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WEIMA June 2023 Leader
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AFWS Fair Las Vegas delivers a strong show

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At AWFS Fair in Las Vegas.


This year’s AWFS Fair in Las Vegas finished just like it started and that’s good news for everyone involved.
“We couldn't be more pleased with the result,” says Angelo Gangone, Executive Vice President of AWFS.
“I think the one thing that really sticks out is the strength of our re-signs at the show. We actually sold more booth space (for 2015) than we have at any show we have ever produced or exhibited in, within the last 10 years.
“That to me, is a great sign that the industry is regaining its footing and that exhibitors, are once again, regaining their confidence.”
AFWS Fair opened strong with busy aisles on opening day and that trend continued to build right through the show. Things only slowed down on the last day, which is traditionally the slowest for any show.
This year’s event featured more exhibitors and more exhibition space than the last event. Final visitor numbers are still being tallied, but organizers are confident those will be up as well.
The new show configuration was well received and Gangone says opening up the halls made it like one large space rather than two separate halls and anchor tenants were strategically placed throughout the show, which “really helped bring it all together.”
More than 500 exhibitors presented the latest innovations in machinery technology, hardware, tools, software and much, much more.
Also, there were new product showcases, the new Visionary Awards (formerly called the Sequoia Awards) with 64 products from 48 finalists vying for top honours and of course there was an extensive seminar program.
Show attendees also had a chance to see top U.S. cabinetmaking students compete for the chance to represent the U.S. at the WorldSkills Competition, and there was a showcase featuring Fresh Wood Student Awards winners’ designs.
Show attendees were impressed with the design and skills on display at the Fresh Wood Student Woodworking Competition where judges reviewed the projects of 40 finalists from 21 different high schools and colleges in the U.S. and Canada. Twenty-three students went home with monetary prizes ranging from $425 to $1,200.
And three Canadian students were among the winners earning awards at AWFS.
At the high school level, Canada’s Justin Chin, Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School, Brampton, Ont. won first place for his chair ‘Keep on Rockin.’ Gurleen Singh, also from Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School, Brampton, Ont., earned second place for his chair ‘Stasis.’
And an honourable mention went to Onkar Nagra, also from Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School, Brampton, Ont, for a table ‘Three Way Drop.’

AWFS Fair featured more exhibitors and more exhibition space.

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