Official trade show evaluation of the 2022 event

A comprehensive retrospective, and then to take off in the direction of the next event in 2024: The organizers of the “IWF” in Atlanta have evaluated the past event. And released the results to coincide with the start of registration by preferred, long-time exhibitors for the upcoming show, August 6-9, 2024.

“IWF” organizers say the survey, conducted at random during show days, is representative of all buyers and exhibitors registered in 2022. The survey was designed, conducted and provided to the show organizers by Moore & Symons, a national research consulting firm based in Atlanta.

Exhibitors: According to the survey, 95 percent of exhibitors felt that “IWF” 2022 was attended by high-quality buyers who are important to the business of participating companies. Likewise, 95 percent of exhibitors therefore rated the show as “exceeded expectations” or “far exceeded expectations.” 94 percent stated that their investment in the event had paid off in the form of corresponding business deals. For 90 percent of exhibitors, the “IWF” in 2022 was characterized by outstanding purchasing power on the part of visitors. Another 90 percent were pleased with the large number of new customers. Even though trade fairs are nowadays less likely to be events at which spontaneous purchases are made, 89 percent said exactly that. Accordingly, there were noticeable sales of large orders concluded directly at the trade fair. 88 percent were satisfied with the public traffic on the stand. And 88 percent of exhibitors were confident during the show days in 2022 that they would return in 2024. Still, 72 percent see the “IWF” as a platform for business that would not have existed without the event.

Attendees: Attendees also swear by the Georgia event, with 96 percent considering the biennial “IWF” a must-attend show for the U.S. woodworking industry, and 90 percent saying it exceeded all of their expectations. And 85 percent of attendees consider the show the most important event in the U.S. for their company. Eighty percent visited the show halls with a firm intention to buy or said they were gathering information about a specific investment. Accordingly, the same number of visitors see “IWF” as the most important source of new woodworking technologies and woodworking products. 60 percent expected to make a purchase for products for which inspiration was sought at the show.