Enroll in the College of Woodworking Knowledge
The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers announces the opening of its educational program, the College of Woodworking Knowledge. Designed to meet the current needs of show attendees, the two dozen sessions will span topics to strengthen corporate culture and grow your workforce, enhance business management expertise, and increase knowledge of the latest technologies.
Track highlights include:
Technology & Innovation: Learn how to maximize efficiency and productivity in edge banding operations and vacuum clamping for CNC. Subject matter experts and wood manufacturers will help you walk through the process of identifying, selecting, and implementing robotic applications into your processes, including finishing.
Business Management: Mark Harari, acclaimed speaker and author of Lobster on a Cheese Plate, will help attendees identify and strengthen their market positioning. Hear from a panel of financial experts on how to prepare your business for succession planning, including new tax policy changes and implications. Marc Sanderson from Innergy will help attendees decode and navigate the current landscape of business software.
Workforce and Culture: The need to attract, retain, and train workers is more critical than ever. Author Kelli Vrla will provide guidance on how to engage employees and strengthen business culture. It is important for all businesses to assess their racial bias and how to address any potential issues; Lisa Landry will guide an in-depth workshop on how to respond to racial bias that can be applied in the workplace. Marc Sanderson will use the Kotter Change Method to show how businesses can influence change and impact their corporate culture. Learn how to use the Woodwork Career Alliance Skills Standards as a reference manual for creating an in-house training program.
Cabinet, Millwork, and Furniture: Leaders from the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) will present sessions on Maximizing Profit Using the Cost of Doing Business Surveyand Project Management in a New Era. The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) will host their popular What’s Your Problem? roundtable event (FREE) and sessions on CNC Essentials and Taking the Leap to the next level of machinery. Learn from experts about RTF (rigid thermfoil) laminates and how to ensure quality and have success using this new process.
Free sessions: In addition to CMA’s What’s Your Problem?, don’t miss three other complimentary sessions. Learn more about the new Wood Manufacturing Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Framework and hear directly from the first WMS apprentice. CPA will host a panel of experts to discuss the environmental and sustainable attributes of composite wood products. Get updates on the new YouWood industry-wide career awareness campaign and how you can get involved to strengthen the talent pipeline. Advance registration is required for all free sessions.
Woodworking Network Symposium: Woodworking Network presents a full-day Closets & Organized Storage symposium on Monday, July 19. All symposium attendees receive complimentary show registration and access to the 40 under 40 Reception on Monday evening.
AWFS welcomes KCD software as the official sponsor of the 2021 CWWK educational seminar program. See the full program details at AWFSFair.org/education, including complete session descriptions and speaker bios.
