Thread: AWFS in LasVegas

Moderators - If this is not the appropriate forum for this, please move it where it would be more appropriate. (Perhaps Woodies Jokes? AWFS was a joke this time.)


The AWFS "Fair" (Association of Woodworkers and Finishing Suppliers) runs bi-annually. Comparing this version with 2007 results in about a 50% reduction in vendors/exhibitors. The LVCC went to great lengths to disguise the fact that there was a lot of empty space. Perhaps 50% is a harsh estimate, but 2/3 the size of 2007 is a generous estimate.

In 2007 it took two days to see all the vendor displays. This fair I arrived late and left early.

While roaming the floor, the average space between attendees seemed to be about ten meters. I got the impression that there were more vendor personnel than potential prospects / customers.

I did purchase a router motor and router lift. I probably could have got the router lift for less through the net but the vendor is a friend. The router motor is about $20 less than available from any source.

Regarding other activities...

The hotel gave me $25 in free slot play. I won enough so that I took $22+ out of the machine. LOML had a lot of fun with that money. I think that we spent $40 and returned with $38 over two evenings.

We had a GREAT dinner at Dos Camino in the Plazzo. WOW!!!

We also saw The Blue Man Group (third time over the years) and had a really great time. There were times that I was laughing so hard that I was crying.

All in all, the AWFS was disappointing. Very little in the way of new products, too few attendees and just a real downer. It's the stupid economy. We came home a day early.