Patrick LaFramboise Honored by AHFA for Distinguished Service

November 18, 2014  by in Industry, Special Events   

LaFramboise was president and CEO of the International Woodworking Fair from 1994 through 2012. He produced more than 100 trade shows during his career, including some of the largest in the United States.  

The biennial International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair, known throughout the U.S. furniture industry as IWF, is held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. According to a January 2013 article in the trade journal Trade Show Executive, the event generated more than $360 million in hospitality revenue for Atlanta during LaFramboise’s tenure. It was ranked No. 34 on the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 in 2011, and was named one of the Fastest 50 growing shows in attendance by Trade Show Executive in 2012.

LaFramboise began his career at the 1974 World’s Fair in Spokane, Wash. He also worked for Clapp & Poliak, one of the first trade show management companies in the United States, and for the Graphics Arts Show Co. of Reston, Va., producer of trade shows for the graphic communications industry, before beginning his tenure at the largest woodworking show in the Americas.

AHFA’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually for the past 48 years. Recipients are noted for their contributions to the home furnishings industry, to the AHFA and to their local communities. 

In presenting the award to LaFramboise during AHFA’s annual gala last week, John D. Bassett III commended his colleague for leading IWF through more than a decade of growth. 

“Growing up on a farm taught him that hard work reaps the greatest accomplishments,” said Bassett, who lauded LaFramboise’s mediation skills, his attention to detail, his dedication to the industry and his integrity in decision-making. He further described LaFramboise as a problem-solver, motivator, task master, visionary and devoted family man. 

The award recognizes LaFramboise as a “Master Diplomat” within the furniture industry.