IWF Atlanta: A Local Guide to the International Woodworking Fair

If you search for “IWF Atlanta”, you’re almost always looking for the International Woodworking Fair held right here in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s one of the largest woodworking and furniture manufacturing trade shows in North America, and it takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what IWF Atlanta is, who it’s for, where it happens, and how to make the most of it as an Atlanta resident, business owner, or visitor.

What Is IWF Atlanta?

IWF Atlanta (International Woodworking Fair) is a large-scale trade show focused on:

• Woodworking machinery and tools
• Furniture manufacturing equipment
• Cabinetry and millwork
• Surface materials, finishes, and hardware
• Industrial design and production technologies

It is a trade-only event, meaning it’s geared toward:

• Woodworking professionals
• Furniture and cabinet manufacturers
• Architects and designers
• Millwork and fabrication shops
• Educational institutions and students in related fields

The fair usually runs over several days and features exhibit halls, live demos, educational sessions, and special events.

Where IWF Atlanta Takes Place

IWF Atlanta is hosted at:

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

The GWCC is in the heart of downtown, close to:

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

Most IWF activities, including exhibitions and education sessions, are spread across multiple GWCC buildings (often Buildings A, B, and C), so expect a lot of walking inside the complex.

Who Typically Attends IWF Atlanta?

If you’re in Atlanta or visiting for business, you may find IWF Atlanta valuable if you are:

• Cabinet makers and millworkers looking for new machinery or materials
• Custom furniture builders exploring tools and hardware
• Architects, designers, and specifiers checking surfaces, finishes, and design trends
• Production managers and plant owners comparing high-volume equipment
• Retailers and distributors sourcing products to sell or represent
• Students or educators in woodworking, construction, or industrial design programs

Many local attendees come from:

• The Atlanta metro manufacturing corridor (Norcross, Marietta, Conyers, etc.)
• Technical colleges and trade schools in the Atlanta area
• Design firms and architecture offices based in Midtown and Buckhead

Registration and Entry: What Atlanta Visitors Need to Know

Because IWF is a trade show, registration usually requires some form of professional connection to the industry.

Typical points to keep in mind:

• Advance registration is strongly encouraged; on-site registration is often available but can involve lines and higher fees.
• You are generally asked to provide business or professional details (company name, role, industry segment).
• Some education sessions require separate tickets in addition to show floor access.

If you’re based in Atlanta and attend regularly, many people:

• Register early when show dates are announced
• Coordinate group registrations for teams from the same company
• Plan around traffic and parking (especially if the show overlaps with big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena)

Getting to IWF Atlanta: Local Transportation Tips

By MARTA

For many Atlanta attendees, MARTA is the simplest option:

• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – short walk to the west side of the GWCC
• GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – connects via pedestrian walkways to the complex

Using MARTA helps you avoid downtown parking stress, especially during large events.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• GWCC operates multiple official parking decks and surface lots around the campus.
• Parking is often paid and can be pre-purchased for major events.
• Expect increased congestion near Northside Dr NW, Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, and Andrew Young International Blvd NW during show hours.

Popular nearby streets and landmarks for orientation:

• Northside Dr NW – west side of GWCC
• Marietta St NW – runs along the northeast side
• Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW – pedestrian-friendly area east of GWCC

Plan extra time if you are commuting from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Stone Mountain during weekday rush hours.

What You’ll Find Inside IWF Atlanta

Exhibit Hall Experience

The show floor typically includes:

• Large machinery (CNC routers, edge banders, saws, sanding systems)
• Hand tools and power tools aimed at professional use
• Cabinet and furniture hardware (hinges, slides, pulls, knobs)
• Panels, veneers, laminates, and surfaces
• Software for design, nesting, estimating, and shop management

For Atlanta-based shops, IWF can be a rare chance to:

• See equipment running live before investing
• Compare multiple brands side-by-side in one place
• Talk directly with technical reps, engineers, and distributors

Educational Sessions and Training

IWF generally offers:

• Technical seminars (e.g., CNC programming basics, finishing best practices)
• Business topics (pricing, workflow, staffing, lean manufacturing)
• Design-oriented sessions (trends in cabinetry, surfaces, and interiors)

These sessions can be especially useful for:

• Small Atlanta shops trying to grow or modernize
• New business owners in the metro area
• Students from local programs looking for industry insight

How Atlanta Businesses Commonly Use IWF

Local woodworking and manufacturing businesses often use IWF Atlanta to:

• Evaluate big equipment purchases – instead of relying on brochures or videos
• Build relationships with suppliers – including national brands and regional vendors with Atlanta-area reps
• Discover niche products – like specialty finishes, unique hardware, or workflow tools
• Recruit or connect with talent – especially when students or educators attend from local colleges

If you run a shop or business in the Atlanta area, many owners:

• Bring key staff (e.g., shop foreman, lead installer, designer) for shared decision-making
• Arrive with a specific shopping list or upgrade plan
• Use the show to benchmark their operation against current industry standards

Planning Your Visit as an Atlanta Local or Visitor

Time Management

IWF Atlanta can feel overwhelming. To make it manageable:

• Plan at least one full day for a quick overview of the show floor
• Consider two or more days if you want to cover machinery, materials, and education sessions in depth
• Prioritize halls or product categories that matter most to your work

What to Bring

Basic items that make the day smoother:

• Comfortable shoes – the GWCC is large and you’ll walk a lot
• Notebook or tablet for jotting down product info and booth contacts
• Business cards or digital contact options for networking
• A simple bag or backpack for brochures and samples

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods and Amenities

Being downtown, IWF Atlanta puts you close to several useful areas:

Dining and Break Options

Within walking distance:

• CNN Center area – fast-casual and quick-service food options
• Centennial Olympic Park area – restaurants facing the park
• Marietta St NW – bars, grills, and casual dining popular with event attendees

Atlanta residents sometimes plan:

• Breakfast or coffee in Midtown or Westside before heading in
• A late lunch or early dinner nearby to avoid peak traffic leaving the GWCC

Hotels and Lodging

Visitors coming from out of town often stay in:

• Downtown Atlanta – walkable to GWCC, best for convenience
• Midtown Atlanta – easy MARTA access and more nightlife/dining variety
• Cumberland/Galleria area – accessible by car, popular with trade show attendees willing to commute in

Simple Overview: IWF Atlanta at a Glance

Tips for Atlanta Residents Thinking About Attending

If you live in Atlanta and work in or around the trades, construction, or design, IWF Atlanta can be worth attending when it’s in town. Locals commonly:

• Use it as a “big picture” update on where the industry is headed
• Compare tools or processes they already use with newer options
• Connect with regional service providers that support equipment in the Atlanta area
• Encourage apprentices, students, or new hires to attend for exposure

If you’re simply curious and not connected to the industry, keep in mind:

• It’s designed as a business-to-business event, not a general consumer expo.
• Access may require professional credentials or a clear industry connection.

For anyone in Atlanta involved in woodworking, manufacturing, or design, IWF Atlanta is a major event that brings the global industry to your backyard, right in downtown at the Georgia World Congress Center. Understanding when it’s happening, how to get there, and what to expect helps you decide whether and how to participate effectively.