Jay, the AWFS (American Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers) show takes place in alternating years in Las Vegas, 2007 etc. The International Woodworking Federation (IWF) show takes place in alternating years in Atlanta, 2008 etc.
I was there--the Woodworker's Supply booth was across a wide aisle from the BS races, and I can assure you that contrary to the claim that the races drew "thousands", I would guesstimate that there weren't more than 300-400 people there. The races started at 4:30, at the end of the show day, and lots of people just didn't want to wait around. I'd guess that at least 100 or so of the people "watching" were the participants (teams of 2, 3 or 4 people for each belt sander) and others were their "supporters." The pictures (two identicals) that were made from the top of the bleachers were made after 5:00 p.m., just at the time the show closed for the day. I and several WWS people are that picture somewhere--I recognize a couple of them--and we could not leave the booth until 5:00 p.m.
It was loud, the MC was inept, and seemed to be fun for some and intolerable for others.
As for the AWFS and the IWF, the idea behind these two shows is for companies and manufacturers to show off to professional woodworkers the new tools, machines, components, etc. that are available to the industry. Case in point: Steel City introduced their line of machines at the '06 IWF, then introduced their granite-topped machines this year at AWFS. A lot of the larger companies save their unveilings for these two shows. You don't have to be a professional to attend, but the AWFS requires registration under a company name (just name yourself with a company name); I'm not sure about IWF, but I think it's the same way. I do know a lot of people who attended AWFS who are just backyard woodworkers. There are also companies who will grab free tickets for their "best" customers.
I've been to Vegas twice for AWFS with the Woodworker's group (I'm a demonstrator for a couple of their machines). It's a great trip and a great show, but I won't be going again. Maybe the IWF in Atlanta next year (it's always the last week of August), but unless the company ponies up some large $$, I'm staying home!! It's just too darned hot in Vegas in July and Atlanta in August to spend my vacation time sweltering.
Nancy (136 days)