AWFS®Vegas" Proves To Be A Winner

On-site Attendance up 22%
                        ­Mid-West, Eastern US and International Visitors Dramatically Increase
        Largest Show in History of EvelJ

The numbers are in: "AWFS® Vegas" had a total registration of 30, 323 including a record 19,866 attendees. Verified total attendance of 24,289 for the Wednesday­ through-Saturday show days, July 27 to July 30, 2005, was up 37% fro_ 2003. Verified attendee numbers increased 22%, for a total of 17,045 - the largest attendee crowd in the history of the show.

In addition, " AWFS® Vegas " had the largest exhibit space of any show in its history with 418,435 net square feet of exhibit space, filled with 898 exhibiting companies, nearly a 20% increase in both exhibit space and number of exhibitors from 2003. The demographics for the inaugural Las Vegas event were markedly different from past Anaheim fairs. While California still represented the largest group of attendees, attendance from every other state increased dramatically, with 44 of 50 states experiencing triple digit percentage increases. International attendance more than doubled, with a 134% increase. "We have achieved our two main goals, of increasing our attendance by 20% without sacrificing quality, and of making this truly a national, indeed, an international event," notes Dale Silverman, executive director of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® AWFS® Vegas. "In addition, exhibitors are telling us they've seen more qualified buyers this year than at any other previous "AWFS® Vegas" "We were extremely pleased to see our attendee numbers up from the mid-west, east and southern states," adds Angelo Gangone, " AWFS® Vegas trade show director. He shared some statistics: Texas had a 284% increase, Ohio a 278% increase, Illinois a 133% increase, Indiana an astounding 692% increase, Michigan a 216% increase, North Carolina a 185% increase and Florida an impressive 374% increase. "Our western states were up as well including Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon with gains of 248%, 142%, 77%, 73%, and 47% respectively

Attendees and exhibitors have indicated they like the new venue, the new show days and hours, the convention center and the city itself. According to Robert Slater, Optimizing Group Manager of Weinig Group "This wasn't a good show, it was a great show! It far exceeded our expectations in terms of the actual sales that were generated during the event, as well as the amount of post-show leads that we are following. In addition, we were really excited by the demographic makeup of the attendees. We expected more attendees from the East and Midwest because of the new venue but could not believe how many customers we met with from all over the country. Also remarkable, we had very steady traffic well into the last day of the show, something that doesn't typically happen on the last day of any show."  Doug Kemp of Kemp Hardware, a long time exhibitor who initially had doubts about the new venue had similar thoughts. "This was a great show! I saw all the buyers I used to see in Anaheim and a whole lot of new people as well. Friday was a record-breaking day for us and Saturday was even better! In fact it was the best last day of any show I've been to in years." Exhibitors confirmed the attendance statistics, with many anecdotal stories of meeting with new contacts and generating new leads. "We met so many new people this year, it was fantastic," said Kevin Fong of Decorative Specialties. Max Salmi, marketing manager ofBiesse America stated that "  ‘AWFS® Vegas ' was the best 'West Coast' show Biesse has ever had in its history." Stephanie Sorrels, marketing manager of Interior Products Inc. stated, "This was the largest show in the last six years in terms of sales leads generated. We will be expanding our booth in 2007 and maybe adding a second one!" Morgen Harrelson, ofwgsonline.com, a first time exhibitor, noted when picking up her display at the First Timer Exhibit Showcase that she was "very happy", that after so much planning and preparation, the show had actually exceeded their expectations.

Pre-registration figures were close to on-site attendance, which was a new phenomenon for the AWFS® Vegas. "In past history of   "AWFS® Vegas, pre-registration would run high, but there would be many "no-shows" as people would get busy with orders and never carve out the time to get to the local event." explained Silverman. "Because Las Vegas drew in people from further away, they had to make a more serious commitment to attend, including hotel reservations and travel arrangements. We are thrilled with this new development as it means pre-registration figures are more indicative of actual attendance.


Participation was also high for the College of Woodworking Knowledge® (CWWK), increasing by 74% over 2003 Fair levels with 3,722 participants.

The AWFS® Awards dinner was a great success and sold out before the Fair opened. Scott Phillips, host of the PBS series "The American Woodshop," served as Master of Ceremonies for the professionally-produced event. A star-studded stage and two large video screens added to the evening's excitement. AWFS® Vegas President Barry Howerton of Leggett & Platt noted that the night showcased the future of the industry, recognizing the talent of the future woodworking students as well as innovative new products with the AWFS® Vegas Sequoia Awards. He also thanked the AWFS® Vegas Board of Directors for making the courageous decision to move to Las Vegas. "In hindsight we know it was a wise decision, but 2 years ago, it was not that easy," said Howerton

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International Furniture & Designs Objects 2005 - New Showcase of the Best of Thailand

With the furniture industry acting as a key driver of Thailand’s economy, the Thai Furniture Association, all related associations and their affiliated members have come together to initiate a brand new furniture exhibition – International Furniture & Designs Objects 2005 (IFD 2005) to be held in Thailand at the end of the year.

International Furniture & Design Objects 2005 will be Thailand’s first and original exhibition of world-class creations of furniture, houseware and design objects. The show will be held at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Thailand, from 18 – 23 October 2005.

The first three days of the event will cater to trade visitors throughout the ASEAN region while the remaining three days will cater to public buyers. An estimated figure of 10,000 visitors is expected at the show, of which 10,000 are estimated to be trade and 90,000 public buyers.

Upon the associations’ strong intentions to bring about a world-class furniture event, this exhibition aims to be unique and outstanding. Under “The Best of Thailand” theme, only the “best-of-the-best” masterpieces will be showcased by the most comprehensive participation from top-class exhibitors. Exhibit profiles include design furniture, kitchen and dining furniture, outdoor furniture, youth furniture, office furniture and systems, design objects and indoor/outdoor decorations.

Even though it is making its debut, the Challenger 3, IMPACT’s newest and trendiest exhibition hall, covering an area of 20,000 square meters, is expected to be fully occupied. In fact, over 40% of the total space was booked within the first two weeks of sales opening. It is also an aim of the show to attain regional position in ASEAN in the next few editions of the show.

The fullest cooperation from almost all related associations and the professional management by Thailand’s forefront show organiser, Reed Tradex Company, will be felt at the event. Such great cooperation among the associations and heavy participation from the exhibitors truly reflect a bright long future of Thailand’s furniture industry.

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   4th Vietnam International Woodworking Industry Fair 2004

Date: October 14 – 17, 2004

Exhibition Hall:
HIECC – Ho Chi Minh International Exhibition & Convention Centre
446 Hoang Van Thu St., Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Organizers:
 Ministry of Trade-Vietnam Trade Fair & Advertising National Company
 Paper Communication Exhibition Service
 Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Ltd.

4th Vietnam International Woodworking Industry Fair 2004 will open its door to the public on October 14th to 17th at HIECC. This will be the most dynamic exhibition and its exhibition floor is estimated to be about 7000 sq. meters., and there will be about 15 countries participating the fair. We give our gratitude to Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA) and European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufactures (Eumabois) for their contributions that had increased the exhibition’s attraction and professional level.

Figures from the ministry showed the country earned $560 million from woodwork exports in 2003, a 28.7 percent increase on 2002. Vietnam’s wooden furniture exports are set to rise to US$ 1 billion in 2004, nearly 50 percent up on 2003 export estimates, according to the Ministry of Trade. “The goal will be able to realize as Vietnamese wood furniture exporters have advantages in terms of competitive prices and expanding markets.”

Vietnam’s woodwork export revenue from the US market has leapt seven-fold over the past three years, surging to $93.4 million in 2003 compared to just $13 million in 2001. The US has become the third largest importer of Vietnamese furniture, after the EU and Japan with imports of $163.3 million and $110.9 million respectively.

Vietnam is currently on its way to become the number one furniture manufacturing country in Asia. Due to the lack of modern manufacturing technology and skills, the Vietnam International Woodworking Industry Fairs are developed and highly anticipated by Vietnam’s furniture industries. During the 2003’s exhibition, participating organizations came from 13 different countries around the world; they are China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Swiss, and Vietnam. The Fair had a total number of 330 booths, and had attracted 13,688 visitors from Vietnamese and worldwide. The theme focused on various woodwork machines, cutters, furniture accessories, and semi-finished products. Business interactions took over the exhibition floor and most transactions were made on site. The Fair had earned many well-deserved phrases from local and international exhibitors, buyers, and visitors.

Another worth noting point, the Vietnam International Woodworking Industry Fair is currently the only large-scale professional exhibition held in Vietnam. Its professionalism and high quality of its participating exhibitors are the first to be seen in Vietnam. Its many visitors are specialist in similar areas, which is different from other Woodworking Fairs. The fair has received assistance from Vietnam government officials and local industry associations, and it looks forward to our visiting foreign industrial delegates from Italy, Germany, China, Taiwan, India, and such. The 4th Vietnam International Woodworking Industry Fair 2004 hopes to bring benefits to the local woodwork manufacturing industries, improvements in technology and skills, and opportunities to replace its outdated machines.

The exhibition will be open from October 14th to 17th, 9 AM to 5 PM. All visitors may exchange their business card for visitor ID to enjoy free admission. In order to maintain safety and orderliness, children age 12 or younger are prohibited. For more information, please visit the official website at www.linkage-vn.com

Indiawood 2004 sets new benchmarks

The 3rd edition of Indiawood has grown to become the largest trade exhibition of the woodworking sector in South Asia. Indiawood 2004 was held from 6 - 10 February 2004 in Bangalore. This mega event was organised by eUMABOIS, the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers and co-organised by PDA Trade Fairs, Bangalore.

A wide variety of products and services catering to the entire woodworking industry including woodworking machinery and tools, fittings, accessories and other products were exhibited at the 5- day exposition.

Indiawood 2004 hosted a number of companies and visitors from India and abroad. 220 exhibitors from 22 countries participated at the event. Country pavilions from Germany, Italy and Spain displayed machinery of high standards. For the first time in India, a delegation of Taiwanese machinery manufacturers participated under the Taiwanese pavilion at Indiawood 2004.

Indiawood has provided a common platform for buyers, sellers and other professionals from the woodworking industry to interact, source, network and keep abreast with technological innovations available in the market. Potential buyers and clients from India, the Middle East, South Asian and Southeast Asian markets visited Indiawood 2004.

The Minister for Trade Negotiations for the Government of New Zealand, Mr. Jim Sutton led a delegation of 28 forestry mission CEO's to participate in Indiawood 2004.

The distinct feature at Indiawood 2004 was the display of working machinery on demonstration for the benefit of the trade visitors. Fully automated working lines produced furniture and other products at the venue. These sophisticated equipment were housed in an exclusively built up air-conditioned superstructure of a mammoth 10000 square meters.

One of the highlights was the distribution of classroom furniture to needy schools at Indiawood 2004. Homag, the German woodworking machinery giant, produced the furniture at the exhibition venue. Mr. Heinz Kopp, the German Consul General presented the furniture to students of these schools at a specially organised ceremony.

Indiawood 2004 introduced a Product Presentation Theatre (PPT) giving interested exhibitors the opportunity to make audiovisual presentations to a core critical audience. The PPT idea was well utilized by various exhibitors and generated good interest among the visitors.

