International Woodworking Fair Sees Positive Registration of 10,000-plus
August 13, 2012
The International Woodworking Fair, which kicks off Aug. 22-25 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, looks to be on track for a successful show, with preregistration topping 11,000 attendees, more than 40-percent higher than the 2010 show.
All 50 states and more than 60 countries will be represented at the show, with 45 of the states seeing increased registrations, compared with 2010’s show.
“We are up across the board, more exhibits, more products and more buyers,” said Michael Burdis, IWF 2012 chairman and president of James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company.
He added, “The importance of seeing products first-hand and engaging face-to-face with industry experts is key to our growth.”
The biannual 2010 International Woodworking Fair drew 11,425 buyers, 20,697 total attendance, 972 exhibitors and 375,500 net square feet of exhibit space at the GWCC.
Besides a busy showfloor, IWF also boasts a robust education program for woodworking professionals.
Sessions include “Working Local and Regional Markets for New Sales of Cabinets, Furniture and Millwork”, “Regulatory Issues Affecting the Furniture Industry” and Recruiting, Retaining and Managing an Age-Diverse Workforce, to name a few.
IWF also partners with associations such as the International Surface Fabricators Association for some of the content, such as a Countertop Symposium serving that segment of the marketplace.
The symposium, “Exploring Countertop Options: Turning Opportunity into Profit”is designed to provide information to established countertop fabricatorsm as well as cabinetmakers and casework providers, who are exploring best practices for resourcing within the countertop market, according to sow organizers.
Put on by ISFA, the presenters include the owners of successful countertop and architectural millwork companies who are well versed in the technology, techniques and business requirements of countertop operations.
“This will be a great opportunity to gather intelligence on the countertop market as well get access to some of the greatest minds in the countertop industry today,” said ISFA President Russ Berry.
He added, “Anyone currently working in the realm of countertops or anyone considering it would really find this symposium of major benefit.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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