CITY OF COMMERCE, CA – AWFS Fair 2009 is looking to become the best place to be next summer for manufacturers and suppliers wanting to position themselves to capitalize on pent-up demand when the economy recovers, according to the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers.

The association said exhibitor commitments remain strong overall, attendance promotion has begun and the association is adding several programs, including a new Small Shop Pavilion that will feature a complete working shop highlighting technology specifically for manufacturers that have traditionally relied on a much more manual means of production and are now contemplating a more technological approach to their needs.

The Fair will also have a Green Desk — an “Ask the Expert” featured center where attendees can drop by any time to ask questions related to sustainable practices, certifications and regulations affecting the industry. The Green Desk will be hosted by nationally recognized environmental organizations, as well as industry associations with sustainable programs.

AWFS’ College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK) has been expanded to include a Going Green track, a series of seminars that will help attendees navigate the growing world of environmentally driven initiatives. Additionally, the CWWK program will include several forward-thinking topics to prepare businesses to work smarter, such as Positioning your Company for a Future in Manufacturing, Implementing the CARB Rule, new UV Technologies and a series of Lean Manufacturing seminars and hands-on workshops.

“Economic forecasters are saying things will ease in the second half, meaning the worst thing a company could do, would be to stay out of the market just as buyers are starting to loosen their purse strings again,” said Angelo Gangone, Executive Director, AWFS.

According to AWFS, fair participants will also find this show to be the most cost-effective in years, due to low gas prices, air fares and exceptional pricing on some of the city’s most popular resorts all across the hospitality spectrum. Hotels in the AWFS room block are being discounted up to 50% off 2007 pricing. Read more.