Mr. Pradeep Deviah, the Chairman & CEO of PDA Trade Fairs expressed his optimism on the positive trend shown by the Indian wood working industry at Indiawood 2004.

"Indiawood 2004 has outgrown its predecessor Indiawood 2002 exponentially. Not only have the numbers of exhibitors and visitors increased but there is also an increase in the spaces taken by the older participants to display more products since the previous edition. This indicates that the woodworking industry is on the upturn and out to do hardcore business. Personally from the organiser's point of view, it is encouraging to notice that the level of interest and the faith the industry has in Indiawood." said Mr. Deviah.

The 4th edition of the event, Indiawood 2006 to be held in Bangalore from 16 - 20 February 2006, will provide another unique stage for the woodworking industry to meet. Indiawood 2006 is expected to be larger than its predecessors and present more business opportunities.

PDA Trade Fairs, the co-organisers of Indiawood is a Bangalore based company specialising in organising international industrial trade events in India and overseas. CLEAN 2005, INMEX India 2005, INMEX Malaysia 2006, Indiawood 2006 are among the future trade exhibitions being organised by PDA Trade Fairs.

   DOMOTEXASIA/CHINAFLOOR 2004 SHATTERS ALL PREVIOUS RECORDS!

The sixth edition of the largest international trade fair for floor coverings in Asia has again proven that growth of the floor covering industry in Asia, and in China in particular, is booming. The fair, which was held March 24-26 (Shanghai, China), broke all previous records for: attendance (19,000 trade visitors), exhibition area (34,500 square meters), number of exhibitors (542), countries represented amongst exhibitors (30) and diversity of floor covering exhibits including: textile floor coverings, machine made rugs, hand-made rugs, fibers & yarns, resilient (PVC), wood & parquet, bamboo, laminate, stone & tile, applications technology and production machinery.

The success of this edition of the fair has firmly established the fact that DOMOTEXasia/ CHINAFLOOR has now become one of the world's best places to source and sell floor covering materials. In addition to the large group of domestic exhibitors (from China), many international companies (34% of all exhibitors) have chosen DOMOTEXasia/ CHINAFLOOR as their key to tap into the booming Asian market. National pavilions from the following countries added to the truly international flavor of the fair: Germany, Netherlands, Belgium along with representative groups of exhibitors from Europe (European Pavilion) and from the USA.

As the floor covering industry in Asia matures, especially with the influx of new technology and machinery from abroad, industry experts are looking to Asia, and to China specifically, to set new trends in the world flooring market. "Exhibitors of production machinery and related technology represent a significant portion of our exhibitors and this demographic is indicative of future trends and current demands in the Asian market," says Adam Margesson, International Project Director for DOMOTEXasia/ CHINAFLOOR.

The addition of a specialized stone and tile section to the fair this year brought a whole new dimension to the diversity of exhibits on display. At just over 5,750 square meters, this subsection of the fair (Stone China 2004) added to the vast array of choices visitors had in terms of sourcing materials relevant to their specific needs. Visitors themselves were a diverse group at the fair with over 30 countries represented. Taken together with the many Asian-based exporters and agents for international companies abroad, this select group of visitors (24% of all visitors) is further evidence that there is great international interest in the Asia's floor covering market.

   DOMOTEXasia/CHINAFLOOR 2004: A REPORT


POSITIVE GROWTH: (35,000sqm for 2004)

As is evidenced by the expansion of the exhibition from two halls last edition to three halls this edition, the show has seen very positive growth over the past year. The expansion of DOMOTEXasia/CHINAFLOOR (DACF) has been driven by many factors, most notably the fact that China is fast becoming the main hub in the Asia Pacific region at which to source affordable floor covering materials of high quality. China itself has now become a major player on the world flooring market, due in large part to the competitive production cost, but also because local producers have made great improvements in the quality of domestically produced floor covering materials.

STONE CHINA 2004:

DOMOTEXasia/CHINAFLOOR is constantly evolving and reflecting the latest trends in the market. This year, a new "Specialized Stone & Tile Section" has been incorporated into the show. The Shanghai Stone Trade Association, recognizing the importance of DACF in the flooring industry, has committed its full support to the show. The association has backed the development of this new addition to Hall 3 and its members are excited about the opportunity of displaying top quality Chinese stone products to the world market.

DACF AWARDS CEREMONY 2004:

This year, for the first time in the six year history of the show, a specialized gala evening will take place the night before the show opens. The main event of the evening will be an awards ceremony recognizing the top ten producers of wood flooring and the top ten producers of carpet flooring in China. The China National Forestry Industry Association together with the China Carpet Industrial Association are sponsoring the awards gala.

BELGIAN TRADE DELEGATION:

This year, for the first time, DOMOTEXasia/CHINAFLOOR will welcome a Belgian trade delegation as part of the Belgian Pavilion at DACF. Headed by the Mayor of Kortrijk, the Honorable Stefaan De Clerk, the delegation will feature several prominent business and political leaders from a region, West Flanders, which has supported DACF for the past three editions with its Belgian Pavilion. The Mayor will officially open the show and his presence will highlight Belgium's prominent carpet producing region.

HAND MADE RUGS:

DOMOTEXasia/CHINAFLOR is happy to announce that the response from exhibitors of hand made rugs has been very strong. This strong Hand-Made Rug participation this year is indicative of a growing trend in China, that being a booming market and the development of quality domestically produced Hand-Made Rugs. The organizers are confident that this trend will continue and are already looking ahead to 2005 as the possibility of a very large expansion amongst Hand-Made exhibitors becomes a reality.

DUTCH PAVILION:

This year, for the first time, DOMOTEXasia/CHINAFLOOR will host a new national pavilion, the Dutch Pavilion. Thanks in large part to the support of VNTF / Holland Carpets and the Netherlands Foreign Trade Agency, the Dutch Pavilion will be making a strong presence at this year's show and will be joining the list of other pavilions represented (Belgian, German, European & American).

CONTRACT+DESIGN.ASIA 2004 (MARCH 23-24):

Following the smashing success of last year's event, C+D is back again. Designers and industry insiders from all over the world will meet this year in Shanghai to discuss the latest trends and visions for China's interior design industry. The event is being backed by a variety of magazines in China including: World Architecture, Time Architecture, Interior Design + Construction, Architecture & Design & China Interior. Registration has been extremely strong to date and by all estimates, participation will exceed last year's event.


For further information please contact at chinafloor@online.sh.cn or +(86 21) 6247 7668 ext. 804

INDIAWOOD – 2004

Larger In Size, Richer in Display Categories 

Professionals from the wood working industry, both buyers and sellers alike, can look forward to a Magnum - opus unparalleled in size in the history of woodworking Expositions in India.

Reports available from the organizers indicate, INDIAWOOD 2004 is currently a whopping 10,000 sqm. exhibition, more than double the size of the 2002 edition, with country pavilions from Germany, Italy, Taiwan etc. INDIAWOOD 2004, Indiawood’s third edition is slated to become the largest ever trade fair till date in India for the wood working industry. Apart from Machinery, INDIAWOOD 2004 will also display Tools, Fittings, and Accessories, Raw materials etc., required for woodworking.

Mr. Pradeep Deviah, Chairman & C.E.O, PDA Trade Fairs, Co - Organizers of the fair, says, “The Wood Working Industry in India is emerging as an important segment in the country’s growth.  This growth has been fuelled because of the huge demand for furniture by the growing BPO segment as well the middle-class Indian whose increased Disposable income is going into Dwelling units and in extension Furniture.   There is a noticeable shift towards mechanized mass production and up gradation of technology to meet this growing demand for Wood based furniture and other articles.”  One of the prime objectives of INDIAWOOD, a biennial event organized by EUMABOIS and Co., is to facilitate this shift to mechanization of woodworking units in India to cater to the boom in the wood and panel based products.
 

Brisk business for WoodmacAsia2003 exhibitors


Companies at WoodmacAsia2003/FurniTekAsia2003 saw brisk business evidenced by the large numbers of machines sold over four days. Customers from Malaysia snapped up seven sets of Kikukawa's dry abrasive system and thickness measuring and delamination detecting machines worth US$400,000. Another exhibitor, Duncor Trading, sold nine Robland panel cutting machines to customers from South-east Asia including Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Another pleased exhibitor is Soss Asia whose invisible hinge was a big hit. "We've had so many purchases from the overseas market especially Malaysia, Indonesia and India for the Soss invisible hinge," enthused Christopher Soh, director/general manager.

Several first-time exhibitors from China found WoodmacAsia2003 to be an excellent platform to reach the regional woodworking industry.

One of the deals sealed at the event is for Shunde Lunjiao Tongan Woodworking Machinery Factory's MX3518 Finger Joint Shaper (hydraulic) machine. Designed to process thickness up to 180mm and width of maximum 460mm, the MX3518 is able to achieve an impressive 6000rpm turning speed. The exhibition was also productive for YuJun Woodworking Machinery which concluded sales of its one-ranged carpenter drilling machine, MZB73211.

Managing director Zhang Zhi Gang of Sheng Biao Industrial Trading said, "This is the first time we are taking part at WoodmacAsia and we are pleased with the leads we've collected. The quality of visitors was good and we have met several potential buyers from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand as well as Vietnam."

"Most of us have collected several genuine trade enquiries, and some have successfully sold their machines here," said Mr Zhao Ruhai from V-Hold Woodworking Machinery, representing the China exhibitors. "The event has provided a good platform for our expansion plans into the South-east Asia market."

Many other exhibitors at the event echo similar sentiments about WoodmacAsia being a good platform to reach the regional woodworking industry.

"WoodmacAsia is the only exhibition that Dieffenbacher participates in South-east Asia. This event is ideal for maintaining good customer relationship with our South-east Asian customers," said Tilman Helmer, area sales manager Asia.

According to John Chan, director, South-east Asia/Greater China, American Hardwood Export Council, he has met many visitors from different countries especially South-east Asia who have shown a keen interest in American timber. "I am happy with the results. This is the fourth time we are here and it has been better than previous years for us. We'll be back for the next event," he said.

The event saw a high turn up of overseas visitors. Of the 4,166 professionals who gathered at the event, 56% were from outside Singapore.

Visitors who came were impressed with the range of technology on show and agreed WoodmacAsia2003 was a good sourcing ground for their business needs. Mr Woong Sun Ming, president of the Perak Furniture Makers & Dealers Association, said "We are impressed with the China machineries and spare parts at the exhibition. The prices quoted by the exhibitors are reasonable, and the machineries are value-for-money. The exhibition also gave us a good opportunity to be exposed to German technology."

Another visitor, Chittiwat Silapat, director - sustainable forest management from Thailand's Forest Industry Organization said there were impressive technologies and new products on show at WoodmacAsia2003.
 

INDEX/INTER-FURN 2003 - A PERFECT PLATFORM FOR PLAYERS IN FURNITURE INDUSTRY

Index International furniture fair organized by Universal Expositions Ltd. will be held at MMRDA Exhibition grounds, Bandra - Kurla complex in Mumbai, India from 24 to 28 September 2003. Spread in an area of over 16,000 square metres, Index 2003 is expected to have more than 100 participants from all over India and abroad. 

Universal Expositions Ltd. has been organizing trade fairs in India for last 14 years and Index furniture fairs have proved to be a perfect platform for communications and interaction between the players at various levels in the Indian and International furniture Industry.

