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65 Reasons to Register for the AAW International Woodturning Symposium

2023 AAW Symposium:




The woodturning community is excited to come together in-person in Louisville, KY this June 1-4 for the AAW International Woodturning Symposium. There are many reasons why this is the can’t miss event for hobbyists, experienced woodturners, artists, collectors and vendors.


Reason #1: Expand Your Community

What better place to find new woodturning friends than the largest woodturning event of the year? With woodturning enthusiasts from all over the world converging in Louisville, KY, you’re bound to make new connections and rekindle old friendships. Being at this event in-person also gives you an opportunity to meet and chat with some of the best woodturning demonstrators.


Reason #2: Learn to Turn

If you are new to woodturning, the AAW Symposium is the best way to learn quickly and get comfortable on the lathe. Attend the demonstrations geared toward beginners to watch top woodturners teach important skills in person. Visit the tradeshow to learn how to turn your very own souvenir pen. Kids 10-18 years old can sign-up for beginner sessions in the Learn to Turn Youth Room where you can turn tree ornaments, yo-yos, spinning tops and more.


Reason #3: Expand Your Expertise

Even if you are a well experienced woodturner, you’ll learn new tricks to improve on the skills you already have with more advanced rotations such as Turning a Human Bust with Derek Weidman, The Science of Woodturning with Seri Robinson, and Carving a Wave or Leaf Motif onto Turned Pieces with Elizabeth Weber. This live, in-person experience is sure to take your woodturning to the next level.


Reason #4: Find Inspiration

Not only will there be dozens of demonstrations to choose from, but there will also be discussion panels every day that are meant to inspire woodturners to try new things, learn how to make their hobby into a business, and more! Audience participation is highly encouraged and there will be lots of opportunities to get answers to your questions from experts in the industry.


Reason #5: Discover New Tools and Gear

A woodturner can never have too many helpful tools…right? Visit the largest woodturning tradeshow in the world to test drive and buy new products for your shop. Come in for the vendor giveaways and stay for the demonstrations of some of the best tools and gear available today.


Reason #6: Showcase Your Work

All woodturners are welcome to bring up to three pieces they’ve made to show off at the Instant Gallery. Looking for specific feedback? Sign-up on site for an Intimate Critique to have your work reviewed by some of the most knowledgeable and respected woodturners, woodworkers, and curators.


Reason #7: Browse Hundreds of Pieces of Artwork

Woodturners, artists and collectors alike can enjoy all the AAW Symposium galleries and exhibitions have to offer. Between the Member Exhibition, Instant Gallery, and POP Exhibition, Artist Showcase and Merit Award Show there’s something for everyone to enjoy. No where else can you see this amount of wood art from international artists and woodturners in one place.


Reason #8: Silent and Live Auctions

Join in the excitement of live bidding and get a chance to own a piece of art that will be kept for generations at the live auction on Friday. Support the AAW’s educational mission and programs by bidding Thursday-Saturday on completed pieces, tools, supplies, or even wood blanks in the silent auction.


Reason #9: Enjoy Evening Entertainment

Be the first to find out what is new with the AAW and celebrate award winners’ accomplishments over a hearty three course meal with all your woodturning friends. Then enjoy our evening entertainment, followed by the end of the silent auction.


Reason #10: Discover Louisville

Learn more about what Louisville, "The Bourbon City", has to offer during your time at the symposium. There are so many renowned restaurants and attractions for you to enjoy. Venture out to experience the booming bourbon renaissance, visit the Louisville Slugger museum and factory or be amazed by the Speed Art Museum.

55 More Reasons:

You can save up $55 if you register for the AAW Symposium by May 1! That’s 55 more reasons to register soon and not miss out on the biggest woodturning event of the year.


Woodturners from around the world will be converging on Louisville, KY this June 1-4. Click the link below to see everything happening this year and get the discounted registration rate before it expires.





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