If you haven’t booked your free ticket to the UK’s only woodworking machinery and materials show, the W Exhibition there’s still time. Taking place from September 30 to October 3 at the NEC, Birmingham, the W Exhibition will span over 11,000m2 and play host to more than 200 of the biggest and best names in the furniture manufacturing industry.
The line-up includes leading machinery companies such as Homag, Biesse, SCM, Felder, RW Machinery, Advanced Machinery Services, Masterwood and Hoffmann – and all will be demonstrating their latest machinery and technological advancements.
The biennial event will also feature new interactive zones specifically designed to aid industry professionals, showcase innovation and reward talent.
The Education Zone, which is situated in Hall 6, has been designed to support and advise visitors on the latest legislation, health and safety, productivity, careers, education and apprenticeships within the furniture industry.
Experts from the Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA), the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and Didac Training College will be on hand to help visitors navigate their way around key issues and important changes within the industry and take part in one-toone drop-in sessions and daily workshops that are open to all.
“Exhibitions really are a physical manifestation of a trade association, a melting pot for ideas and networking and also, if we use them well, an opportunity to project the sector, said Iain Mcllwee, BWF chief executive.
“For the BWF, the Education Zone is the ideal platform for us to promote the importance of health and safety and productivity in the workplace. The accident rate in this sector is high and we want to use the interactive area to help tackle this issue.
We’ll also be on hand to help companies improve efficiencies. Every business is different and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when running a successful business but our team will be there to advise, help and shape ideas to help the industry grow.”
Now in its second year, the Elements of Innovation Zone offers visitors an opportunity to see the most ground-breaking products and design concepts up close. Each product will have been shortlisted for the show’s very own Elements of Innovation Awards and presented to an independent judging panel to be in with the chance of winning a coveted title. Winners will be announced during the show.
Visitors will also have access to the W Exhibition’s sister show, Elements. The dedicated furniture components show will present the very latest furniture trends, design innovations and prototypes for the furniture production and interior design markets. The impressive line-up features returning companies alongside many first-time exhibitors.
Leading components manufacturer Blum, décor specialists Alpi SpA, edging experts Karebant, Tece and Kalp as well as finishing professionals Remmers UK will all make their debut at the event, whilst further brands – including Crofts & Assinder, Mundy Veneer, Hranipex, Ostermann and Merenda – return to Elements after a successful 2016.
“This year, we have been exploring new avenues in a bid to represent the whole industry and emulate the success our exhibitors had in 2016,” said Lisa Campagnola, event director. “By working closely with leading companies, show partners and industry associations, we have been able to create a show that offers real value and substance.
“We are excited to welcome new companies, introduce new exhibition features and create informative and supportive features within the show. We are confident the W Exhibition and Elements will continue to be unmissable events for the furniture design and manufacturing industry.”