Italian Trade Commissioner in India Mr. Vittorio Mecozzi will be inaugurating the fair on 24 September at 11.00 am. 

This furniture fair would bring together the trade and industry segment such as trade buyers, importers & exporters, wholesale distributors, retail chains, manufacturers and other related industry participants.  

All those who deal in furniture and associated products/ intermediaries besides, mass merchandisers from all over India, Europe, the Southeast Asian region and the Arabian Gulf will participate in this fair. The important specifier segment of professionals influencing large purchase decisions and hence trends, such as architects, builders and interior designers, along with institutional buyers such as corporates, hotel and hospitality projects will be visiting the fair. 

 Participation by FEDERLEGNO ARREDO, Milan, with 10 companies showcasing Italian furniture and lighting will be the special feature of Index 2003 International Furniture Fair. 

FDEREEGNO ARREDO is the Federation of All the Furniture Associations in Italy and it is the one of the largest bodies representing furniture industry internationally. For the first time such large variety and array of Italian Furniture will be displayed at the fair in India. 

The products on display at this exhibition would be – 

• Residential furniture such as living room, bedroom, dining, children’s, multi- material, moulded/ carved, space saving and system furniture.

·        Kitchens- systems and accessories including hoods hobs etc. 

• Office furniture – office systems and seating
• Lighting: lamps, office lighting systems, speciality lights, fibre optics

• Home and design accessories including carpets linen, artifacts, fabric and upholstery material.

Along with the Furniture fair, Inter-furn, an international fair on furniture intermediates and hardware will also kick off simultaneously at the same venue. This fair will showcase furniture hardware, intermediates/ raw material, semi finished parts and products, portable machines, chemical intermediates, wood working machinery and products for finishing/ treating surfaces.

The highlight of this fair will be participation of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC). Established to promote the interest of the Malaysian timber industry, it represents a broad gamut of wood based manufacturers including lumber, panel-products, mouldings, builders, carpentry and joinery and furniture. Those working directly with the manufacturers are bound to benefit immensely by the participation of MTC.

Trade fair services like buyer- seller meets, multilingual communications support, visitor facilitations, logistics assistance, hospitality package and organizing factory visits have been offered by Universal Expositions.

Over the years Index Trade Fairs have been successful in putting India on the Global Trade Fair map.

WoodmacAsia2003 to take place amidst renewed business confidence

Visitors can expect to see an exciting array of products and services for the regional woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry

With regional travel and business confidence in the region picking up, exhibitors and visitors are gearing up WoodmacAsia2003/FurniTekAsia2003 – an international woodworking and furniture manufacturing trade exhibition and conference which returns on 9-12 September to the Singapore Expo.

"As Singapore is off the list of SARS-affected countries, we are confident that WoodmacAsia2003 will continue to be an excellent industry platform for us to meet up with the regional woodworking industry to network and do business," says Mr. Henning Gloede, Managing Director of Siempelkamp, which offers innovative solutions for the woodworking industry.

WoodmacAsia focuses on the wood and panel manufacturing machinery while FurniTekAsia is a showcase for furniture-making components, adhesives, fittings, paints and related products.

"As the situation in Asia stabilised, we have seen an increase in enquiries from overseas visitors for WoodmacAsia2003. We believe that the event will thrive on this renewed business confidence. This will be an exciting show for participants as business opportunities abound due to the regional pent up demand caused by the uncertainties in the past few months," said Ms. Vicki Lim, project director for machinery events at organiser Singapore Exhibition Services.

Wide Ranging Exhibits and Applications
From dryers, adhesive, cutting tools, extensive panel-making machinery to laminating paper and door-closers, the manufacturers at WoodmacAsia2003/FurniTekAsia2003 will be displaying their latest and most innovative products.

Germany - WoodmacAsia2003’s Partner Country will be sending an extensive list of participants to the show. Exciting products and services from German exhibitors include the following:

 Grenzebach will showcase veneer dryers which employ a special technology to prevent resin deposit in the drying chamber. The deposit is caused when cold air enters the chamber and the evaporated resin condenses. Grenzebach's dryers seal of the ends with special brushes to prevent the cold air from entering thus preventing the problem.

 Major exhibitor Dieffenbacher will showcase its complete panel production lines including dryer, spreading and gluing systems, press systems storing and handling systems. These machines are used to manufacture particleboard, MDF, OSB and plywood and other wood based panels.

 Henkel Dorus will present its revolutionary non hazardous polyurethane hotmelts adhesive – the MicroEmission (ME) purmelt. Most of the industry is currently utilizing PUR hotmelts in profile wrapping, edgebanding or flat lamination as these adhesives reliably bond advanced and difficult materials. However, these hotmelts are classified hazardous and harmful to health. Henkel's researchers have therefore developed the ME purmelt that delivers the same performance while releasing significantly less monomer isocyanate (the main toxic element found in purmelt) than conventional hotmelts.

 Furniture makers will be intrigued by Mepla-Alfit's "soft-close" drawer system - the DWD-Dynamic-XP. Drawers can be closed silently and softly with this latest hydraulic technology.

 Treffert is demonstrating the concept of directly printing any desired wood grain/plank structure on lower grade face veneer. This printing ink application can be an integrated part of a standard finishing process. This exhibitor will also be introducing High Performance Coating for the panel industry as well as the UV Curable Powder Coating.

Besides the German contingent, exhibitors from Austria, China, Taiwan, Finland, Japan and the USA will also be showcasing their best to regional visitors. Visitors to the event will also be intrigued with the following:

 Making its Asian debut is Raute’s Smart-Peel Concept which provides maximizes raw materials regardless of the species of wood species or its block diameter. The Smart-Peel Concept is an optimal peeling solution which incorporates optimal peeling geometry (OPG), digital knife carriage feed and the most rigid and accurate gap adjustment method yet designed.

 Besides their best-selling invisible hinge, Soss Asia will also be featuring the Door Spring Closer. With the Door Spring Closer, the hinge face and links can be seen only when the door is open. Its closure rate is adjustable after installation and does not require removal of the spring closer.

 Other not to be missed products include Japanese manufacturer Kikugawa’s ZX-60 Dry Abrasive Cleaning System that automatically and quickly cleans used abrasive belt at low cost.

 APP Timber from Malaysia will showcase their supply of Radiata pine, Scandinavian pine/spruce as well as many other temperate species from Europe and Asia.

 Austria’s Wintersteiger’s Thincutting Frame and Circular saws - used to cut wooden blocks into glueable lamellas – can be employed to produce a wide range of applications such as parquet flooring, pencils, musical instruments, veneers, furniture and multilayer boards.

 Italian experts will be showcasing their latest technology at WoodmacAsia2003. These include M.A. Brevetti’s mitre cut and joining machine and Angelo Cremona’s rotary peelers, trimming and slicing machines.

Over 40 countries/regions are expected to participate at this event - a definite sign of confidence in Singapore as a meeting place and business gateway to rest of Asia.

GAME, SET & MATCH - INDIAWOOD-2004

SOLD!!!! Indiawood the most definitive meeting ground for Professionals from the woodworking industry for the Indian region is fully booked for the 2004 edition.

Mr.Pradeep Deviah, Chairman of PDA trade fairs, says, "Indiawood has grown from strength to strength since it's inception and has been unanimously accepted by the exhibitors & the visitors, as the region's most established international woodworking trade show. To provide Exhibitors & Visitors of Indiawood, a much larger & comprehensive interactive platform, we planned on making the 2004 edition richer in size & content, having announced 4 hangars with this objective, we are pleased to see that the industry has also responded positively by booking out all the 4 hangars almost 8 months prior to the show. Overwhelmed & heartened by this support from the industry, we are now very happy to announce a 5th hangar".

The quest to make the show richer in content seems to be paying off also, the 2004 show is expected to feature pavilions from Italy, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, France and Czech Republic. These pavilions will showcase a wide range of woodworking machinery, tools fittings, Accessories etc.

Bangalore, one of the fastest growing Metros in the world & also known as the silicon valley of India, will again play host to Indiawood-2004 from the 6th to the 10th of February-2004.

According to sources at "PDA Trade Fairs", if the numbers of enquiries are anything to go by, then the 5th hangar will also be sold out very shortly.

WoodmacAsia2003: Germany to be First Partner Country

WoodmacAsia2003 announced that Germany is the Partner Country for the event. This collaboration with an overseas government – a first for WoodmacAsia – was initiated by International Enterprise Singapore. The programme aims to acknowledge the continued support of the Partner Country towards the event and further cement trading ties between Singapore and the Partner Country.

Long recognised as the region's most established and international woodworking and furniture manufacturing trade exhibition and conference, WoodmacAsia2003 will return on 9-12 September at the Singapore Expo. WoodmacAsia plans to enlist other Partner Countries for future runs of the event which takes place every two years.

As one the world’s leading supplier of woodworking and furniture machinery, German manufacturers are recognised technology leaders in sawmill systems, wood processing and furniture production equipment. In 2002, Germany exported 1.8 billion euros (US$2 billion) of woodworking machines of which 16% were bound for Asia Pacific. With its extensive natural wood supplies, Germany is also one of the leading suppliers of high quality wood products to the global furniture market.

Ms Vicki Lim, Project Director of Machinery Events with organiser Singapore Exhibition Services said, “Among all the major international suppliers of woodworking and furniture machinery, Germany has been the most active and supportive since the inaugural WoodmacAsia in 1983. German equipment, technology and innovative marketing have always been at the forefront of technology transfer in Asia. Thus they were a natural choice as our first partner country.” At WoodmacAsia2003, Germany will benefit from a series of exciting publicity opportunities and networking activities specially designed for its Partner Country.

“We are glad to deepen the trading relationship between the two countries through this programme and look forward to many fruitful years of working closely, both in the region and internationally,” said Mr Wong Kok Siew, Chairman of International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore).
As Southeast Asia’s most established and international woodworking and furniture manufacturing exhibition, WoodmacAsia2003 and FurniTekAsia2003 expect to see an impressive congregation of exhibiting companies from over 40 countries in Singapore, displaying a wide of range of machinery, supplies and accessories for woodworking and furniture production.
About Singapore Exhibition Services

Incorporated in 1975, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) is Asia’s leading trade fair organiser, with a wide portfolio of exhibitions and conferences held in Singapore.
One of the pioneers in this vibrant and growing industry, the events organised by SES cover a myriad of sectors including telecommunications, IT and broadcasting, food and hospitality, environmental and water management technology, franchising, retail, machine tools, woodworking and furniture making machinery, chemical engineering, instrumentation and analytical laboratory technology, manufacturing, and oil & gas and petrochemicals. SES events consistently attract a high level of overseas participation, with foreign exhibitors accounting for more than 70% of the show floor.
 

WoodmacAsia2003 International Conference
Helping the industry gain a competitive edge

The WoodmacAsia2003 International Conference, to be held alongside the WoodmacAsia2003/FurniTekAsia2003, will gather an illustrious list of industry experts providing delegates with a handle on crucial issues facing today’s woodworking industry. The conference takes place from 9-10 September at the Singapore Expo.

Held once every two years, the event has gained recognition among the woodworking and furniture making community as a top notch conference with opportunities to network, tap into the expertise of industry leaders and learn how to gain competitive advantage in an increasingly turbulent global economy.

