International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta, GA: A Complete Local Guide

The International Woodworking Fair (IWF) Atlanta is one of the largest trade shows in North America for the woodworking, cabinetry, furniture, and related manufacturing industries. If you live in Atlanta, work in the trades, or plan to visit the city for the show, understanding how the event works specifically in Atlanta, Georgia can help you get the most out of it.

This guide walks you through what IWF Atlanta is, where it’s held, how to get there, who typically attends, and what locals and visitors should know.

What Is the International Woodworking Fair Atlanta?

The International Woodworking Fair (IWF) is a major trade-only event focused on:

• Woodworking machinery and tools
• Cabinet and furniture manufacturing
• Architectural woodworking and millwork
• Finishing, sanding, and surface treatments
• Hardware, fasteners, and components
• Software and automation for woodworking production

It takes place in Atlanta, GA, typically every two years, and attracts exhibitors and attendees from across the United States and around the world.

Who the Fair Is For

The IWF in Atlanta is designed mainly for:

• Woodworking and cabinet shop owners and managers
• Furniture manufacturers and designers
• Architectural millwork and commercial interior professionals
• Lumber, panel, and material suppliers
• Engineers, production managers, and plant operators
• Students and educators in wood technology and trades programs

It is generally not a consumer retail event; it’s focused on business, manufacturing, and professional education rather than selling finished furniture to the public.

Where IWF Atlanta Takes Place

Primary Venue:

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (information): (404) 223-4000

The Georgia World Congress Center is in Downtown Atlanta, steps away from:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Centennial Olympic Park
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena

The IWF show typically uses multiple exhibit halls inside the GWCC, so expect a large footprint and plenty of walking.

Getting to the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta

Because IWF is held at the Georgia World Congress Center, you have several transportation options depending on whether you’re a local or a visitor.

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail & Bus System)

For many, MARTA is the most convenient way to reach IWF, especially during busy show days.

• Rail Station:
  GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  This station exits directly into the complex around the GWCC, CNN Center, and State Farm Arena.

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

  • Take the Red or Gold Line from the Airport station to Five Points
  • Transfer to the Blue or Green Line toward Vine City/Hamilton E. Holmes
  • Get off at GWCC/CNN Center Station

Using MARTA helps avoid downtown traffic and event parking congestion, which can be heavy during large conventions like IWF.

Driving and Parking

If you drive to the International Woodworking Fair:

• The GWCC has multiple parking decks and surface lots around the campus.
• Parking is usually paid, with rates varying by event and lot.
• Entrances commonly used for GWCC parking include areas near Northside Drive NW, Marietta St NW, and Simpson St NW.

Since IWF runs at the same time as other events on some dates, it’s wise to:

• Arrive early in the day
• Pre-plan parking areas using GWCC maps and signs
• Allow extra time to walk from parking to your registration area or hall

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are widely available in Atlanta, especially around:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Airport area

The GWCC has designated pick-up and drop-off zones; look for event signage or follow directions from on-site staff.

This can be a good option if:

• You’re staying at a hotel in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
• You’re unfamiliar with driving around Atlanta or parking near the GWCC

Typical Dates, Schedule, and Registration

How Often IWF Atlanta Happens

The International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta is commonly held every two years, typically in late summer. Specific dates change by year, so it’s important to check the current show year details before making travel arrangements.

Show Hours and Layout

While exact hours vary, attendees can generally expect:

• Multiple full show days (morning through late afternoon)
• Exhibit halls featuring:
  • Machinery and equipment demonstrations
  • Materials and supplies exhibitors
  • Software and technology providers
• Separate areas for education sessions, seminars, or workshops

Large machinery displays can be loud and busy, so consider comfortable clothing, ear protection if you’re sensitive to noise, and sturdy shoes.

Registration and Badges

IWF is usually a trade-only event, which means:

• Registration is typically required in advance or on-site
• You may be asked to identify your role (e.g., manufacturer, retailer, architect, educator)
• Badges are generally required for entry into the exhibit halls and educational sessions

If you’re local in Atlanta and considering attending:

• Confirm whether your business or role qualifies for attendance
• Check registration options (regular attendee, student, educator, exhibitor, etc.)

What You’ll See at IWF Atlanta

The International Woodworking Fair fills a big space at the Georgia World Congress Center. Here’s what attendees typically encounter:

Machinery and Equipment

Expect a large concentration of:

• CNC routers and machining centers
• Table saws, jointers, planers, and edgebanders
• Large panel saws and material handling systems
• Dust collection and air handling equipment
• Finishing systems (spray booths, curing systems, robotics)

Many booths run live demonstrations, allowing you to see machines in action and talk directly with technical staff.

