October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    18 Aug 2027

    City / country

    Savannah, United States

    Venue

    Savannah Convention Center

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo is the premier event for the wood products manufacturing community, showcasing innovations in machinery, technology, and services.

    It connects industry professionals for networking and business opportunities.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo takes place on August 18, 2027, at Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: This premier event connects over 1,200 decision-makers in the wood products industry, showcasing innovations in machinery and technology.
    3. 3Organiser: The event is organised by the Southern Forest Products Association, with more details available at sfpaexpo.com.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from the wood products manufacturing sector, looking for new products and solutions.
    5. 5Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website, with opportunities for exhibitors to secure their space.

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into the latest technologies and products in the wood products sector, network with industry leaders, and explore new business opportunities. Dates and Venue: The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo takes place on August 18, 2027, at Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from the wood products manufacturing sector, looking for new products and solutions.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the expo offers companies direct access to key decision-makers, enhancing visibility and generating high-value leads in the wood products market. Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from the wood products manufacturing sector, looking for new products and solutions. Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website, with opportunities for exhibitors to secure their space. This expo is crucial for the wood products industry,.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Manufacturers of wood products
    Suppliers of machinery and technology
    Industry decision-makers and executives
    Buyers from retail and distribution sectors
    Engineers and technical experts in wood processing
    Investors and stakeholders in the wood industry

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Machinery manufacturers
    Suppliers of bioenergy solutions
    Providers of engineered wood products
    Companies specializing in remanufacturing
    Pallet manufacturers
    Technology providers for wood processing

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Machinery for hardwood and softwood processing
    Bioenergy solutions for wood products
    Engineered wood products and materials
    Remanufacturing equipment and services
    Pallet manufacturing technologies
    Pressure-treating solutions for wood products

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Savannah Convention Center

    Savannah, GA, United States

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Southern Forest Products Association

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Visitors

    1,041

    Exhibitors

    243

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The 2025 edition reported 243 exhibiting companies and 1,041 registered attendees; attendance reflects registered badges from wood products manufacturers, sawmills, millwork and panel operations. The 2025 edition brought together 1,041+ visitors at Savannah Convention Center. The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo is the premier event for the wood products manufacturing community, showcasing innovations in machinery, technology, and services. It connects industry professionals for networking and business.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Manufacturers of wood products, Suppliers of machinery and technology, Industry decision-makers and executives, Buyers from retail and distribution sectors. Dates and Venue: The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo takes place on August 18, 2027, at Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA. Scale and Focus: This premier event connects over 1,200 decision-makers in the wood products industry, showcasing innovations in machinery and technology. Organiser: The event is organised by.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at the expo offers companies direct access to key decision-makers, enhancing visibility and generating high-value leads in the wood products market. Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from the wood products manufacturing sector, looking for new products and solutions. Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website, with opportunities for exhibitors to secure their space. This expo is crucial for the wood products industry,.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Southeast United States — the Georgia and South Carolina coastal wood basket centred on Savannah, GA, at the heart of the US South Atlantic sawmilling, millwork and wood pellet corridor

    Why it matters

    Attending Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo - SFPA on 2027-08-18 to 2027-08-18 in Savannah lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Automation and labour efficiency covers the shift toward automated sawmill, grading, material-handling and finishing systems that reduce manual labour and downtime.

    02

    Engineered wood and mass timber

    Engineered wood and mass timber describes composite and structural wood products such as CLT, glulam and LVL used in construction.

    03

    Bioenergy and residuals

    Bioenergy and residuals refers to converting wood waste, bark and sawdust into pellets, heat or power.

    04

    Remanufacturing and pallet production

    Remanufacturing and pallet production covers secondary processing that turns lumber and used material into pallets, crates and re-machined components.

    05

    Sustainability in procurement

    Sustainability in procurement means energy use, recyclable materials and carbon reporting are increasingly built into supplier RFPs and scorecards.

    06

    Digital buyer journeys

    Digital buyer journeys describes how professionals research exhibitors, build agendas and book meetings online before the show.

    Global forest products and woodworking machinery circuit

    Book Savannah hotel rooms and booth meetings 8–12 weeks ahead; IWF Atlanta and LIGNA Hannover run on alternating two-year cycles, so capital decisions are usually spread across both.