The conference will include the following sessions:

• Country Focus: Indonesia

Looking to further your stake in Indonesia’s vibrant and fast growing forestry industry? Tap on the expertise of the country’s industry veterans at the Country Focus: Indonesia session. The session is chaired by Mr. Riza Suarga, Chief Executive, Indonesia Forestry Society. Mr. Suarga will also be speaking on ‘The activities of ITTO to support the improvement of industrial efficiency in Indonesia.’ Other topics delegates can look forward to include current and emerging trends of the Indonesian industry, pricing trends for timber and wood and keeping the country’s plywood industry a sustainable business.

• Eco-manufacturing, Waste Reduction and Recycling of Wood Waste

As it become more difficult to obtain good quality hardwood, the woodworking and furniture making industry is looking towards alternative wood supplies. What are the alternatives available? What are the pros and cons, implications on processing and production for each alternative? A panel discussion will debate and answer these questions. Following that, Dr. Jalaluddin Harun, Head of Bio-Engineering Lab for the Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, will talk about the challenges in utilizing non-conventional fiber resources in Malaysia.

• Outsourcing in Furniture Manufacturing

Learn how to invest in your core competence and outsource less efficient components in the manufacturing process in this session. Mr. Ong Kim Chuan, Director of Haleywood Industries will make a presentation on the benefits and problems with outsourcing as well as help delegates make the best of existing equipment and evaluate new technology for manufacturing furniture components.

• Marketing Wood Products and Designs

The day’s final session will kick off with presentations on the impact of Chinese demand in the regional wood panels markets by Mr. Marcel Vroege, Associate Principal of Jaakko Poyry Consulting. Find out more about the New Zealand pine and how it has captured market share with its versatility while furniture designers will enjoy the presentation on the trends and issues affecting the industry today.

The WoodmacAsia2003/FurniTekAsia2003 exhibition will take place from 9-12 September, 2003 at the Singapore Expo. For more information on the conference or the exhibition, please visit www.woodmacasia.com



 

SFIC DRAWS RECORD EXHIBITORS WITH BOLD "FIRSTS" AT IFFS '03

The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2003, held in conjunction with the 20TH ASEAN Furniture Fair (IFFS/AFS 2003), is poised to record several "firsts" in its 20-year history. Held at the Singapore Expo from 1 - 5 March, IFFS/AFS 2003 will occupy for the first time all six halls of the Singapore Expo, covering a total floor area of about 55,000 square metres. In comparison, IFFS/AFS 2003 grew by 22 percent compared to IFFS/AFS 2002, which only took up about five of the six halls at the Singapore Expo, covering a total floor area of 45,000 square metres. The total number of exhibiting companies this year will exceed 600 companies. 

Furniture stalwarts that will return to the show include members of ASMINDO, Decoro, Eurocane, Globimport, Gosh Leather, HTL, Koda Ltd, Lifestyle Holdings, Linkwise Furniture, Melandas Casa Mobili, Sam's International, Texicote and Yin Tong Furniture. Vietnamese companies have increased their floor space by more than five times. Turkey is another country with a growing presence at the show, with Istikbal and Cilek increasing their presence by two and five times respectively. With its increased size, IFFS/AFS 2003 is easily recognised for its extensive collection of quality exhibitors - making it a world-class exhibition event that is peerless in Asia. It is also a "first" for exhibitors from Myanmar and Portugal, who will be recording their inaugural participation at the show this year. In total, there will be exhibitors from 29 countries displaying their world-class furniture products, making the show a truly one-stop platform for buyers sourcing furniture products from all over the world. For the first time, one entire hall at the Singapore Expo will be dedicated to exhibit Indonesian products, making it the largest Indonesian furniture showcase outside of Indonesia. Similarly, for the first time, exhibitors from China and Hong Kong will be taking up one entire hall at the Singapore Expo, signalling the arrival of Chinese furniture manufacturers in the world furniture market.

Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), the organiser for the show, chalked up another innovative "first" when they implemented a visa application service, which proved immensely popular amongst visitors from countries such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Sudan and Egypt, India, and China, who require entry visas to visit Singapore. With this service, the number of visitors expected from the Middle East is expected to double in number, compared to IFFS/AFS 2002. 

"Now that visitors essentially need only a signed letter of introduction from companies for their visa applications, visitor and exhibitor participation at trade exhibitions will be greatly enhanced. SFIC is taking the initiative to value-add by assisting to prepare the necessary travel documents for visitors and exhibitors for submission to the relevant authorities", said Mr James Koh, President of SFIC.

The enhanced business matching service programme for buyers and exhibitors is also set to be another crowd puller. A complimentary service provided to exhibitors and potential buyers, the programme aims to facilitate trade by matching buyers with specific areas of interest with past and new exhibitors for IFFS/AFS 2003 that meet their criteria. For a special group of buyers identified as Very Important Buyers (VIB) and Solitaire Club members, the business matching service programme also extend beyond providing sourcing needs to encompass secretariat services and fixing appointments with the exhibitors at the tradeshow this year.

IFFS/AFS 2003 also promises to attract the industry's most sought-after furniture buyers. Noteworthy amongst major buyers who have confirmed their attendance at the fair are Australia's largest retail group, the Freedom Group and furniture giant, Courts from the United Kingdom. IFFS/AFS 2003 is also expecting buying associations - including Garant Moebel and Wohngruppe Mobeleinkauf, Conforama, Fuji Boeki, and the Nitori Group - and buying delegations from Ecuador, the United States and Middle East, to visit the show, thus underlining the fair's leadership position as one of the world's major furniture tradeshows. 

In addition, IFFS/AFS 2003 will be a platform of constructive exchange for furniture design in Asia as the fair is set to organise its first design forum, to be held on 1 March 2003 at the Singapore Expo. In addition to its annual Furniture Design Competition (FDC), which serves to showcase top furniture design talents, the new design forum will raise the profile of furniture design in Asia. Top-notch designers and furniture industry specialists will participate as judges at FDC and speak at the design forum during the tradeshow. 

"By continually expanding the scope of the show, IFFS/AFS seeks to add value to exhibitors and buyers and meet the evolving needs of the marketplace. Given the difficult economic conditions, the strong response from the market is a reflection that we are moving in the right direction, addressing the demands of the industry, as well as exceeding their expectations. As such, we are looking to achieve on-spot orders of USD 200 million and follow-on orders of USD 1.7 billion from IFFS/AFS 2003," said Mr Koh. "No matter how you look at it, IFFS/AFS 2003 is without a doubt, the premier furniture trade show in Asia," he concluded.

Split Strategy of China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) Greatly Rewarded
Scale Doubled for Woodwork Guangzhou 2003
 
 Jointly organized by China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition Corporation and Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., Guangzhou International Exhibition on Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Accessories & Materials (also known as Woodwork Guangzhou 2003) will be staged at the new Jinhan Centre, next to China Foreign Trade Centre, from March 18-21, 2003. The fair is well-received by exhibitors and over 85% exhibition space of the double-storey venue has already been reserved.
 
 Woodwork Guangzhou 2003 is the expansion of the renowned China International Furniture Fair (CIFF), which has grown so rapidly that the organizer determined to split the woodworking machinery and furniture accessories section into an individual fair to be held concurrently. “The new move can initiate greater synergy between the two events and bring greater convenience and benefits to both exhibitors and visitors. In fact the scale of the woodworking machinery and furniture accessories section has doubled its scale so far. And for the first time we’ve got overseas pavilions from Korea, Taiwan Province and the US as well as support from ICE & ACIMALL,” said Mr. K S Tong, Managing Director of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd.
 
 Renowned exhibitors including Homag China Golden Field, Wellex, Golden Image, Casco Adhesives, Leggett & Platt, 3M, Julius Blum, Paul’s Group, American Hardwood Export Council, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Quebec Wood Export Bureau etc. will display a wide spectrum of exhibits ranging from complete panels manufacturing plant, secondary processing machinery, finishing and coating machines, multi-purpose woodworking machinery, saw blades and cutting tools, and other auxiliary woodworking machinery etc. There will be 4 specialized theme zones to enhance technological interchange, namely “Woodworking Machinery Zone”, “Chemicals & Adhesives Zone”, “Foreign Hardware Zone” and “Foreign Hardwoods Zone”, where the latest abrasives, adhesives, assembly fittings, chemicals, decorative paper, furniture components and accessories, furniture hardware, leather, moulding, surface treatment materials, timber & veneer etc. will be showcased.
 
 All Adsale’s exhibitors can enjoy not only the massive promotion campaigns by the organizer, but also a one-year free standard virtual. This can greaof exhibitors joining Guangzhou International Exhibition ontly maximize the promotion effectiveness  Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Accessories & Materials.

25 - 28 February 2003, Shanghai, China

WOODMAC CHINA 2003 SOLD OUT - MONTHS BEFORE OPENING

WoodMac China 2003, the 5th International Forestry and Woodworking Machinery and Supplies Exhibition, 25 - 28 February, is already sold out some 3 months before opening. Billed as 'The Biggest Show in the Best Market' the demand for space from international and Chinese woodworking machinery manufacturers has driven the organisers, Hong Kong Exhibition Services a member of The Montgomery Network (TMN), to build stands in the lobby areas and erect temporary structures outside.

From the first WoodMac China in 1995 each show has increased in size and number of exhibitors (483 from 26 countries in 2001) and is now established as the major international woodworking industry event for the Chinese market. Traditionally supported by all the leading European, American, Japanese and Chinese machinery manufacturers WoodMac China 2003 is also officially organised with the China National Forestry Machinery Association and the China Forestry Products Industry Association. This combination of extensive woodworking industry knowledge will ensure the widest possible exposure for the exhibition and invitations will be extended through all the supporting associations to buyers from throughout China. Visitor delegations from furniture and board manufacturers and wood processors are already confirmed from Beijing, Heilongjiang Province and Inner Mongolia in the north, Guangdong, Guanxi, Fu Jian and Kunming in the south as well as the neighbouring east China provinces. From outside China visitor delegations are so far expected from Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brazil.

A full programme of seminars, conferences and technical presentations will coincide with the exhibition including the All China General Managers Meeting of the National Forestry Machinery Association. WoodMac China is the only show in Shanghai that has this excellent track record of bringing together machinery suppliers with the Chinese and regional buyers of woodworking technology. "Anyone that knows China understands that it takes time to build up a mutual level of trust and co-operation. It has taken us 10 years to build our reputation with the Chinese woodworking community and we are the only international show with a track record of providing our exhibitors with a top quality trade audience from throughout China" said exhibition director Brendan Jennings in Shanghai.

This comprehensive support for WoodMac China 2003, both internationally and from the leading Chinese Associations, is why the 2003 event is sold out and will enhance WoodMac China's reputation as 'The Biggest Show in the Best Market'.


 

  DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR 2004 – Asia’s Pre-eminent Trade Fair for Floor Coverings

DOMOTEX Asia/ CHINAFLOOR, Asia’s pre-eminent trade fair for floor coverings will again open its doors in Shanghai from 24 to 26 March 2004. Seen the registrations already received, there is no doubt that the next edition of the show will meet the expectations premised by the organizers. The exhibition area will reach some 30,000 sqm, hosting the entire range of floor covering products, raw material, services and related technology, attracting some 15,000 visitors from all over the world. The sixth edition of the show will for sure host again a European, a German, a Belgian and a US pavilion. Different other countries are currently reviewing the possibility to set-up their own group stand. Special words of thank, for their commitment to the show, go to the industry associations and the companies that have already registered.

