attendees took advantage of the opportunity to inform themselves about smart machines, technological innovations, and resource-saving production processes.
Participants were able to showcase their noteworthy performances.
Visionary New Product Award
On July 27, AWFS Fair announced the winners for the 2023 Visionary New Product Award. The Visionary New Product Awards recognize creativity and innovation and are evaluated on quality, production impact, practicality, innovation, and user-friendliness.
As in previous years, this year’s awards were chosen by a panel of hand-selected judges representing various areas of the industry, including professional end-users, production managers, custom woodworkers, and company owners.
The First-Ever Maveric Award for the Tool Tour program was presented to Uneeda Enterprises, Inc.
Destroy Responsibility Program
WEIMA, one of the leading woodworking recycling professionals, was the main curator of the Destro Responsibility Program.The company has been at the forefront of the woodworking industry’s efforts to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. The Destroy Responsibility program aimed to raise awareness about responsible wood waste disposal and provide practical solutions for recycling and repurposing.
WEIMA showcased their innovative production lines on recycling and wood waste segments.
The WLK 10 single-shaft shredder, a powerful machine known for its efficiency and reliability. It was on live at the show floor for the visitors to get a hand-on experience.
According to WEIMA, “The success of the ‘Destroy Responsibility’ program would not be possible without the cooperation of several organizations especially Freeman, a leading provider of event solutions that provided immense during the show and partnered with WEIMA to ensure smooth logistics and support for the shredding operations.”
“We are thrilled to have the support and collaboration of Freeman Co., AWFS, LVCVA, and Repurpose America for the Destroy Responsibility progra. Their collective efforts enable us to not only showcase our shredding technology but also make a positive impact on the environment and local community.”
AWFS Fair Fresh Wood Student Competition
Every edition of AWFS Fair focuses on young talent and looks for innovation. The Fresh Wood Student Competition is another key opportunity to discover a bright mind. Gage Day, a student from Corner Canyon High School (UT), won the Best of Show award in the 2023 AWFS Fair Fresh Wood student woodworking competition after judges reviewed 40 finalist projects of from twenty diffent high schools and colleges in the U.S., at the 2023 AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Day was awarded a one-of-a-kind sculpture made by renowned chairmaker Brian Boggs, which was displayed at the Fresh Wood booth throughout the show. In addition, he received $2,000, and a copy of Cabinet / Closet Workshop software. The Best of Show award is sponsored by KCD Software. KCD also provided two additional copies of the Cabinet / Closet Workshop software to students in the competition.
Day also received First Place in the High School Seating category and High School Special Theme: Small Projects of the competition, which included another $1,000 prize.
The judges found the Best of Show award decision very difficult this year, with a tie between Gage’s project and The Apothecary Cabinet by Shepherd Zambonelli from Selkirk College, which led them to create a new award to recognize Shep’s project: The Judges’ Nod.
AWFS provided valuable support and resources to promote the program to attendees and exhibitors. The full-scale international AWFS Fair in Las Vegas brought together invention and innovation. The next AWFS Fair will be held in 2025.
Until next time!
Tags: AWFS Fair, conclusion, Destroy Responsibility Program, fresh wood student competition, furniture-making industry, innovation, inspiration, las vegas, leading fair, product showcase, production process, smart machines, successful ending, sustainibility, visionary new product award, woodworking technology
