More than 800 exhibitors expected at IWF 2010

Among the educational highlights tied to the event will be a daylong symposium tailored to upholstered furniture manufacturers and a 23-session Technical Conference during the show.

IWF, held once every two years, is owned and sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America and the Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn. Registration information and a complete agenda are online at www.iwfatlanta.com.

IWF, the AHFA and the Franklin Furniture Institute of Mississippi State University are teaming up to present a symposium on the eve of the show, on Tuesday, Aug. 24, titled "Surviving in the Upholstery World of Over-Supply." It will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities in the upholstery segment and a look at new upholstery manufacturing technology.

The program includes sessions on improving the manufacturing process, understanding regulations and their effects on operations, how to reduce costs and how to adjust to a changing work force.

Early registration for the symposium is $175. After July 23, registration is $225. The cost includes lunch with a presentation by Michael Harbaugh, operations manager for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Mississippi, on "Unleashing Your Employees' Entrepreneurial Spirit."

IWF 2010 also will feature a new Upholstery Pavilion on the show floor dedicated to products for the upholstered furniture sector.

In the Technical Conference, 23 sessions will be offered in six business tracks: management, production strategy, manufacturing techniques, environment, marketing and business development, and non-wood manufacturing. Each session costs $45 per person.

One session will feature Bill Perdue, AHFA vice president, who will present an update on regulations affecting the industry. He'll also provide an overview of AHFA's Sustainable by Design corporate sustainability program.