DOMOTEX Asia / CHINAFLOOR 2004 is glad to announce that it will this year be expanded to host a specialized tiles and stones section and a stronger representation of handmade carpets. Next to the traditional exhibitors of textile, wood and resilient flooring and the related raw materials and technology, also suppliers of stones, tiles and handmade carpets have found their way to the trend-setting exhibition in the floor covering market in China. The organizers strongly cooperate with the respective prominent industry associations and will make enormous promotional efforts to guarantee the success of these sections on the show.

Next to retailers, agents, wholesalers and manufacturers, commercial users like designers, architects and facility managers are a very important target group of the exhibitors at DOMOTEX Asia / CHINAFLOOR. Therefore the show will again feature several onsite activities to attract the attention of these exquisite visitors. The main satellite event will be the re-launch of Contract+Design.asia. Designers and architects from all over the world will meet for the second time their colleagues to discuss about China’s interior industry. Next to the lectures and open discussions, they will have the chance to participate at workshops, to visit the show case area at the exhibition ground of DOMOTEX Asia / CHINAFLOOR 2004 and to meet with the floor covering suppliers exhibiting at the show.

If you have not booked your exhibition space yet, get in touch with the organizers! For all information regarding the show visit the new website www.chinafloor.org

 

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF WOODTECH MALAYSIA HAS TAKEN PLACE AT THE MINES EXHIBITION CENTRE, KUALA LUMPUR

TIME 10.15 ARRIVAL OF THE GUESTS 7 MEMEBERS OF THE PRESS

TIME 10.45 ARRIVAL OF YB DATO'SERI, DR. LIM KENG YAIK, MINISTRY OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, MALAYSIA.

TIME 11.00 WELCOME SPEECH BY MR. JONATHAN KAN MG DIR. TRADE-LINK EXHIBITION SERVICES SDN BHD.

OPENING REMARKS BY MR. CHAN HON WENG, PRESIDENT, MALAYSIAN WOODWORKING MACHINERY ASSOCIATION

ADDRESS BY YB DATO SERI, DR. LIM KENG YAIK, MINISTRY OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, MALAYSIA.

AN ARTICLE:

Woodtech Malaysia 2002, the region's premier exhibition featuring woodworking, timber processing and furniture manufacturing supplies opens today. The exhibition was officially opened by Dato'Seri Dr. Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of Primary industries of Malaysia.

Woodtech Malaysia is the only woodworking show endorsed by the Europen Federation of Woodworking Machinery manufacturers (EUMABOIS), a grouping of 12 national associations representing major European manufacturers of woodworking machineries and accessories. It is fully supported by the Ministry of Primary Industries of Malaysia, and endorsed by the Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association (MWMA) and the Malaysian Furniture Industry Council (MFIC).

The 5 day event covers 30,000 sqm and features more than 2500 from 600 exhibitors. Among the 31 countries represented at the exhibition are the impressive national pavilions from Germany, Taiwan, Italy and China.

Managing Director of Trade-Link Exhibition Services, Jonathan Kan, said, " Woodtech Malaysia is now the biggest woodworking show in ASEAN and has attracted many foreign visitors from as far as India, Vietnam,the Philippines and Indonesia. We believe Woodtech Malaysia has become the most important event for woodworking manufacturers around the world, and they will be able to cover a wider market in this one exhibition."

"We hope that Malaysian manufacturers will not miss this golden oppurtunity to gain firsthand info on the latest and the most advanced technology, especially since they have to depend on automation and the latest production techniques to increase productivity with the most cost effective machinery, to compete in the martket." Kan added.

The Woodtech Malaysia 2002 Conference held in conjunction with the exhibition will feature topics ranging from foresty management, woodworking technology and industry issues. Co-ordinated by Asian Timber, the 2-day conference will address the current interests issues and solutions of the industry.

WTM2002 , incorporating FURNITECH 2002 and FOREST 2002, is held at The Mines from 19-23 September 2002, and opens at 10.30 AM daily. The exhibition is open to all trade visitors by business card registration.

The organiser has arranged for shuttle services between the Sungei besi LRT station and the MINES exhibition centre every 30 minutes to provide transfers for visitors who do not drive.


** METALTECH2003, The 10th Malaysian International Metal Working Machine Tools CAD-CAM Meterology Mould & Die, SURFACE heat & treatment sub contracting foundry IA Robotics PRECISION ENGINEERING AND WELDING TECHNOLOGY EXHIBTION.

7--11 MAY 2003 AT PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.

Woodworking Machines and Accessories at EXPONOR, from the 17th to the 20th of October

Very little true change has occurred in this sector, and prospects for the future are far from encouraging unless supplements are introduced to create initiatives in this field. Scheduled to take place from the 17th to the 20th of October of this year, FIMAP - the 12th International Woodworking Machines Fair - abides by this outlook. And, as has already become customary, Ferrália - the 7th Exhibition of Auxiliary Equipment and Supplies for the Wood Industry - will be keeping it company at EXPONOR. 

Recognised by the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) and member of the European Woodworking Machines Manufacturers Committee (Eumabois), this year this event will develop in the shadows of a number of technical meetings which will discuss and debate several relevant topics. Guided by the various reflection panels scheduled, this forum aims to provide professionals with a space in which to acquire knowledge and information and exchange experiences, points of view, worries and outlooks about the future, in the various branches of this field. 

This exhibition - which relies on the collaboration of the Portuguese Metallurgics and Metallomechanics Manufacturers' Association (AIMMAP) as well as that of the Portuguese Woodworking and Furniture Manufacturers´ Association (AIMMP) - is the highpoint of the sector, bringing together companies from two complementary fields, represented in large part by foreign companies and products.

In the year 2000, international participation in this fair represented 67% (308 expositors) of the total commercial supply available at Fimap/Ferrália (a total of 458 representations). With respect to foreign visitors for the year 2002, Oporto´s International Fair predicts an increase of 9% in total entries (representing two thousand visitors from a total of 24 thousand). 

According to the fair's director, Filipe Gomes, the importance of Fimap/Ferrália for the forestry and furniture 'clusters' in recent years cannot be underestimated.

Brief Overview:

Fimap - 12th International Woodworking Machines Fair
Ferrália - 7th Exhibition of Auxiliary Equipment and Supplies for the Wood Industry
Date: from the 17th to the 20th of October 2002
Timetable: from 10:00 to 20:00
Visitor Profile: professionals
Organisation and location: EXPONOR - Oporto's International Fair
Leça da Palmeira (Matosinhos)
In exhibit: cutting machines; metal milling machines; perforating drills; polishing and varnishing equipment; combination carpentry machines; surface fitting and coating machines; presses; gluing and wood-treatment machines; laptop computers; vehicles; various tools and other auxiliary equipment - at Fimap. At Ferrália: wood and its derivatives; paint; varnish and glue; moulding/ framework and furniture accessories; chemical wood-treatment products.

Welcome to visit the only woodworking event in East China in the year of 2002

Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2002
11-14 September 2002, Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center
220 exhibitors; 12,000 sqm.

Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2002 will be staged during 11-14 September 2002 at Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center, concurrently with Furniture China 2002. The products to be showcased range from woodworking machinery, furniture supplies and accessories to a series of products related to the furniture manufacturing sector. The exhibition occupies both levels of Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center, designed as Woodworking Machinery Hall and Furniture Accessories & Supplies Hall respectively.

Woodworking Machinery Hall on the first level hosts 125 woodworking machinery manufacturers including most of the woodworking machinery manufacturers in mainland China and the leading manufacturers in Taiwan, such as Wellex, SCM, Shoda, Marunaka Group, Fonjun, Mars and Masias Maquinaria from Spain. 

A newly developed section is overseas section placed in Furniture Accessories and Supplies Hall on the second floor, where wood exporters from abroad will showcase their latest products. Leather, hardware, adhesives and abrasive products are also the contributing factors to the exhibition's growth. 

China's leading international furniture event, Furniture China 2002, will be concurrently held at Shanghai New International Expo Center in Pudong. You are encouraged to make full use of either the frequent shuttle buses or metro between both exhibition centers. 

Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2002 is the only woodworking event in East China region. The event has increased 40% in exhibition size compared with the previous edition. It is one of the most important gatherings for woodworking enterprises and traders.

We welcome you at Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2002. For details about all exhibiting companies, please visit: www.e-furniture.net.cn. For online pre-registration, please visit: www.cmpsinoexpo.com/furniture.

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WTM 2002: ASIAN OFFICIAL WOODWORKING SHOW

Date: 8 March 2002

Event: WOODTECH MALAYSIA 2002 (WTM 2002)
The 4th ASEAN International Woodworking Machinery, Timber Processing and Furniture Manufacturing Supplies Exhibition and Conference

Venue: Malaysia lnternational Exhibition & Showroom (M.I.N.E.S.)
The Mines Resort City, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

Period: 19 - 23 September 2002


The positive signs indicating improvements of the world economy has lent impetus to the recently concluded furniture fairs in Kuala Lumpur. The fairs espoused the Malaysian furniture industry is on track to achieve RM7 Billion export target by the end of the 8th Malaysia Plan. In a global survey, Malaysia was in 10th position among the world's top furniture exporting nations with total exports value of RM5.6 Billion and led the world in terms of achieving the highest furniture exports to production ratio with 85% of its manufactured furniture exported to 150 countries around the world in 2000. The industry remained resilient despite a 13.8% dip in exports or RM4.8 Billion in view of the global slowdown last year. Nevertheless, the perennial challenge to all wood-based manufacturers who wish to remain profitable in the competitive market place is to create new products besides adding value and emphasize on improving existing ones in quality and design while keeping production costs to the minimum. Key players of the industry recognize the importance of technology application and are always sourcing for the latest in materials, machinery and process systems to help them to achieve their competitive edge while meeting global demands. Trade-Link Exhibition Service Sdn. Bhd., the organizer of WOODTECH MALAYSIA 1994, 1996, 1999 will be presenting wood-based manufacturers in Malaysia and the ASEAN with the opportunity to see the application of modern woodworking machinery, timber processing and supplies for furniture manufacturing at the exhibition, WOODTECH MALAYSIA 2002 (WTM 2002), that will be held from 19- 23 September at The M.I.N.E.S., The Mines Resort City, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. The 4th ASEAN Official Woodworking Show will feature a wide range of machinery for virtually every type of wood processing from timber log harvesting, conversion into lumber, veneer or wood composites such as MDF and particleboard to wood machining, lamination, finishing, assembly and packaging. Attributed to its unprecedented success in meeting the expectation of exhibiting companies since its maiden show held in 1994, more than 300 companies in the trade of woodworking machinery and technology from 30 countries have already booked their exhibition space at this biennial event. The Ministry of Primary Industries of Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia Timber Council (MTC), Malaysia Furniture Industry Council (MFIC), Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association (MWMA) and its overseas counterparts, officially support WTM 2002. After a long deliberation on the sterling performance of the organizer and the audited record of high caliber visitors, that is 10,016 at WTM 1994, 10,503 at WTM 1996 and 14,218 at WTM 1999, EUMABOIS (European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers) has included the event into its 2002 Exhibition Circuit as the official woodworking show for the ASEAN region. Among the twelve European national affiliates of EUMABOIS committed to participate at the event, ACIMALL will be organizing a bigger and stronger Italian national pavilion to WTM 2002, following its successful debut at the previous exhibition in 1999, whilst VDMA of Germany, will be appearing for the first time with their national group occupying over 1,000 m2 at the show. Most recently, AFEMMA of Spain has confirmed their intention in organizing a country pavilion to WTM 2002 after having been absent from the past event. China and Taiwan R.O.C. are among other national groups that have confirmed their participation. The latter group participation is being coorganized by the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industries and Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TAMI-TWMA). Thus, WTM 2002 will have plenty of options available to wood based and furniture manufacturers to improve the efficiency of their operations by incorporating automation, plan their production better with software and raise the quality of their products through more accurate machining and finishing. The concurrent events, FURNITECH 2002, will showcase accessories, fittings, upholstery and furnishing materials for manufacturing furniture while FOREST 2002 will be aimed at highlighting the latest technology and equipment in sustainable forest management, timber log harvesting, handling and conversion into lumber. This premier event is being extensively promoted throughout the ASEAN region and more than 15,000 trade visitors are expected to be attend the five-days event. Working in collaboration with top trade journals such as FDM Asia and Panels & Furniture Asia, WTM 2002 is also prominently advertised in popular electronic medias of wood, panel and furniture such as www.asiawoodweb.com, www.indiaplyweb.com and www.timberhunt.com The show is expected to achieve a strong growth in overseas visitors especially from the South Asian region.

