Technology and education abound at Anaheim Fair.

TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION

The recently expanded Anaheim Convention Center will play host to more than 600 exhibiting companies from the United States and abroad and to the estimated 26,000 to 30,000 people scheduled to attend the biennial Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair, Sept. 28-Oct. 1.

The show will feature machinery and supplies spread over 285,000 square feet of floor space. Additionally, there are 71 seminars, workshops and Special Machinery Orientation Programs (SMOPs) scheduled during the fair's four-day run.

Machinery and supplies

The Anaheim show is the largest trade show in North America this year and the largest woodworking trade show under one roof on one level in the world, according to the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) Executive Director Tom McClaran. AWFS is the chief sponsor of the Anaheim show.

According to McClaran, those attending will get their money's worth. "Whether they come here to learn about machinery, the environment, or improving their business ...there is something for everyone."

Among the products to be exhibited are: machinery, wood and wood components, fabrics, fixtures, computers, hardware, laminating equipment and supplies, fastening equipment, finishing products, packaging, plant operating equipment, tools, upholstery machinery and supplies, industrial robots and more.

"The product lineup is so comprehensive in terms of state-of-the-art machinery and supplies, no one in the industry can afford to miss the fair if higher profits are their goals," said Show Chairman Don Grazor of Hanes Converting.

Education

It is also an opportunity for attendees to participate in a wide range of seminars, workshops and panel sessions. (See program listing on page 78 for more details.) There will be three full-day seminars on Friday, Sept. 27, including Spray Applications for Furniture Finishing; Manufacturing with Wood in a Challenging Decade; and, Producing Successful Architectural Woodwork Projects. Additionally, there will be 36 90-minute sessions, 22 1/2-hour skill workshops, and 13 SMOPs.

The SMOPs will give attendees a before-the-show-opens-for-the-day opportunity to learn about specific machinery through programs led by such companies as Stiles Machinery, Michael Weinig Inc., Holz-Her U.S., Timesavers, Holzma U.S., Mereen-Johnson, Ritter Machinery, Dodds and QuickWood.

"This will be the largest wood production seminar program in the world," said Gene Newberg of Stiles Machinery, this year's conference program chairman. "We think we have such a broad cross-section of seminars that there will be something for everyone. People who come to the show and go to the seminars will really learn something."

International flavor

Adding to the variety of machinery and supplies showcased at this year's show, is a large foreign contingent. Nearly 20 countries will be displaying their goods including: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Growth

The show is on a growth curve in terms of exhibitors, seminars, attendees and space. Conference/Marketing Manager Ellen Schwartz said the show is 10 percent larger than the previous show held two years ago.

The show is spread throughout the four halls of the convention center, covering 600,000 square feet, or more than six football fields. Of this figure 285,000 is floor space, up from 248,000 in 1989. This additional space stems from the new addition on the southwest side of the convention center, completed last spring.

Another sign of growth is attendance, rising slightly from 25,223 actual attendees in 1989 (not including exhibitors) to a projected attendance of at least 26,000.

Amusement and other perks 

Those attending and exhibiting at the show can take part in the "Night at the Park" at Disneyland from 6 p.m. to midnight on Sunday, Sept. 29. For $15 per person there is unlimited use of all the Disney attractions, with the exception of arcades, and free parking or shuttle service from area hotels.

Additionally, a booth manned by the Anaheim Visitors & Convention Bureau can assist you in setting up restaurant reservations. An information and message center booth will also be set up in the convention center. The number for this booth is [phone].

Special rates

The show has arranged with Delta and United Airlines for reduced airfares to the show. For more information contact: Warren Rollins, Aerospace Travel Center at [phone].

Also, the six fair hotels within walking distance of the Convention Center are offering special fair rates to all attendees. To obtain a form to be included in these discounted room rates contact the show office at the number listed below.

For more information on any of the show activities, contact Ellen Schwartz, conference manager, at [phone].

PHOTO : Below, Anaheim attendees will be able to view supplies and machinery from more than 600 companies. Right, on Sunday, Sept. 29, Disneyland will offer a "Night in the Park" for those attending and exhibiting at Anaheim.

PHOTO : WOODWORKING, MACHINERY & FURNITURE SUPPLY FAIR TOTAL ATTENDANCE

PHOTO : The fair will draw over 26,000 members of the furniture and cabinet and related industries.

PHOTO : WOODWORKING, MACHINERY & FURNITURE SUPPLY FAIR