Materials, Hardware, and Components

Beyond machines, a major part of IWF Atlanta involves:

• Hardwood, softwood, and engineered panels
• Veneers and laminates
• Cabinet hardware, hinges, slides, and pulls
• Fasteners and connectors
• Surfaces and finishes (coatings, stains, sealers)

This is especially valuable for Atlanta-area cabinet shops, furniture makers, and contractors who want to compare materials or find new suppliers.

Software and Technology

Automation and digital tools are a growing focus:

• CAD/CAM design programs for furniture and cabinetry
• Production management and optimization software
• Robotic systems, nesting optimization, and tracking tools

For manufacturers in the Metro Atlanta area, this is a chance to see how technology can improve throughput, accuracy, and labor efficiency.

Education and Training

IWF often features seminars, workshops, or educational sessions that cover:

• Business management for shops and plants
• Production efficiency and lean manufacturing
• Safety practices in woodworking environments
• Design trends in furniture and interiors
• New materials and technologies

For local educators and students—such as those connected with Atlanta-area technical colleges, trade schools, or university design programs—these sessions can be especially beneficial.

Helpful Tips for Atlanta Locals Attending IWF

If you live in or near Atlanta and are planning to attend the International Woodworking Fair, a few local-focused tips can make the experience smoother.

Plan Your Commute

• If you commute from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Sandy Springs, consider:

  • Parking at a MARTA station and riding the train into downtown
  • Leaving earlier than usual to avoid rush hour plus event traffic

• If you work downtown, you may be able to:

  • Walk or use the Atlanta Streetcar (for nearby routes)
  • Coordinate your work schedule around show days

Use the Event to Build Local Connections

IWF attracts global companies, but many exhibitors and attendees also serve the Metro Atlanta and Southeast region. You can use the fair to:

• Find local or regional suppliers for your shop
• Meet service providers and technicians who can support equipment installed in Georgia
• Connect with other Atlanta-area woodworking businesses for potential partnerships

Tips for Out-of-Town Visitors Coming to IWF Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta specifically for the International Woodworking Fair, it helps to understand local logistics.

Where to Stay

Many attendees choose hotels in:

• Downtown Atlanta – Closest to the GWCC; some hotels are within walking distance.
• Midtown Atlanta – A short MARTA ride away, with a broader restaurant and nightlife mix.
• Airport area (College Park/Hapeville) – Often more budget-friendly, with direct MARTA access to downtown.

When considering a hotel, balance:

• Walking distance vs. need for MARTA or rideshare
• Your plans outside show hours (dining, meetings, sightseeing)

Getting Around the City

Common options include:

• MARTA rail for trips between the Airport, Downtown, and Midtown
• Rideshare services, especially at night or for short hops
• Walking around the Downtown event district (GWCC, Centennial Olympic Park, nearby restaurants)

Atlanta’s downtown streets are generally navigable for visitors, but be prepared for hot and humid weather if the show is in late summer.

Food and Breaks During the Show

Inside the GWCC and nearby, you can find:

• Concession stands and food outlets in the convention center
• Restaurants clustered around:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • CNN Center area
  • Marietta St NW and adjacent blocks

During busy event days, lunch lines can be long, so consider:

• Eating a bit earlier or later than typical lunch rush
• Bringing a light snack or water bottle if allowed by event rules

Simple Overview: IWF Atlanta at a Glance

How Atlanta Woodworkers and Businesses Can Benefit

For woodworking businesses and professionals based in Atlanta or the broader Metro area, IWF can be especially valuable because it’s right in your backyard.

Ways local professionals often use the show:

• Compare machinery and tools side by side before investing
• Meet regional distributors and service technicians who will support equipment locally
• Explore new materials, finishes, and hardware relevant to customer demands in the Southeast
• Attend educational sessions to refine business operations, safety practices, and design approaches
• Bring employees or students for exposure to a wide cross-section of the woodworking industry

Because you’re local, you may also:

• Spread your visit over multiple days without heavy travel costs
• Invite team members to attend on different days to keep your shop or office running
• Schedule follow-up meetings with local vendors after the show wraps up

Key Takeaways for Anyone Considering IWF in Atlanta, GA

• The International Woodworking Fair Atlanta is a large, professional woodworking and manufacturing trade show held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
• It is primarily designed for industry professionals, not general retail consumers.
• Getting there is straightforward via MARTA, car, or rideshare, with the GWCC/CNN Center Station offering direct access by rail.
• Atlanta locals can use the event to evaluate equipment and suppliers without major travel, while out-of-town visitors can take advantage of the city’s hotel options, transit, and dining around the convention center.

With a bit of planning around transportation, lodging, and your goals for the show, the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta can be a powerful, efficient way to explore the woodworking industry from right here in Atlanta, Georgia.