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IWF 2002 - ATLANTA, GA, USA


IWF 2002 Exhibits Already 94% Full
ATLANTA, GA, USA 

With the addition of a newly expanded exhibit hall, the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair USA®, also known as IWF 2002, is expected to be the biggest event ever in its 36-year history. As of late July, IWF 2002 already has 1,033 companies signed-up to fill 778,518 of the 824,000 net square feet of exhibit space available to display and demonstrate the latest technology in machinery, supplies, raw materials, hardware and services for both large manufacturers and small professional shops in the woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, solid surface, architectural woodwork, store fixtures, and plastic fabricating industries. 
Buyers can also expect to see some new faces. Of the exhibitors signed-up to date, 73 are new to IWF, providing fresh new ideas and products to buyers in attendance. 
In addition to seeing more exhibitors, buyers at IWF 2002 can see a more comprehensive display of U.S. and international woodworking machinery, supplies, raw materials, hardware and services than any other trade show in the industry. While European and Pacific Rim trade shows feature a predominance of companies from the country or area in which they are held, IWF is unique in its worldwide variety of exhibitors.
The largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, IWF 2002 expects to host 50,000 participants from more than 90 countries and will also include a Technical Conference Program, the Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards®, a New Product Showcase and the Design Emphasis student furniture design competition among other features. 
IWF is owned and sponsored by American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA), Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), and Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).



The IWF 2002 Challengers Award® Will Feature the Latest Technology Available to the Marketplace , ATLANTA, GA, USA 

The upcoming Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards®, taking place at IWF 2002, August 22-25, 2002, in Atlanta will feature the most advanced technology available to the marketplace as exhibitors vie for this coveted award.
The Challengers Award®, known throughout the world as the woodworking industry's highest honor, recognizes advancements in technology or significant contributions to environmental improvement; and focuses on companies who have distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques. It challenges IWF exhibiting companies to develop revolutionary, creative, ingenious, forward-thinking technology, materials, services or safety devices that advance the industry.
Presented every two years, The Challengers Award® recognizes seven outstanding exhibiting companies. At IWF 2000, the following companies were presented with the distinctive Challengers Award® bronze sculpture, designed exclusively for IWF by well-known artist Carol Marks: Giben America, Inc. (PM System), IMA America Corp. (MAW NOTTMEYER Feed Through CNC Drilling), Pade (Dual 5-axis CNC Double End Cutback Tenoner), Raimann USA Inc. (Optimizing Rip Saw with Hydro Arbor), SawStop, Inc. (SawStop Safety System for Table Saws), Southeastern Adhesives Company (Protact Laminating Adhesive), and Michael Weinig, Inc. (Profile Center Unimat 3000 Brillant).
The Call for Entries for the 2002 Challengers Award® competition will begin in October of 2001 and the entry deadline is set for May 1, 2002. A panel of distinguished judges will review and analyze each entry and decide on the top 20 entries just prior to the Fair. The final judging will take place during IWF 2002 and the awards will be bestowed during a special ceremony on August 22, 2002, at 1:00pm.
IWF 2002, taking place at the newly-expanded Georgia World Congress Center, will feature more than 1,400 exhibiting companies filling more than 800,000 net square feet of exhibition space with supplies, machinery, raw materials, hardware and services for both large manufacturers and small professional shops in the woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, solid surface, architectural woodwork, store fixtures, and plastic fabricating industries. 
The largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, IWF 2002 expects to host 50,000 participants from more than 90 countries and will also include a Technical Conference Program, a New Product Showcase and the Design Emphasis student furniture design competition among other features. 


IWF Announces New Design Emphasis Award Category
ATLANTA, GA, USA 

Design Emphasis, the advanced-level student furniture design competition at the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair USA® has announced the addition of Occasional Furniture as a new award category for the upcoming competition, taking place at IWF 2002, August 22-25, 2002 in Atlanta.
The new Occasional category will encompass traditional tables, tables with drawers and small accent pieces and adds to the list of five previously recognized categories: seating, ready-to-assemble, contract, case goods, design creativity. A Best of Show award is also presented to the outstanding entry amongst the finalists.
The upcoming 2002 competition, which will award a total of $14,000 in prize money and features a distinctive award sculpture design by renowned artist Robert Longhurst, is being launched with a Call for Entries campaign that will reach 130 colleges and universities throughout the United States. From those, more than 200 advanced-level student entries are expected to enter the pre-screening process, which takes place in May 2002. 
A panel of industry professionals representing a variety of backgrounds will judge each entry based on design, manufacturing potential, marketability and workmanship to decide on the finalists, which will then be displayed in a special Design Emphasis display area during IWF 2002. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony during IWF on Thursday, August 22, 2002. 
IWF 2002, taking place at the newly-expanded Georgia World Congress Center, will feature more than 1,400 exhibiting companies filling more than 800,000 net square feet of exhibition space with supplies, machinery, raw materials, and services for both large manufacturers and small professional shops in the woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, solid surface, architectural woodwork, store fixtures, and plastic fabricating industries. 
The largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, IWF 2002 expects to host 50,000 participants from more than 90 countries and will also include a Technical Conference Program, a New Product Showcase and the Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award® among other features. 
IWF is owned and sponsored by American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA), Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), and Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).


IWF debuts expanded web site with IWF Connection
ATLANTA, GA, USA

Buyers looking for a worldwide array of industry products, services and supplies now have a new online resource: IWF Connection. 
The International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair USA®, also known as IWF 2002, is launching IWF Connection an exciting new area of their extensive web site designed to help buyers find suppliers before, during and after IWF 2002. 
This new site, a powerful database of IWF 2002 exhibitors making its debut September 1, 2001, gives buyers easy access to information from the more than 1,400 companies exhibiting at the largest and most comprehensive trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Accessible directly at www.iwfconnection.com or through the IWF 2002 web site at www.iwf2002.com, buyers can search the database by type of product, type of service, or by company name. Visitors will receive the most updated information from the suppliers that meet their needs, be able to link straight to contact emails or company web sites for additional information, and find out where those companies will be at IWF 2002.
It’s not an online commerce site, there are plenty of those. IWF Connection offers buyers a quick and easy way to get information on about those suppliers that meet their needs 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Like the IWF itself, it’s simply a way to bring together buyers and suppliers. And it’s not your typical ‘virtual trade show’, in that users must navigate through online ‘booths’, this is just straight forward information, served-up as you need it, how you need it. commented John D. Bassett, III, IWF 2002 Chairman and President of Vaughn-Bassett Furniture Co. based in Galax, Virginia.
The largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, IWF 2002 expects to host 50,000 participants from more than 90 countries and will include a Technical Conference Program, a New Product Showcase, the Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards® and Design Emphasis 2002 student furniture design competition among other features. 
IWF is owned and sponsored by American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA), Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).

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Hunting for timber products and woodworking machinery? it's a click away

Searching for timber products and woodworking can now be as simple as clicking on the mouse of your computer,thanks to timberhunt.com a wensite that aims to expedite the purchasing chain if the timber and woodworking induster. 
timberhut.com was launched by Keshan Infitech Ltd. which is based in India.
According to Mr. Anup Keshan,its managing director,the site provides detailed information on everything on timber and wood industry and enables members to effectively manage their purchasing and sales activities.
He added that the website, which has more than 30,000 companies listed in its directory,attracts more than 3 million visitors per month.
"Being the first and only of its kind in Asia-a comprehensive and user-griendly timber and wood products portal,timberhunt.com provides a strong business platform to not only conduct catalogue based transaction, but also participate in auction and aggregate guying, share ideas, exchange best practices and relevent tools information" Mr. Anup Keshan said.
timberhunt.com also incorporates 2 other sites - asiawoodweb.com, which caters to Asia and indiaplyweb.com, which specifically targets india.
Companies and advertise and promote their products through tha web website,caotact, Fax: 91 33 2803344, or info@timberhunt.com for more details.

Services of timberhunt.com
E-Trade: Supports forward and reverse auction services.Offers trade broard and surplus clearence and the marketplace.
Trading Tools & Resources: Metric and currency converters,discussion forums.
Information: The most updated information convering news, events, stock, reports, business opportunities, latest technology and market watch.
Advertising & Promotion: Reach more than 3 million visitors a month. The site also offers web page designing and hosting ,and hold virtual trade fairs and multimedia presentations.
Categories: Broad category of products for online transaction of round logs,lumber veneer, plywood, board and panels, furniture,doo/window and frames, flooring, machinery and tools, chemicals and adhesives/preservatives and other products.
Career Services: One can seek jobs by posting resume on the site. Companies can also look for suitable candidates.
Fulfilmant Services: Banking and finance, inspection agencies, consultacy, insurance, cargo tracking and handling, packing and frieght.

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IWF ANNOUNCES DESIGN EMPHASIS AWARD WINNERS

ATLANTA, GA, USA - Design Emphasis, the advanced-level student furniture design competition at the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair-USA® has announced the winners of this year's competition. Best of Show was awarded to Colgate Searle from the Rhode Island School of Design for his entry "4 dining chairs from 1 sheet of plywood". For the Seating category first place went to Yuen Tung Chiang of Art Center College of Design for his "See Saw Sofa". Second place went to Susan Yoo, also from Art Center College of Design for her "Lazy Susan Chair", and third place was awarded to Dan Hancock of the Pratt Institute for his "Lacuna Chair and Ottoman". 

In the Ready To Assemble category, first place went to Charlotte Vyff, Rhode Island School of Design, for her "Flexible Table - 3 different tops". Second place went to Brett Fischer of Pittsburgh State University for "Vertical Dresser - Komo" and third place was awarded to Emma Woodhull of Kansas State University for "Coffee Table with Walnut Legs". Peter Rabner of Brigham Young University won first place in the new Occasional category for his "Cherry and Slate Table". Second place went to Christopher Bitsas of University of North Carolina Charlotte for "Conical Hole Tables" and third place went to Eric Whiteley of Pratt Institute for "Levity Table". For the Creativity category, Min J. Lee of Art Center College of Design for "Motion T Table" won first place. Second place went to Abigail Perkins of Savannah College of Art and Design for "Wall Mounted Cabinet with Blue Drawers" and third place went to Brett Fischer of Pittsburgh State University for "ABC Fun Block". Daniel Green from Auburn University won first place in the Contract Furniture category for his "16 degrees of Comfort Modular Chair with Cushions", second place went to Burgundy Applegate of Rhode Island School of Design for "Upholstered Big Stool", and third place went to Adam Stover of Kansas State University for "The Glide Seating".