    SFPA EXPO sits inside a two-year cycle of forest products, sawmilling and woodworking technology fairs. Machinery builders and mill buyers rotate stand investment and evaluation visits between the North American and European editions to compare equipment lines, pricing and service coverage.

    Pre-show

    Confirm exhibitor meetings and live machinery demonstration slots for the SFPA EXPO show floor.

    Show week

    Hall walk-throughs, sawmill and drying-line demonstrations, supplier negotiations and quotation reviews.

    Post-show

    Benchmark Savannah quotes against LIGNA and IWF alternatives before committing capital budgets.

    Peer events are established forest products and woodworking machinery fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    SAV

    Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

    Closest gateway to the Savannah Convention Center, reached via I-95/I-16 and the Talmadge Bridge to Hutchinson Island. Rideshare pickup, taxi ranks and on-site rental cars at the terminal.

    ~19 km (12 mi)

    to venue

    20–25 min off-peak

    by car

    CHS

    Charleston International Airport

    South Carolina alternative via I-95 and I-26; pairs well with a Charleston hotel stay or a two-city trip. Good option when SAV fares spike for show week.

    ~170 km (105 mi)

    to venue

    1 h 45 min–2 h

    by car

    JAX

    Jacksonville International Airport

    Florida gateway reached via I-95 and I-16; useful for visitors combining the EXPO with north Florida or Georgia mill site visits.

    ~225 km (140 mi)

    to venue

    2 h–2 h 20 min

    by car

    ATL

    Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

    Largest hub in the region with the widest domestic and international connections; drive via I-75 and I-16. Best used with an Atlanta stopover rather than as a same-day arrival.

    ~400 km (250 mi)

    to venue

    3 h 45 min–4 h 15 min

    by car

    HHH

    Hilton Head Island Airport

    Small regional airport with limited commercial service and seasonal routes; convenient only if you are lodging on Hilton Head Island.

    ~65 km (40 mi)

    to venue

    50–60 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Premium
    Hutchinson Island, adjacent to the Savannah Convention Center

    Not yet confirmed

    The closest full-service hotel to the hall — walk or ride the free Savannah Belles Ferry to River Street. Book 10–12 weeks ahead for August show week.

    Premium
    Historic District riverfront, West Bay Street

    Not yet confirmed

    Riverfront rooms and easy access to the City Hall ferry dock for the fare-free crossing to the convention center.

    Premium
    Historic District riverfront, Bay Street

    Not yet confirmed

    Full-service riverfront hotel a short walk from the ferry dock and the River Street restaurant strip.

    Premium
    Ellis Square, Historic District

    Not yet confirmed

    Boutique option for executive travel, walking distance to River Street and the ferry docks.

    Mid-range
    Ellis Square, Historic District

    Not yet confirmed

    Contemporary mid-scale property in the centre of the Historic District; roughly 10 minutes on foot to the river ferry.

    Mid-range
    West Bay Street, Historic District

    Not yet confirmed

    Reliable business-travel standard with parking, close to Bay Street and the ferry landing.

    Budget
    West Bay Street / Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

    Not yet confirmed

    Value base within walking distance of the ferry dock; breakfast included, useful for multi-day show stays.

    Budget
    East Bay Street, Historic District

    Not yet confirmed

    Economical option steps from Bay Street, the riverfront and the free ferry service to Hutchinson Island.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    DOT Downtown Transportation (trolley and ferry)

    Estimated costFree (fare-free)

    Three fare-free DOT services connect downtown Savannah's historic district and principal points of interest.

    CAT bus network

    Estimated costFree within the downtown DOT zone

    Chatham Area Transit runs local bus routes; the downtown system is described as fare-free in partnership with DOT.

