In challenging markets, the personal relationship between suppliers and customers is more important than ever. The American Hardwood Export Council is planning a busy schedule of events in 2024 to develop these connections for your company and grow your global markets.
In addition to what we expect to be a full slate of design, marketing, educational and networking events, AHEC has also planned pavilions at nine of the largest wood trade and furniture trade shows in the world in 2024, as well as an AHEC Convention in China. These pavilions will make premier representation available to American companies at the busiest events of the year for just $500 per booth.
In 2024 we plan to host a U.S. Hardwood Pavilion at these events:
IndiaWood, Bangalore, India (Feb 22-26)
Dubai Woodshow, Dubai, UAE (Mar 5-7)
Interzum Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China (Mar 28-31)
FIMMA Maderalia, Valencia, Spain (May 14-17)
SylvaWood, Shanghai, China (June 24-26)
TechnoMueble, Guadalajara, Mexico (Aug 14-17)
FMC Shanghai, Shanghai, China (Sept 10-13)
INTERMOB, Istanbul, Turkey (Sept 12-15)
AHEC Convention, China (September)
TIWF Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand (Sept 18-20)
Each year AHEC attends over 40 trade shows globally to promote American Hardwoods, research market potential, and drive local purchasing behavior. In our experience, these shows we have selected provide the best opportunity this year for an American company to connect with local buyers and build strong relationships. Of course, our participation in all of these events is subject to travel restrictions and funding through the Farm Bill, and event dates are subject to change.
IndiaWood in Bangalore, India will be our first pavilion of the year and is set up to accommodate up to 14 companies. Though traditionally a difficult place for Americans to do business, India has made rapid advances in the manufacturing sector and wood processing industry over the last few years. 2023 was a record year for exports of U.S. Hardwoods to India as our “exotic” woods are becoming a desired commodity in the local market. We have also seen an increase in exports of U.S. Hardwoods in value grades and species for re-export furniture. AHEC will also organize grading seminars and factory visits after this show in the Jaipur region of Rajasthan.
Dubai Woodshow is the cornerstone of the timber business in the Middle East, with buyers from all over the region in attendance. Many Middle Eastern countries are very consistent buyers of Red Oak, in particular 8/4 lumber. This region can be difficult to travel around and make strong connections, so events like Dubai Woodshow are ideal for bringing in potential customers from Turkey, the UAE, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and more.
Interzum Guangzhou and FMC Shanghai are the largest shows in China and cover every aspect of the furniture and flooring industries. China has now opened up to American travelers, so we are looking forward to holding our full-scale pavilions at these shows for the first time since 2019.
FIMMA Maderalia in Valencia, Spain will be an excellent opportunity for the U.S. Hardwood industry to connect with European buyers and will be the only pavilion of the year in Europe. The Spanish market has been consistent, and the show attracts buyers from all over Europe and North Africa.
Sylva Wood, held next June in Shanghai, is different from Interzum and FMC because while the larger shows include finished products, machinery, and other furniture materials, Sylva Wood is a “wood only” show. This means the attendance is a bit smaller, but typically more informed and wood-focused.
TechnoMueble in Guadalajara, Mexico will provide a chance for U.S. Hardwood companies to connect with buyers in one of the fastest growing markets of the last few years. We have seen excellent growth of U.S. Hardwood exports to Mexico, thanks in large part to a supply chain shift away from China and toward manufacturing hubs closer to end markets like the USA.
AHEC last held a pavilion at INTERMOB in Turkey back in 2016, and after a few rocky years, the market has returned to a very promising target for U.S. Hardwood producers. Based on feedback from AHEC Regional Director Rod Wiles we believe the timing is right to re-enter the market with a U.S. Hardwood pavilion in September 2024.
TIWF Bangkok is a new show for 2024. The Thailand market has become one of the strongest in Southeast Asia, and this pavilion will be our largest event in the region in 2024.
The AHEC U.S. Hardwood Pavilions host between 12-30 companies and space is given out on a first come, first served basis. $500 covers the space, pavilion build, electricity, flooring, lighting, and basic furniture. Due to the large demand for these spaces, registration occurs several months in advance and typically sells out the same day.
In addition to these trade shows, we also offer U.S. companies representation during our “mini trade show” at the AHEC Convention this September in China. All AHEC members that register will be given a free table with their company logo at a cocktail reception with our attending Asian buyers. The event will serve to educate local buyers on the benefits of using American Hardwood products, how to specify Hardwoods, and connect them directly with you, the industry. We had excellent participation at the 2023 AHEC Convention in Chengdu, China, with over 400 attendees, and we are looking forward to another strong event this year to reconnect with the market.
Above all, our goal at AHEC is to represent the American Hardwood industry and connect U.S. companies to new markets. By providing a low-cost way to exhibit at international trade shows we hope to make it easy for small, family-owned companies to make a big global impact. If you are interested in attending our AHEC China Convention or any of the trade shows listed here, please contact AHEC’s International Program Manager, Tripp Pryor, tpryor@ahec.org.
