Table of Contents
IWF 2026 opens Tuesday, Aug. 25, bringing the woodworking industry to Atlanta for four days of machinery, manufacturing technology, materials, supplies, education and networking at the Georgia World Congress Center.
For Surface & Panel readers heading to the show, a little preparation can make navigating one of the woodworking industry’s largest events considerably easier. Here’s what to know before you arrive:
Your badge will be printed onsite
All attendee badges for IWF 2026 will be printed onsite, so don’t worry if you don’t have a physical badge before leaving for Atlanta.
Pre-registered attendees should have their registration QR code ready on their phone or printed out. Show or scan the code at any Pre-Registered Badge Pick-up counter to have your badge printed. Attendees may also visit an assisted registration desk.
A valid photo ID is required.
IWF has two primary registration areas:
- Building A, Hall 1 Exhibit Floor Level, accessed by the first escalator in Building A
- Building C, Northside Drive Lobby
Both locations offer assisted registration and pre-registered badge pickup for attendees and exhibitors.
IWF 2026 exhibit hall hours
The main exhibit halls will be open:
Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Thursday, Aug. 27: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Friday, Aug. 28: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
One important exception: Building A opens at 7:30 a.m. each day, Tuesday through Friday, giving attendees an earlier start in that portion of the show.
Registration and badge pickup hours
Attendee and buyer registration and badge pickup will be available:
Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Friday: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Registration and ticket purchases for the IWF Education Conference and Symposium will be available on Building B, Level 3, from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Plan your show before hitting the floor
With exhibitors spanning machinery, automation, software, tooling, components, decorative surfaces, panels, hardware, finishing technology and other manufacturing solutions, arriving with a plan can save significant time.
The IWF Show Planner allows attendees to research products and exhibitors, build a schedule and save must-see booths before arriving.
The IWF Atlanta mobile app syncs with the Show Planner and provides access to floor plans, exhibitor and product information, education sessions and onsite navigation. Available for Google and Apple.
For S&P readers, it may be particularly helpful to identify exhibitors in advance across panel processing, CNC and automation, edgebanding, laminating, finishing and coating, decorative surfaces, adhesives, software and material handling rather than trying to cover the entire show floor without a route.
Free Wi-Fi is available on the show floor
IWF 2026 will offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the exhibit floor, sponsored by WIA and IWF.
Network: IWFAtlanta WIA WiFi Password: IWF2026!
The Georgia World Congress Center also offers free Wi-Fi outside the exhibit halls on building levels and in public spaces.
Challengers Awards set for Tuesday
One of IWF’s major technology events takes place Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. at the overlook on Level B2.
The Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards recognize technological advancements and significant contributions to environmental improvement within the woodworking industry. Seven winning companies will be announced during the ceremony.
The Woodworking Industry Association Wooden Globe Award for Commitment to Excellence Through Technology will also be recognized. The award honors a company demonstrating continued investment in advanced woodworking machinery and the use of technology to create a competitive manufacturing advantage.
For S&P attendees focused on manufacturing innovation, the awards offer a quick way to identify some of the technologies worth seeking out on the show floor.
Wednesday night: IWF Night at the Tabernacle
After two days on the show floor, IWF attendees can head downtown for IWF Night at the Tabernacle, Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 8-10 p.m.
Held at Atlanta’s Tabernacle at 152 Luckie Street, the event includes an open bar, networking and a private performance by returning band Southside Station.
Admission requires a separate ticket and IWF registration, and capacity is limited. Tickets can be added to an existing registration or purchased at assisted registration in Building A, Hall A1 or the Building C lobby.
One last tip: Wear comfortable shoes
The Georgia World Congress Center is enormous, and IWF covers multiple buildings and exhibit halls. Build extra time into your schedule for getting between appointments, use the mobile app to map booths before setting out and group exhibitor visits by hall whenever possible.
And yes, comfortable shoes are a very good idea.
IWF 2026 runs Aug. 25-28 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For S&P readers, the show provides an opportunity to see many of the technologies, materials and manufacturing trends shaping the next generation of surface, panel, furniture and woodworking production — all in one place.
