2023 KENTUCKY WOOD EXPO - It's a Wrap

The 35th Kentucky Wood Expo took place on September 15 & 16 at Masterson Station Park. This was the sixth show in Lexington and attendance exceeded expectations from the industry.   We are celebrating 40 years of the original Kentucky Logging Show that began in Morehead Kentucky in 1983.  A big thanks goes out to the Parks and Recreation Department for their assistance and cooperation during the week and VisitLEX along with the Lexington community for all their support for the show.  The Expo is conducted by the Kentucky Forest Industries Association to provide members an opportunity to see new technology and make purchasing decisions.

Although the number of exhibits was down, Robert Bauer, executive director of Kentucky Forest Industries Association, was pleased with the support and participation from those that brought their equipment and products to demonstrate at the Expo.  Bauer and other association leadership spoke with exhibitors and reported positive feedback.

The weather was perfect Friday and Saturday which brought an estimated attendance of 2,100 visitors, over 300 students from around the region and from other states, along with 200 plus vendors through the show. The industry crowd was more quality over quantity with a few exhibitors making contacts and selling equipment.  Several manufacturers exhibited portable sawmill machines, logging equipment and lots of other equipment.  

The success of this year’s expo is thanks to many of our members and partners throughout the forestry community. The show featured a number of events that not only drew in additional attendees but also provided many educational benefits and additional things to do while at the show.  A huge thank you goes out to the University of Kentucky Forestry Extension for all of their efforts to assist with conducting the collegiate conclave competition, educational events and supplying much needed labor for the show and providing a way for Kentucky Master Loggers to obtain 6 hours of continuing education hours.  A shout out also needs to go to the Kentucky Division of Forestry for their support of the Wood Expo by helping with the set-up, tear down and the arena competitions.  The industry is lucky to have such excellent partners to support forestry and the wood industry in Kentucky.

Plans are currently underway for the 2025 Kentucky Wood Expo.