ACFA has been chosen by the AWISA Board to manage the AWISA Exhibition, starting with the 2024 AWISA Show to be held next July.
The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) and The Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association (AWISA) have enjoyed a strong relationship for many years, based on mutual respect and appreciation of what each association provides to our industry. AWISA has been a long-term supporter of the ACFA Industry Awards, particularly as the partner of the Cabinet Maker of the Year award.
Over several months, ACFA and AWISA have been in discussions on ways they can work more closely together. The industry now has two strong bodies combining their efforts to provide major benefits to all sectors of our industry and its stakeholders.
The ACFA Team has been preparing for the handover and is eager to add their skill set and resources in continuing to provide a world-renowned exhibition for our industry. This step is a great opportunity for ACFA to build upon their tagline “For Industry By Industry”, and advocate on behalf of the entire sector.
This announcement will not change the services and benefits of your ACFA Membership. ACFA is excited to start this new journey as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year.
Brett Ambrose, Chairman of the AWISA Board, says, “For over 30 years the Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association and the AWISA exhibitions have been managed by Geoff and Laurel Holland of Contact Exhibitions Pty Ltd. Some time ago, Geoff Holland indicated that he wished to start planning for retirement.
Discussions were started with the Australian Cabinet & Furniture Association. ACFA has been in operation since 1948 as an employer association in the woodworking industry. ACFA also has a Registered Training Organisation arm in its business model. Over the years ACFA has also been in event management with furniture fairs, awards functions and conferences. In ACFA, AWISA has found an organisation that combines woodworking experience and event management skills.
Among ACFA’s team are experienced individuals who will manage all aspects of the AWISA trade show in 2024. The CEO of ACFA, Dean Brakell, has over 30 years’ experience in woodworking manufacturing and is well known to many AWISA members.
Geoff Holland has been responsible for the launch of space sales for AWISA 2024. However, once the initial booking process has been completed and the applications tabled at the AWISA board meeting on 21 April 2023, the process of getting applicants to choose their stand locations will be handled by Fiona Joynes, Program Manager at ACFA. Contact Exhibitions Pty Ltd will continue to be fully involved with AWISA until 31 July 2023, at which time ACFA will take over full responsibility for the exhibition and for association management. Contact Exhibitions will continue to manage the AWISA magazine until 31 December 2023”.
For more information visit acfa.net.au/
