The East Coast Sawmill, Logging & Pallet Equipment Exposition (EXPO Richmond) is quickly approaching, and it is celebrating 40 years as a major event connecting the industry. EXPO Richmond has become a great place for pallet and lumber companies to investigate the latest machinery innovations, network with hundreds of suppliers and seek out solutions to help improve their businesses.
Be aware that the event has moved earlier in the year and is once again being held at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA not the Richmond Raceway Complex. EXPO Richmond will take place April 17-18. You can see a list of the current exhibitors on page 43. The event will include live equipment displays and demonstrations, educational sessions and much more.
EXPO Richmond is one of the largest forest products trade shows on the East Coast, bringing together loggers, foresters, sawmills, pallet companies, landowners and leading suppliers.
Attendees will find the largest collection of sawmilling, kiln drying, pallet manufacturing and recycling, harvesting, biomass, trucking, optimization/scanning, material handling, firewood production, and related equipment, supplies and services — all in one convenient location.
With plenty of free parking, two full days of indoor and outdoor exhibits, live demonstrations, Virginia Tech and SHARP Logger classes and food trucks all day, EXPO Richmond delivers the hands-on experience attendees have come to expect and enjoy. Exhibit space for the 2026 event is nearly sold out, reflecting strong demand from equipment manufacturers and service providers. If you want to exhibit at the event, contact EXPO Richmond at (804) 737-5625 or mail: staff@exporichmond.com.
A key highlight for pallet professionals will be the Woodpack Global (formerly NWPCA) Pallet Design System™ (PDS) course, scheduled for Friday, April 17. The course offers valuable training on pallet design, performance, and optimization using the industry-recognized PDS software platform.
In addition to equipment exhibits and educational opportunities, attendees will enjoy professional lumberjack entertainment presented by Lumberjack Enterprises, featuring competitive wood-cutting demonstrations and interactive performances throughout the event.
Other educational classes include: a lumber drying short course (morning) and a roundtable discussion on AI technology in forest products (afternoon) held on April 16th. The “Drying Lumber with a Solar Kiln” course is designed for the small-scale woodworking facility or hobby woodworker and will provide information about how to design, build and operate an efficient solar kiln. This course will be taught by Brian H. Bond, Ph.D., is a professor and extension specialist at Virginia Tech, he has 25 years of experience in the design and operation of a solar kiln. Come learn and ask questions in person. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ys3yzvz9. The cost is only $30.
And in the afternoon, “Looking Toward the Future: Artificial Intelligence in Forest Products Industry” will feature a panel of industry experts exploring current and future applications for AI technology. Hear directly from industry leaders through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A, with plenty of opportunities to network and connect. For more information, visit https://cfpb.vt.edu. The cost is only $35.
To help boost young talent in the forest products industry, the event will feature NextGen Forestry 2026. This workforce program attracts high school juniors and seniors who want to explore real career pathways in the natural resources and forest products industry. It connects students directly with educators, employers and industry professionals. Students will discover the world of forestry and learn about the diverse career paths and opportunities, all while exploring the expo event itself. For more information, see the EXPO Richmond website.
“The EXPO has always been about bringing the industry together in one place to see equipment, share ideas, and build relationships,” said Kennon Morris, Chairman of the Virginia Forest Products Association. “As we celebrate our 40th show, we’re also focused on the future of the industry through workforce initiatives like NextGen Forestry, while continuing to provide real value for businesses across the sawmill, logging, and pallet sectors.”
The biennial event is produced by the Virginia Forest Products Association (VFPA) and the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension Services and has served the industry for decades as a practical, business-focused gathering centered on equipment, innovation, and workforce connections. It is also a great place to bring the family to help inspire the next generation. Don’t wait, register today for a discounted rate at www.exporichmond.com or you can register on-site.
