Surface and Panel

Biesse America has appointed Clinten Butts as Regional Sales Manager – Wood for the West Coast, effective June 15, as the company continues expanding its sales and customer support network across North America. Based in the western region, Butts will oversee sales activities for Biesse America’s wood division and report to Mike Johnson, Sales Director – Wood.

The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has opened applications for its 2027 Style Spotters team, inviting design professionals to participate in one of the furnishings industry’s most visible trend-forecasting programs. Applications are being accepted through July 24 for the initiative, which selects a group of designers and industry influencers to identify standout products, emerging aesthetics and key design directions during both the Spring and Fall 2027 editions of High Point Market.

Schattdecor SE has announced a reorganization of its Executive Board, aligning leadership responsibilities to support the company’s long-term strategic development and strengthen collaboration across customer-facing functions. As part of the transition, Robert Vuga has stepped down from his role as Executive Board member responsible for Global Sales by mutual agreement to pursue new professional opportunities.

Registration is now open for the 2026 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention, bringing together distributors, suppliers and industry leaders from across North America’s flooring and building materials sectors Nov. 3–5 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Named one of Trade Show Executive’s 50 Fastest-Growing Shows of 2025, the annual event has become a key destination for executives seeking new partnerships, market intelligence and business opportunities throughout the distribution channel.

The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA26) concluded June 13 in San Diego, having brought together more than 12,000 architects, designers and industry professionals from around the world for four days of education, networking and product discovery. Held at the San Diego Convention Center, this year’s event reflected a profession navigating rapid change.

The race for one of the woodworking industry’s most prestigious innovation awards is officially underway. Organizers of IWF 2026 have announced the 20 finalists for the IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award, selected from an initial field of 84 entries submitted by 65 exhibiting companies. The finalists represent some of the latest advancements in automation, machinery, software integration, tooling and production efficiency designed to transform wood products manufacturing.

As anticipation builds for IWF 2026, organizers have announced the field of entrants for one of the woodworking industry’s most closely watched innovation competitions: the IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award. Recognized throughout the woodworking and manufacturing sectors, the Challengers Award honors companies introducing products, services, manufacturing technologies and production techniques designed to advance the industry and improve the way manufacturers operate.

Hexagon has acquired Planit Canada, a move that expands Hexagon’s direct presence in the Canadian woodworking market while reinforcing its investment in the digital technologies increasingly driving cabinet and casegoods manufacturing. The acquisition integrates Planit Canada into Hexagon’s Production Software Division, strengthening support for users of Cabinet Vision and creating new growth opportunities for Alphacam across Canada.

The winners of the 2026 Best of NeoCon Awards were announced June 8 at NeoCon 2026, recognizing products that are pushing the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, material development and user-centered design across commercial interiors. Now in its 36th year, the Best of NeoCon Awards remains one of the industry’s most recognized benchmarks for product innovation. This year’s competition attracted 274 entries from 97 exhibitors, with 71 products earning honors across 42 categories.

UCS Forest Group has officially rebranded as Spitz Group, a move the company says reflects both its 40-year history and its long-term growth strategy. The new name establishes a unified parent brand for the organization’s family of companies and aligns its identity with the scale, structure and capabilities it has developed over four decades in the wood products industry. “While our parent brand is changing, what defines us remains the same,” said Warren Spitz, Founder and CEO.