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IWF 2020 has been cancelled.   The conditions and circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it impossible to stage IWF 2020 without endangering the health and safety of all exhibitors, attendees and the Atlanta community at large.  The following question-and-answer summary offers additional detail regarding the IWF 2020 cancellation action.

Why did IWF decide to cancel the 2020 Show?

The conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic—including accompanying travel restrictions and federal, state and local governmental regulations—have made it impossible to stage IWF 2020 without endangering the health and safety of all exhibitors, attendees and the Atlanta community at large.

How was this decision made, and by whom?

This unavoidable action comes only after long, intense and exhaustive study and consideration by the IWF show management team working in constant collaboration with the IWF 2020 Management Committee, whose members represent the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America and the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association.

Why cancel now?  The COVID-19 pandemic has been active for some time.

From the very outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, IWF has monitored and carefully considered its progress as a factor in show planning. It is now clear that hosting the show with tens of thousands of attendees in an indoor space such as the Georgia World Congress Center cannot occur without amplifying the transmission of COVID-19. 

Other shows and events around the U.S. are planning to open later this summer.  Why can’t IWF do the same?  

Because the risk of amplifying the transmission of COVID-19 is absolutely unacceptable.

I’m a registered attendee.  When and how will I have my registration fee reimbursed?

You will receive an email from IWF on June 19 with full details regarding your IWF 2020 registration fee and education refunds and hotel room cancellations.

I was planning to attend IWF 2020 but haven’t registered.  What’s next? 

Up next is the promise of a new, brighter future and all the opportunities IWF 2022 will bring. As we anticipate that future, always know that IWF will continue to move on course in this mission: For the entire woodworking community and across the industry landscape, IWF is where the woodworking business does business. That mission will never change.

Make plans to attend the largest trade show anywhere dedicated exclusively to wood flooring.  Mark your calendar now for the 2021 Wood Flooring Expo in Baltimore, Maryland, April 28-30, 2021 to see the latest products and services the industry has to offer.

A regional marketplace for woodworking professionals

June 8-10, 2021 | Palm Beach Convention Center, West Palm Beach, FL

Wood Pro Expo features a full day of education and tours followed by two expo days oriented to equipment and supplies focused on the small-to-medium size shops. The educational offering includes CNC basics, employee recruitment, finishing, lean manufacturing, business management, software, and shop safety.

The WPMA office has received MANY phone calls from members regarding our 2020 annual meeting.  The most important thing to your board of directors is the safety of you (our members.)

After much thought and discussion the decision was made to work with the hotel to cancel our 2020 Annual Meeting that was to be held in Portland, ME.

Please mark your calendars for October 6-7, 2021.  Our meeting will be held in Portland, Maine at the Portland Regency Hotel.   The hotel will be operating under full CDC guidelines.

This is the first time since 1929 that we have not held an annual meeting.  It was felt that by extending this to 2021 that everyone will be more prepared to enjoy a great networking and educational opportunity.

Should you have any questions please call Philip at the WPMA office at 978/874-5445.

We look forward to visiting with you in Portland, ME in 2021.

Savannah Pictures
Savannah Pictures

90th WPMA Annual Meeting

October 16-17, 2019

Perry Lane Hotel
Savannah, Georgia