In the Case Goods category, Bob Holloway of Pittsburgh State University won first place for his "Memory Chest of Drawers", Courtney Edmondson of Auburn University won second place for his "Television Cabinet", and James Chapman of Savannah College of Art and Design won third place for his "Entry Hall Cabinet".

This year's competition awarded a total of $14,000 in prize money and each First Place and the Best of Show winner received a distinctive award sculpture design by renowned artist Robert Longhurst for each first-place winner. This year's competition included entries from more than 225 advanced-level students, which were pre-screened in May 2002. From that, 65 finalists were chosen from 27 schools to display their entries in the Design Emphasis Gallery during IWF 2002. For the first time in the history of Design Emphasis, entries were also accepted from high schools and each was required to meet the same stringent submission requirements. 

As the largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, IWF 2002 includes 1,335 exhibitors filling 834,211 expects to host buying teams from more than 90 countries in the newly expanded and renovated Georgia World Congress Center and will include a Technical Conference Program, the New Product Showcase and the Design Emphasis 2002 student furniture design
competition among other features. IWF is owned and sponsored by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA), the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), and Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).

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ITTO SHOWCASES TROPICAL FOREST SUCCESS STORIES

27 August 2002, Johannesburg, South Africa: 

ITTO projects are making a difference in the way tropical forests are being managed, according to speakers at an ITTO side-event held here during the World Summit on Sustainable Development. 

The event, which was moderated by ITTO's Executive Director, Dr Manoel Sobral Filho, was attended by about a hundred people. It featured presentations by Dr José Carlos Carvalho, Brazil's Minister of Environment, Ambassador Beat Nobs, Head of the International Affairs Division in the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape, Mr Keiji Ide, Japan's Director of Developing Economies in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ITTO project managers from the Philippines, Brazil and Congo.

Rex Cruz of the University of the Philippines described a project to implement the ITTO guidelines for the conservation of biological diversity in a logging concession in the Philippine province of Surigao del Sur. This involved conducting an integrated resource inventory in the concession area, land-use planning to identify areas in the concession where logging should be excluded, and the development of a co-management regime with local communities to ensure they benefited from forest management. According to Dr Cruz, these measures slightly reduced the earnings accruing to the concessionaire but had a significant positive effect on the maintenance of forest values, including biodiversity conservation and soil and water protection. They also increased employment in the local communities and improved a range of local services.

Zenobio da Gama e Silva from the Technological Foundation (FUNTAC) described a similar project in the Brazilian State of Acre to bring sustainable forest management to the Antimari State Forest. According to Dr Silva, a management plan had been developed with the full participation of local communities to ensure that the forest was managed sustainably and that the people living in the area benefited. An auction had been held to sell the timber and harvesting was about to commence.

Paul Elkan of the Wildlife Conservation Society outlined a third ITTO project attempting to conserve biological diversity in a logging concession, this time in the Republic of Congo in Central Africa. One of the main threats to wildlife in this area, poaching, is being addressed in the project by the establishment of local 'ecoguards' and the development of community-scale farming techniques for the production of alternative sources of protein. In addition, the logging concessionaire, CIB, is training its workforce in reduced impact logging techniques and enforcing hunting restrictions on its staff.

According to Dr Sobral, these projects were excellent examples of what could be achieved in tropical forests with sufficient support at the local, national and international levels. He said that these projects had been able to moderate concessionaire and community behaviour in the harvesting of forests in three different tropical regions, reducing damage to the forest and improving living conditions for the local people. However, he pointed out that the pre-eminent threat to many tropical forests was clearance for alternative land uses such as agriculture; the long time period between timber harvests and the generally low value of tropical timber meant that timber alone could not fund sustainable management in many tropical forests. Both local people and government often perceived agricultural production to be a more profitable land use.

"To counteract the financial incentive for forest clearance, the global community needs to supplement timber production with payments for the services provided by tropical forests, such as water production, carbon storage and biodiversity conservation," he said.

This view was echoed by Dr Carvalho, who outlined some of the initiatives being undertaken by the Brazilian government and many civil-society and private-sector partners. He praised ITTO and its partners for putting its words into action through its project program. But, he said, much more such action was needed.

"The tropical forests of Brazil and many other countries perform services that are valuable to the global community, but they are not being remunerated. In the absence of payments for these services, the only apparent way for countries to receive remuneration for their forests is through predatory use," he said.

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IWF 2002 TAKES THE LEAD ON TWO FRONTS 

Not only was IWF 2002 the largest event in its 36-year history; preliminary indications are that, while overall attendance was down 9.2% to 42,755, the buyers that attended were serious about improving their business, investing in new technology and exploring new production methods to improve efficiency. "We attended the fair and found it an excellent source of information. We will be purchasing a CNC router we saw there," commented Dennis West of Pac-West based in Anchorage, Alaska. Scott Ostrander, vice president of manufacturing at Riverside Furniture Corp., based in Ft. Smith, Ark. came to IWF looking for new solutions to his production problems. "My challenges are to reduce work in process, lead time, labor and handling and still increase in quality and accuracy," said Ostrander. "IWF is the one show where I know I can see the technology I need. What we actually saw this year were a lot of new ideas on how to address the overall problems in our plants with new technology, not just retro-fitted old technology into new machines." "We know that the leading edge of technology will be shown in Atlanta," commented William Smith, corporate director of operations at Sherrill Furniture Co based in Hickory, North Carolina. "It was a tremendous show. We brought a team of 12 divisional managers and focused on lean manufacturing. Made a few small purchases there, but more importantly, we brought back some project proposals that will involve substantial capital expenditure which we're now working." Buyers had more to see at IWF than ever before. With the completion of the Phase IV expansion of the Georgia World Congress Center, exhibit space at IWF grew by more than 18% to total 834,272 net square feet (77,504 net square meters) occupied by 1,333 exhibiting companies, 320 of which were new to IWF. This marks an increase from 1,291 companies in 706,007 net square feet of space in 2000. "Everyone that came into our booth was very, very interested," said John Murphy, president of KCDw Software based in South Dennis, Mass. "We introduced a few new products and sold a great deal of software there, in fact we sold a mountain of software." Russ McBroom, president of Mereen-Johnson Machine Company based in Minneapolis said, "IWF 2002 was very good for us, in fact it was much better than expected. The show produced many more follow-up leads than we did in 2000. Right now, we're very optimistic and business has improved tremendously in the past year." "It was certainly our most successful show in terms of quality of visitors and the interest they demonstrated for both immediate and future purchases," commented Jeff Davidson, president of Michael Weinig, Inc., based in Mooresville, North Carolina. "We were very pleased with the overall traffic and even more pleased that it was more evenly distributed through the entire show instead of only being crowded during peak times. We didn't notice a decrease in the number of companies and there was certainly no decrease in the enthusiasm to learn about new developments."

IWF 2002 was truly an international event. Preliminary analysis of the attendance indicates that buyers from 93 countries traveled to attend IWF 2002 from such locations as Australia, China, Bulgaria, Egypt, Ghana, Mongolia, Peru, South Africa and Vietnam. In addition to seeing more exhibitors, buyers at IWF 2002 had their only chance this year to see all the major machinery manufacturers at one show. In addition, IWF offered buyers a more comprehensive display of US and international woodworking machinery, supplies and services than any other trade show in the industry and in the world. While European and Pacific Rim trade shows feature a predominance of companies from the country in which they are held, IWF is again unique with a worldwide variety of exhibitors. Events at IWF 2002 included a Technical Conference Program, the Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards®, the Design Emphasis 2002 Awards, and the New Product Showcase. More information about each of these can be found online at www.iwfconnection.com. IWF 2002 took place August 22 to 25 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia World Congress Center, and showcased machinery, supplies and services for both large manufacturers and small professional shops in the woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, solid surface, architectural woodwork, store fixtures, and plastic fabricating industries. The next IWF will take place August 26-29, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia World Congress Center. The largest trade show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, IWF is owned and sponsored by American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA), Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA). 

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WOODTECH MALAYSIA 2002
19-23 SEPTEMBER, 2002, MINES EXHIBITION CENTRE, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.

From 19th to 20th September 2002, Malaysia, one of the world's top ten exporters of high quality wooden & rattan furniture and ranked among the top six timber producing countries in tropical forest managemennt, will once again play host to the largest showcase on the latest woodworking machinery and technology in the ASEAN basin. Woodtech Malaysia 2002 will be expecting more than 20,000 trade visitors and buyers from the Asia Pacific region including manufacturers of furniture, wooden products and commercial forest produce harvesters. 

A 'MUST VISIT' HELD ONLY ONCE IN EVERY TWO YEARS!

Supported by the 12 nations strong EUMABOIS and numerous other national woodworking associations and trade bodies, the five-day event will feature more than 550 participating companies with some 3000 exhibits from 28 countries worldwide including national groups from China, Germany, Italy, Spain and Taiwan.

  FIERE di PESARO S.p.A.
  Association proposals for commercial development

A National Convention called by the Federmobili Furniture Producers Association and hosted by the 36th Pesaro Furniture Samp.
The Convention is of extraordinary importance for the arguments to be discussed such as `financing of the sample' destined to change the management of shops for those who are considering adopting it. Another argument of vital importance is `reducing the sample products' in discussion with the national political and fiscal organisms to give all shops 'example status' for sales.
These two arguments alone should bring hundreds of retailers, afflicted with problems, which the Federation is close to resolving satisfactorily, to the Pesaro Convention.
A third argument of exceptionally positive impact is `the new tertiary work and services national collective contract' for which the Federmobili officials have long worked obtaining brilliant results.

The Convention will be chaired by the President, Enrico Pirovani, and moderated by the Federmobili Director, Enrico Marelli, with interventions from numerous Association speakers.
The Samp is happy to offer Federmobili the logistic opportunity and hospitality to treat arguments of vital importance for the furniture sector. All retailers are invited to participate in the Convention to take note of the results already obtained and to suggest, during the discussion, arguments to propose for the financial year 2001.


For further information contact:
FIERE di PESARO S. p. A.
Tel.: 07214068.1
Fax: 072125300
E-mail: fierapesaro@fierapesaro.com
Website: www.fierapesaro.com

MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY PREPARES FOR THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL WOODWORKING MACHINERY, TIMBER PROCESSING AND FORESTRY EXHIBITION

Plans are now being finalised for the Minister of Trade & Industry, Rini Suwandi, to officially inaugurate Woodworking and Forestry Indonesia 2002 on the 10th April, 10:00 a.m. at the Jakarta International Exhibition Centre.

Her presence marks the significance of this combined exhibition and conference to the future sustainable economic development of Indonesia's forests, still suffering at the hands of illegal logging activity.

