Annual Convention and Trade Show Preview
October 27-29
While other shows provide a full spread of windows, glass and machinery, when it comes to doors and millwork, you won’t find an event that’s more potent than World Millwork Alliance’s (WMA) Annual Convention & Trade Show. With a strong focus on education and content that’s tailored to distributors, WMA’s seminars and show floor are hidden gems for those looking to sell and distribute millwork. This year’s event takes place in Cleveland, where millwork professionals can explore the latest innovations and products. With new leadership in place, there’s a renewed energy surrounding WMA’s event.
One key difference attendees may notice from previous years includes a scheduling change. With a line-up of presentations and sessions, WMA officials are focusing on the event’s main attraction—education—while ensuring that everyone has time to enjoy the show floor. As a result, Monday is filled with presentations and educational sessions, allowing attendees to focus on learning. Tuesday, the exhibit hall opens at 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Wednesday, the exhibit hall is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On the Show Floor
With well over 100 exhibitors, WMA’s show will have plenty in store for door and window companies. Here’s a look at some of what you can expect to see.
Booth 318: FenSeal
FenSeal is excited to showcase its high-performance line of American-made door weatherstripping products. The company will also present its newest ½-inch reach door seal and custom extrusion solutions.
Company officials say they’re proud to support domestic manufacturing, which they say ensures consistent quality, short lead times and reliable supply chains. With four distribution points, including Phoenix, Tacoma, Washington, Dallas and Statesville, North Carolina, and one in Toronto, Canada, stock is ready to ship within a two-day ship point.
The company’s executive team will be in the booth.
Booth 221: Doorframer Inc.
Doorframer invites attendees to elevate their door manufacturing and installation processes, with innovative, American-made door packaging and protection solutions. The company’s DoorFast, Lightning Bolt and Flat Jamb Closure Clips are designed to secure doors and prevent sagging, while also simplifying installation. Hinge protectors, hinge covers, cork spacers and racking spacers ensure safe transport and flawless reveals.
Door handling products keep doors safe from cracking or chipping, including lift handles, bottom skids, brick mold bottom skids, split jamb skids, and bottom strap combos streamline movement and safeguard jambs.
For tailored solutions, ask about the company’s double door sidelite products, like bottom and top boots and closure key clips—all engineered for precise fit and secure shipments.
Booth 620: Simpson Door Company
Simpson will highlight new product solutions, including its Paint it Black performance technology, which makes it possible to finish exterior doors in black or other dark colors without compromising durability or voiding warranty coverage. Dark finishes traditionally have posed challenges, as low Light Reflective Value (LRV) paints absorb heat, leading to warping or premature material failure. Simpson’s engineered approach addresses these issues, maintaining stability and performance regardless of paint color.
The company will also present its Rift Cut White Oak interior doors. Manufactured from dense hardwood, these doors feature straight-grain patterns accented by natural ray flecks, producing a clean, architectural aesthetic. The design is suited to a broad spectrum of styles—from Craftsman and Mission to modern interiors—underscoring Simpson’s focus on traditional craftsmanship.
Keynote
Connor Lokar, senior forecaster at ITR Economics
10 a.m.-Noon
Hotel Cleveland, Grand Ballroom
This year’s event features Connor Lokar, senior forecaster at ITR Economics, as the keynote speaker. Lokar is set to discuss how millwork professionals can navigate economic trends while preparing for the future of the millwork industry. WMA officials say Lokar’s “signature wit and expert insights” are sure to make for an engaging session, as he breaks down market forecasts, discusses industry shifts, and provides actionable strategies.
Key Events/Sessions
Monday, October 27
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
WMA Women in Millwork Breakfast
Hotel Cleveland, Ambassador Ballroom
This special breakfast celebrating women of millwork includes time for networking and a featured speaker. “Whether you’re an industry veteran or just beginning your journey, this session is a chance to support one another, share insights, and spark meaningful conversations that move us forward—together,” show officials suggest.
1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
WMA Business Roundtable
Hotel Cleveland, Ambassador Ballroom
Labeled one of the most interactive sessions of the event, this industry roundtable gathers leaders, innovators and decision-makers. Show officials say it will be a fast-paced, high-energy exchange of ideas.
3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion: What’s Next in Millwork
Hotel Cleveland, Ambassador Ballroom
Join for a discussion of the trends, technologies and designs set to define the future of millwork.
Tuesday, October 28
In the Trade Show Theatre
10 a.m.
Keynote Presentation
If you have any interest in preservation, this presentation by award-winning master builder and historic millwork expert Brent Hull is one to see.
1 p.m.
A Change is Coming: Transforming Millwork with Thermally Modified Wood
Hal Mitchell, president of AHC Hardwood Group, and Stuart Sheridan, of Northern Ohio Lumber and Timber, will discuss how thermally modified wood is changing the future of millwork.
3 p.m.
Building an Effective Talent Strategy
Presenter Alex Chausovsky, of Bundy Group, will provide a data-driven look at the labor market, along with practical strategies for attracting and retaining top talent.
Booth 409: Advanced Screen Systems
Advanced Screen Systems will present its patented pre-hung entry door system, designed to integrate multiple functions into a single, factory-assembled unit. Rather than relying on aftermarket add-ons such as storm, screen, or security doors—which can pose challenges in fit and installation—the system combines an OEM entry door with a high-performance secondary door option in one pre-hung frame.
