Recognizing Innovation

Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award®

The IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award has become known throughout the world for recognizing outstanding companies who have distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance the industry.

View 2026 Winners

2026 Challengers Awards

The 2026 IWF Challengers Award competition featured 92 submissions from 75 exhibiting companies.

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The seven winners in the 2026 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award competition were announced onsite during WF 2026. A panel of 9 distinguished judges, all of whom were industry professionals representing a broad cross-section of the industry, reviewed and analyzed each entry. From these entries, 20 finalists were selected to perform live demonstrations of their entries on the day before the opening of IWF 2026 for the panel of judges, who then made their final decisions on the most innovative product development. The finalists were on display in the Challengers Award Gallery throughout the duration of the show.
See 2026 Entrants & Finalists

Enter Free

Awarding
Innovation

Companies that have developed new and innovative technologies in products, services, or manufacturing techniques should all take part in this internationally recognized competition. Entering is free to all exhibitors contracted for that year’s IWF and will put you in the spotlight as one of the forward-thinking companies making advancements to move the industry forward.
For more information regarding the IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award competition, please contact JP Roberts at jp@iwfatlanta.com or by phone at 404.693.8333
See All Previous Winners
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Recipients Praise

See What Recipients of the 2024 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award ® Had to Say.
The IWF Challengers Award was a remarkable experience and milestone for the Unilin Panels team. As a European player, being recognized on a global platform brought immense pride and excitement to our company. Winning with Master Oak, our engineered veneer that sets a new standard for authenticity in decorative panels, highlighted the strength of European innovation on the global stage.
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Olivia Reynolds

Campaign Manager & NAM trade marketer – Unilin Panels
Northtech was honored to receive the Challengers Award for the second time in a row, it is a great addition to the lobby. Northtech guests recognize the distinctly unique bronze trophy immediately when they arrive, which elevates their perspective of Northtech as an active contributor to the woodworking industry; and that just makes people want to do business with you. We are already in the process of working to see if we can have the next dream ready by 2026!
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Ethan Mitchell

President – Northtech Machine LLC

Show Dates &
Location

August 25-28, 2026

  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:00
  • Friday 08:30 - 14:00
Georgia World Congress Center,
285 Andrew Young International BIvd, Atlanta, GA 30313
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