The conference element of the event organised jointly by the Regional Institute of Environmental Technology with show organiser PT Pamerindo Buana Abadi will be held under the theme 'Sustainable Forestry & Woodworking - Developments, Investments, Management and Technology'. It will address the key issues facing the industry and how the use of new technology in commercial concerns can contribute to a better future. Leading authorities will present conference sessions including 'Sustainable Forest Management' and 'Harnessing Eco-efficient Technology for a Sustainable Forest Future' from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

New for this year will be the first ever participation from the National Pavilion of Indonesian Forestry & Woodworking Regions featuring provincial, regency and city governments. Leading participations come from Bali, Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra. Their presence aims to address the implications of regional autonomy for one of Indonesia's most precious commodities.

Other national pavilions from Finland, Germany, Japan and Italy will present the best of the latest technologies, products and techniques globally available for the forestry and timber processing industry. So far 205 exhibitors have registered to participate. 

For further information on any of the above or details on how to exhibit or visit, please contact the organiser without delay as follows:

Ms. Grace Sabandar
PT Pamerindo Buana Abadi, 
13th Floor Deutsche Bank Building, 
Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 80, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia. 
Tel.: + 62 21 316 2001 
Fax.: +62 21 3161981

MAFEX 2002 CONCLUDES AFTER 5 SUCCESSFUL DAYS

MAFEX 2002 began on 3rd March and will conclude today at 6pm. The organisers are pleased to see that their efforts and investment in road shows all over the globe has paid off. The number of trade visitors amounted to 9631 over the past 4 days. The Opening Ceremony on 3rd March was officiated by the Advisor to MAFEX-YBhg Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Organising Chairman-Mr Liao Cham Hong and furniture association presidents of Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Pahang, Malacca, Johor, Sabah & Sarawak.

The strong support of the eight associations was confirmed during the press conference held after the opening ceremony. 
MAFEX is divided into 4 halls this year with the main hall showing an amazing number of creative booths that are designed to bring out the best of Malaysian-made furniture. Investing into an attractive booth has many benefits. They attract buyers when a set up is done tastefully and the buyers can see the piece of furniture in proper context.

Exhibitors commented that manufacturers are learning through experience and international exposure that presentation and people skills are crucial in capturing sales. Among themselves, they believe that such competition is healthy and that all manufacturers should be looking into the overall benefit of the industry to ensure success for all Malaysian manufacturers.
Throughout the 5 days of MAFEX 2002, international buyers came from all over the world: North & South America, African Countries, Eastern & Western Europe, Middle East, the entire Asia & Asia Pacific.
Buyers are continuously looking for new ideas and suitable pricing. They return to purchase furniture from Malaysia due to the quality and consistent workmanship as well as the trustworthy business partnership and precise delivery. They commented that Malaysians have to look into fresh designs and to manufacture on a more competitive edge. Buyers were pleased with the increasing number of exhibitors, providing a wider choice when it comes to deciding on the working business partner.

Ministers who visited the show were impressed by the scale of it, the quality of the show and the variety of furniture that are all Malaysian-made. Ministers who visited MAFEX 2002:
Minister of Information, YB Tan Sri Dato' Seri Khalil Yaakob
Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, YB Datuk Seri Law Hieng Ding Minister of Culture, Arts & Tourism, YB Datuk Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir
Chief Minister of Malacca, YAB Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam
Minister of Health, YB Datuk Chua Jul Meng 

Don't Miss: 18TH XYLEXPO 2002 organised by EFIMALL, ITALY from 21st May to 25th Maym

XYLEXPO/SASMIL 2002: A MAJOR SUCCESS ON THE CARDS

Despite the fact from reassuring international climate, 2002's Xylexpo and Sasmil are shaping up to be record-breaking events. Both biennial shows, dedicated to technology, accessories, and semi-finished products for the timber and furniture industries, will take place between 21 and 25 May in Milan. 
With six months to go before the doors open, the two events are way ahead in registrations compared to the same time in 1999. 
Xylexpo, an international biennial exhibition dedicated to woodworking technology, is now 15 percent up on registrations, and there's already no doubt the 75 thousand square meters (807 thousand sq. ft.) available for the event will be fully occupied - a clear sign of the show's national and international clout. 
Sasmil's 25 thousand square meters (270,000 sq. ft.) of exhibition area is also as good as booked up. This result is even more satisfying considering the increasing complexity in the areas of outsourcing, semi-finished products, and accessories for the furniture and wood sectors - both of which are seeing new dedicated tradeshows spring up every year.

So, from 21 through 25 May 2002 all eyes in the timber and furniture industry will be on Milan, which, as happens every two years, will again reaffirm its natural vocation as the industry's capital. A distinction it shares with Cologne and Hanover, which host the other important industry events, Interzum and Ligna, in odd-numbered years.
Xylexpo's and Sasmil's role as premier tradeshows both in Italy and around the world is confirmed by a few figures from the 2000 shows, which saw the participation of 1,427 exhibitors (154 or 12.1% more than in 1998), including 355 from outside Italy (23.3% up on the previous show). This last statistic is particularly meaningful, since it highlights another area in which both exhibitions are making major steps forward - that is, the international edge of its exhibiting companies.
XylexpoEfimallCentro Direzionale Milano FioriPrima Strada Palazzo F320090 Assago (Milano)Tel. +39/0289210200Fax +39/028259009www.xylexpo.come-mail info@xylexpo.com SasmilCosmit spaForo Buonaparte 6520121 MilanoTel. +39/02725941 Fax +39/0289011563http://www.sasmil.ite-mail info@cosmit.it Ufficio stampaCosmit EventiForo Buonaparte 6520121 MilanoTel. +39/028065141 Fax +39/0286996211e.mail press@cosmit.it
The figures for Xylexpo's and Sasmil's exhibition area are also significant, increasing from 85,708 square meters (923,553 sq. ft.) in 1998 to 95,422 square meters (1.027 million sq. ft.) in 2000. But the increase in visitor numbers is even more impressive, growing 8.4 percent in 2000 (92,015 against 84,880), 80.9% of whom had decision-making authority within their company. 

There was also an extraordinary increase in foreign participation, with international attendee numbers rising from 36,368 in 1998 to 46,771 in 2000 (up 28.6%). This means that 50.8 percent of visitors at Xylexpo and Sasmil are from outside Italy, this figure making the shows the most international industry event in the world.
The European industry has always kept a close eye on the shows, with 33,191 attendees visiting the event in 2000, representing a 38.8 percent increase, with the Germans, French, and Spanish heading the list. Eastern Europe, Russia in particular, is also showing growing interest in the exhibitions. Visitor numbers from America are on the increase (1,430 at the last show), as are those from Asia, with 77 percent more Asians in 1998. 

But numbers alone aren't enough to determine the success of an exhibition. For this reason every year Efimall and Cosmit - the organizers of Xylexpo and Sasmil respectively - conduct an exhibitor and visitor survey. The last survey found that 86.0 percent of attendees at the 2000 shows said it was a real positive that they could attend both shows at the same venue, while 84.5 percent stated they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" in terms of their original objectives for visiting. But Xylexpo and Sasmil were also regarded as "unmissable events" by 52 percent of Italian and 15 percent of foreign visitors. This last group also stated that the Milan double-bill was the only event they attend.

KEEPING UP-TO-DATE

Everything is therefore shaping up for an event that will fully respond to an industry that over recent years has acquired a new identity and professional maturity by adapting to a market in a constant state of flux. Tastes change. How different products are used changes. The way we interpret and experience furniture - and therefore the way we make it - evolves.
By necessity all this is reflected in the new materials, new techniques, and new solutions that exhibitors showcase at Xylexpo and Sasmil. But it is also reflected in the ongoing commitment of the organizers to give exhibitors the maximum visibility by creating exhibition layouts that respond to changing needs.
There'll therefore be a series of changes in the way product groups are organized at Xylexpo. Technologies for working solid wood will be the center of attention in Halls 13/I and 14/I, while Halls 16/I and II will again be handed over to panel processing.

There will also be a special focus on carpentry machinery and solutions in Halls 20 and 21. It's hardly news that wood has found a new lease of life. And any show that keeps a close eye on the changing market therefore couldn't do otherwise than dedicate an area to examining this growing trend.
A few changes are also on the drawing board at Sasmil, which will feature all the most important Italian firms and a few welcome return visits, particularly from companies in the hardware sector. The changes are designed to make it easier to "read" the show's two macro sectors of panels and hardware.

There's still work to do, but the aim is to reserve a central space of the exhibition area - Halls 10 and 11 - for semi-finished products, handing over Hall 9 and Halls 22 and 23 (the halls that connect the show to Xylexpo) to hardware. This approach will create focal points around which all the different types of products can be arranged in an organic and effective manner.

A COMMON PATH

So, everything's set to go for an event that promises to live up to the expectations of an industry that now more than ever needs to meet, talk, share experiences, and reassess. Without doubt, there are clouds on the horizon. But Xylexpo's and Sasmil's strength is to have entered the new millennium, reaffirming their commitment to confronting change and new challenges.
Milan has become the place that every two years upstream and downstream industries - from trees to furniture, via a few thousand different product groups - come together to meet with business people. The far-reaching synergy created is what makes the event so unique - its ability to resolve, innovate, and reinvent is why it has no equals. 
Xylexpo and Sasmil both follow a common path, and this is what has placed them among the premier industry events internationally. This is also what has established their reputation as a unique forum where professionals can discuss anything from making beams for roofs through the latest decorative ideas. It's where they can get hands-on experience with the hinge about to revolutionize the furniture industry or the most sophisticated digital workstations.
Ideas, the materials to make them, the parts to assemble them, the machines to manufacture them - anyone in any way involved with wood and its derivatives will not only find the solutions to their problems, but also reliable directions for new paths and new solutions that can open the way to new families of products.

This is one of the reasons that more designers and architects than ever are coming to Milan's May shows. They've understood that the act of designing a product can only be meaningful if combined with a knowledge of what materials, accessories, and technologies can offer.

A WORD TO JOURNALISTS 

Naturally Xylexpo and Sasmil offer journalists all the services they need to do their job properly. Again this year journalists are urged to pick up their copy of What's New, a guide to the exhibitions offering an instant overview of what the exhibitors are exhibiting this year.

Regular updates will also be available at the Xylexpo website at www.xylexpo.com , where it will also be possible to register for the show. The Sasmil site at www.sasmil.it is currently being redesigned to make it as informative as possible and will be open soon.

Low cost of participation for Jakarta show

GOOD news for all woodworking machinery makers, tools manufactures and anyone who has an eye on the Indonesian woodworking market: The rental cost for exhibition space for the next Woodworking & forestry Indonesia will be its lowest in the 20-year history of the biennial show.
The organisers, PT Pamerindo Buana Anadi, said in a statesment that the move is a "clear and positive response to recent critisms from exhibitiors about the cost of participatating in Asian trade shows".
It also said special reductions will be given to exhibitors booking larger space to display working machinery as well as to companies which reserve their stand early.
The next Woodworking & Forestry Indonesia will be held from 10-13 April 2002, a move away from the traditional month of November.
The change, according to the organisers,was the result of extensive consultation and agreement with woodworking industry associations and major companies worlwide.
"Our research revealed that there was a general preference for an April date compared to the previous schedule for this event which usually held towards the end of the year."
Woodworking & Forestry Indonesia 2000,which was held in November last year, attracted 443 exhibitors and some 13,000 visitors.