Configurations include security, pet-resistant, and storm door models, with select versions incorporating the Meshtec Advanced Screen System. These screens are engineered for strength and durability, offering resistance to impacts and tampering while maintaining airflow and visibility.
The pre-hung design is intended to streamline production for door shops and OEMs, while also simplifying installation for contractors in the field. By reducing time and complexity at both stages, the system delivers greater consistency and improved homeowner satisfaction. For dealers, it represents a way to meet rising consumer expectations for safety and functionality, while supporting long-term brand differentiation, company officials suggest.
www.advancedscreensystemsinc.com
Booth 711: FrontLine Building Products Inc.
FrontLine Building Products Inc. is set to showcase its latest innovations in premium door and window solutions. This year’s booth features enhanced AlumiGrain displays, highlighting the product’s ability to be painted or stained, giving door fabricators the flexibility to meet homeowners’ unique design preferences. AlumiGrain combines the warmth of a stain-grade finish with the strength of aluminum, delivering long-lasting performance that resists the forces of nature, according to company information.
The company will also present its aluminum and wood storm windows, designed for durability, energy efficiency and timeless appeal. Storm windows are engineered to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining a refined look, offering builders and dealers reliable options that homeowners will appreciate for years to come.
Booth 709: Hager Companies
Hager is proud to bring more than 175 years of innovation to this year’s convention with a full range of hardware solutions designed to deliver performance, reliability and value. Leading the way are the company’s residential hinges, which officials say are crafted for smooth installation, lasting durability and the high-end look today’s homeowners demand.
For projects that require extra strength, Hager’s commercial hinges provide solid dependability, while its sliding door hardware ensures effortless operation and sleek style—perfect for modern living spaces. 4700 Series exit devices deliver reliable protection and 5400 Series door controls keep doors operating seamlessly.
Booth 420: WoodWare Systems
WoodWare is featuring WebConnect, a fully browser-based module that’s built exclusively for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. It provides fast, accurate millwork configuring, quoting and ordering from anywhere, with seamless integration into WoodWare workflows.
With features like click-to-build configuration, real-time pricing and availability, instant quoting and ordering, and access to past orders via WoodWare’s DocXT, WebConnect delivers immediate, error-free orders. Because it runs in a browser, there’s no need for downloads or installation. Company officials say it’s intuitive, user-friendly and built to strengthen customer relationships—driving sales and improving retention.
Looking Ahead
WMA will host its Annual Convention & Trade Show October 27-29 in Cleveland, but the organization is a beat ahead, with the dates and locations pinned down for its 2026 and 2027 conventions. With a two-year partnership in place with Loews Hotels, the event will head to Orlando and then Arlington, Texas.
The 2026 convention will take place September 14-16, 2026, at Loews Pacific at Universal Orlando, a luxury resort offering direct access to Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk. Then, in 2027, the association will take its show “deep into the heart of Texas,” officials say, by way of the Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, October 18–20. Located in the Arlington Entertainment District, the 2027 event is just steps away from AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, the Texas Live! development, and a newly opened National Medal of Honor Museum.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the next two years,” said Renee Hornsby, WMA’s president and CEO. “Both Loews properties offer our attendees a seamless, one-roof experience. From world-class convention spaces to incredible attractions right outside your door, these locations deliver everything we need to elevate our annual gathering and provide lasting value for our members.”
Booth 209: Norfield
While best known for the legendary Magnum Door Machine, Norfield plans to exhibit a complete line of automated, pre-hung door equipment, including the 5000 and Eagle exterior door assembly machines.
It will also have its lite cutters on hand, such as the 4900CNC, and auxiliary door shop machines, like the 1130CNC auto casing cutter and 450, the original Stop Stitcher.
Complementing its machinery lines, the company’s online store offers a vast selection of door shop accessories, including door and jamb prep fixtures, cutting tools, packaging and material handling products, power tools, dust collectors and a myriad of shop accessories.
Booth M11: Nova Plastech
Nova Plastech has released its Pro-Tek and Poly-Tek Adjustable Sills. Built on an injection-molded and extruded substrate, sills feature a 1-⅜-inch rail height with ¼-inch of upward adjustment to ensure a perfect seal for exterior door applications.
The sill system eliminates exposed fasteners, while the patented removable rail cap allows for quick access to adjustment screws. Rail caps can be reinstalled effortlessly with a snap-fit design.
Beyond practical advantages, sills are fully tested, making it easier for door manufacturers to certify complete door systems with confidence. The end result is a reliable, installer-friendly solution.
Booth M8: Worldwide Door Components
Worldwide Door Components will highlight its latest door millwork innovations, including a new, patent-pending EcoLast door frame. Designed as part of the company’s good, better, best composite and PVC jamb offerings, EcoLast combines structural durability with resistance to moisture, insects and mold. The frame is manufactured from engineered composite technology, eliminating concerns over warping, rotting and other issues commonly associated with traditional wood jambs.
In addition to EcoLast, a wide range of product samples covering the company’s full millwork line will be presented.
To view the laid-in version of this issue in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.