Letter to AWFS® Community
AWFS® Board President
October 2025
To AWFS® Members and Exhibitors,
WOW what a whirlwind 2025 has been and it’s October already!
2025 has been quite a year so far, political changes, US economy and tariffs changing daily, expanded foreign conflicts and some crazy weather.
The one constant 2025 was an odd year so that means the biennial AWFS®Fair!!!
Las Vegas in July was plenty hot outside and so was the show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
A record number of first-time exhibitors and well as many of our long-time industry partners exhibited and demonstrated their technology the show attendees.
In walking the floor and speaking with exhibitors and attendees alike all were excited in the new technology and new products on display. Of course, the economic uncertainty was the main concern but at this writing it appears to have settled down and at least we have a better idea of the situation.
The wide range of educational seminars were very well attended as was the first-time field trip program.
Be assured, the AWFS® team have already started on AWFS®Fair 2027 and many exhibitors took advantage of the early bird program which of course is a strong-positive sign.
AWFS® is more than just a trade show. While the biennial AWFS®Fair is a very important event designed to bring all aspects of our industry together as well in offering the latest in educational programs, new technology and a wide range of vendors and products to assist in fostering continued growth in our industry. AWFS® is also very active with committees focused on Membership, Public Policy, Education and Vocational Development. Our SWM (Society of Wood Manufacturing) continues to work with California schools to promote and educating students and teachers of the value and opportunities available within the woodworking industry. We look forward to the continued success and growth of this important program.
I urge you to participate and become active within AWFS®, we have added new Board Members to diversify the industries represented including builders, dealers, customers, suppliers, software and education.
In closing our sincere thanks to you all for your support of AWFS®Fair 2025 and we look forward to seeing you again in 2027 and beyond.
Michael Cassell
AWFS® Board President
Holz Her US
