Connect With Customers And Find New Buyers At 2026 AHEC Events And Pavilions
By Michael Snow
Executive Director American Hardwood
Export Council Sterling, VA
703-435-2900
www.ahec.org
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 2026 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 seven of the largest wood trade and furniture trade shows in the world in 2026. These pavilions will make premier representation available to American companies at the busiest events of the year for just $500 per booth.
In 2026 we plan to host a U.S. Hardwood Pavilion at these events:
IndiaWood, Bangalore, India (Feb 26-Mar 2)
Interzum Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China (Mar 28-31)
Dubai Woodshow, Dubai, UAE (Apr 21-23)
Qingdao International Furniture Fair, Qingdao, China (May 15-18)
TechnoMueble, Guadalajara, Mexico (Aug 19-22)
FMC Shanghai, Shanghai, China (Sept 8-11)
TIWF Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand (Sept 16-18)
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. 2025 has been another 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 before this show in the Jodhpur region of Rajasthan from February 23-25, then continue to IndiaWood, which starts on the 26th.
Interzum Guangzhou is one of the largest shows in China and covers every aspect of the furniture and flooring industries. Held from March 28-31 every year, Interzum GZ will have one of the largest AHEC pavilions of the year due to strong demand and will accommodate roughly 25 companies.
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, particularly 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.
Qingdao International Furniture Fair, based on the success of our first AHEC pavilion at QIFF in 2025, we will once again host a space for roughly 20 U.S. companies to exhibit and meet customers in Qingdao in 2026. The Qingdao market has been one of the more consistent buyers of American hardwood lumber, so we are excited to help your company develop these connections at this new pavilion in China.
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.
FMC Shanghai in September will be the third pavilion of the year in China and is usually a larger pavilion around the same size as Interzum Guangzhou. In 2024 and 2025, AHEC showcased the “Echoes of the Woods” project in Shanghai during the FMC show. The innovative design collaboration celebrates Chinese design with American hardwoods, and AHEC plans to host another design and education event during FMC 2026.
TIWF Bangkok is back in 2026 after a successful debut in 2024. The Thailand market has room for growth as more investment pours into the Southeast Asian region. With no major wood show in Vietnam, this pavilion in Bangkok will be our largest event in SE Asia in 2026.
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 AHEC Conventions. All AHEC members that register will be given a free table with their company logo at a cocktail reception with our attending buyers. We plan to host a AHEC Convention in China in 2026, as well as a “Mini Convention” in India. These events 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.
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 Conventions or any of the trade shows listed here, please contact AHEC’s International Program Manager, Tripp Pryor, tpryor@ahec.org.