    Parking garages and on-street meters

    Estimated costPaid; rates vary by garage and meter

    Leave vehicles in hotel or public downtown garages and use DOT transit instead of driving congested central areas.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forSavannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to Savannah Convention Center

    20–25 min off-peak; Closest gateway to the Savannah Convention Center, reached via I-95/I-16 and the Talmadge Bridge to Hutchinson Island. Rideshare pickup, taxi ranks and on-site rental cars at the terminal.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forCharleston International Airport (CHS) to Savannah Convention Center

    1 h 45 min–2 h; South Carolina alternative via I-95 and I-26; pairs well with a Charleston hotel stay or a two-city trip. Good option when SAV fares spike for show week.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forJacksonville International Airport (JAX) to Savannah Convention Center

    2 h–2 h 20 min; Florida gateway reached via I-95 and I-16; useful for visitors combining the EXPO with north Florida or Georgia mill site visits.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Savannah Convention Center

    3 h 45 min–4 h 15 min; Largest hub in the region with the widest domestic and international connections; drive via I-75 and I-16. Best used with an Atlanta stopover rather than as a same-day arrival.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forHilton Head Island Airport (HHH) to Savannah Convention Center

    50–60 min; Small regional airport with limited commercial service and seasonal routes; convenient only if you are lodging on Hilton Head Island.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Temporary Business VisitorBusiness travellers from countries not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program who attend conventions, meetings or contract negotiations$185.00Varies by consulate; apply several weeks to months ahead of travel

    Nationals of 41 Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States for business stays of 90 days or less without a visa, provided they hold an approved ESTA.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Savannah in August is hot and humid, with average daytime highs near 33°C (91°F) and nighttime lows around 23°C (73°F). August is the city's wettest month, bringing frequent intense showers, so plan for heat, humidity and rain during the show.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Mobile coverage in Savannah is strong on major US networks. Business visitors typically choose a local prepaid SIM, a travel eSIM data plan, or a pocket WiFi device; hotel and venue Wi-Fi is common, so confirm roaming or a US eSIM before travel.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    Restaurant servers expect 18–20% of the pre-tax bill, bartenders around USD 1–2 per drink, and hotel housekeeping USD 2–5 per night. Taxi and rideshare drivers are typically tipped 15–20%.

    Business dress and greetings

    Savannah business culture is smart-casual Southern: collared shirts and slacks are standard, with jackets optional in August humidity. Handshakes, first names and quick business-card exchanges are the norm on the show floor and at supplier dinners.

    Historic District customs

    The Historic District is a protected landmark area with cobblestone streets and open-container 'to-go' cups permitted within its boundaries. Sales tax on purchases is 7%, most of the district is walkable, and comfortable shoes are more useful than a car during show week.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: SAV

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Savannah; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for business generally need a B-1 (or combined B-1/B-2) visitor visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which permits nationals of 41 countries visa-free business stays of 90 days or less. Attending a business convention or conference is an accepted B-1 purpose.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Visa Waiver Program travellers must hold an approved ESTA before departure. If you already hold another valid US nonimmigrant status you may apply to change to B-1 using Form I-539.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2027-08-18

    Check-out (recommended)

    2027-08-21

    Areas to stay

    East Bay Street, Historic District · Ellis Square, Historic District · Historic District riverfront, Bay Street · Historic District riverfront, West Bay Street · Hutchinson Island, adjacent to the Savannah Convention Center

    premium

    USD 300-520/night

    premium

    USD 220-380/night

    premium

    USD 210-360/night

    premium

    USD 300-500/night

    mid range

    USD 200-320/night

    mid range

    USD 160-260/night

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): 20–25 min off-peak; Charleston International Airport (CHS): 1 h 45 min–2 h; Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): 2 h–2 h 20 min; Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): 3 h 45 min–4 h 15 min. Allow road or rail time to Savannah Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Savannah Convention Center: Hutchinson Island, adjacent to the Savannah Convention Center: The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa; Historic District riverfront, West Bay Street: Hyatt Regency Savannah; Historic District riverfront, Bay Street: Marriott Savannah Riverfront.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Savannah; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Savannah's fare-free DOT Downtown Transportation system (trolley and ferry) and the CAT bus network connect downtown hotels and the historic district; park at a hotel or public garage and ride DOT to the venue. Confirm show-specific shuttle details with the organiser closer to the event.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Savannah Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: August 2027

    Temperature: Daytime highs near 33°C (91°F) and nighttime lows around 23°C (73°F) through August in Savannah.

    Seasonality: August is Savannah's wettest month, averaging roughly 175-195 mm of rainfall across about 17-18 rain days, with frequent heavy showers.

    Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing for heat and humidity, plus an umbrella or poncho and quick-dry footwear for frequent August showers. Venues are air conditioned, so a light layer helps indoors.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Opening day — Wednesday 18 August 2027

    Opening day delivers the complete exhibitor roster, scheduled live machinery demonstrations and the first look at new log-processing, sawmilling and drying lines before the floor fills. Buyers needing extended technical reviews should book supplier meetings as follow-ups on later show days or by appointment in the weeks after the EXPO.

    14

    Confirm passport validity and check whether you need a US B-1 visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). — Review the US Department of State business visa page and apply early if a visa is required.

    12

    Book flights into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and reserve a hotel for 18-20 August 2027. — Choose a downtown or Southside property; downtown hotels are served by the fare-free DOT transit.

    10

    Register online for Forest Products EXPO 2027 and request your visitor badge. — Registration is expected to open in March 2027 per SFPA.

    8

    Confirm hotel nights covering the show dates and check free parking or shuttle options. — August is peak season in Savannah, so lock in rooms early.

    7

    Download the hall plan and programme and shortlist exhibitors in log processing, remanufacturing, pallets, bioenergy and engineered wood. — Use the exhibitor list to build a product sourcing shortlist.

    5

    Pre-schedule B2B meetings and machinery demonstrations with target suppliers. — Confirm stand numbers and meeting times before you fly.

    4

    Arrange local transport: fare-free DOT trolley and ferry, CAT bus, or ride-hail to the venue. — Leave your car at the hotel or a downtown garage and use DOT transit.

    3

    Pack light breathable clothing, rain gear and comfortable shoes for hot, humid, showery Savannah weather. — Expect highs near 33°C and frequent August showers.

    2

    Prepare meeting documents, business cards and a lead-capture plan; save your badge confirmation. — Bring printed specs for equipment you are evaluating.

    1

    Arrive in Savannah, collect your badge at registration and confirm Day-1 opening hours and hall access. — Allow time for airport transfer and venue orientation.

    Networking spots

    3

    Savannah Convention Center exhibit hall aisles

     

     

     

    The Westin Savannah Harbor riverfront lobby and bar

     

     

     

    River Street and City Market venues in the Historic District

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    • Visa$185.00
    Estimated total$335.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 Temporary Business Visitor

    USD 185 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Wood products manufacturers, sawmill and millwork operators, and procurement engineers evaluating new log processing, remanufacturing and bioenergy equipment.

    Min. budget

    $350.00

    Timeline

    4-6 weeks for flights and hotel; apply for a US visa earlier if you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

    Risks

    August is Savannah's wettest and busiest month, so book hotel rooms early to avoid peak pricing

    Allow extra time for US visa processing if a visa is required

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Machinery, technology and service suppliers targeting the wood products industry - the 2025 edition drew 243 exhibiting companies and 1,041 registered attendees.

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    Book space 6-9 months ahead; booth sales open June 2026 for the 39th EXPO.

    Risks

    Premium stand locations sell out early

    Freight and rigging costs for heavy machinery can exceed stand rental

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Professionals outside the forest products and wood manufacturing supply chain, or those unable to travel to Savannah in August 2027.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    No travel required.

    Risks

    Missing face-to-face access to live machinery demonstrations and supplier relationships

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    US Department of State

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo - SFPA
    Official imagery from Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo - SFPA

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Wood Products
    Products made from wood, including lumber, engineered wood and wood-based materials.
    2
    Machinery
    Equipment used in the manufacturing and processing of wood products, the core exhibit category at EXPO.
    3
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at the expo.
    4
    Networking
    The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.
    5
    Bioenergy
    Energy produced from organic materials, including wood waste and residuals.
    6
    Remanufacturing
    Secondary processing that restores or re-machines wood material into new products such as pallets and crates.
    7
    SFPA
    Southern Forest Products Association, the trade body that hosts the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO.
    8
    Engineered Wood Products (EWP)
    Composite wood products such as LVL, glulam and CLT, engineered for structural or industrial use.
    9
    Sawmill
    A facility that converts logs into lumber using saws, debarkers, edgers and planers, the core machinery category at EXPO.
    10
    Pressure Treating
    Forcing preservative chemicals into wood under pressure to protect it against decay and insects, typically for outdoor applications.
    11
    Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
    A US program letting nationals of 41 countries travel for business up to 90 days without a visa, after ESTA approval.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    1

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Southern Forest Products Association

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