Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award®

What Is the Challengers 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.

The 2024 IWF Challengers Award competition featured 92 submissions from 75 exhibiting companies.

VIEW THE 2024 CHALLENGERS AWARD WINNERS

See the full list of 2024 Entrants & Finalists

The seven winners in the 2024 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award competition were announced onsite during IWF 2024. 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 2024 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 a full list of all previous winners

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 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.

Why stick with traditional veneer that’s fragile, wasteful, and outdated, when Master Oak offers a smarter, more sustainable alternative? Engineered to combine unmatched durability with the timeless beauty of oak, Master Oak resists scratches, stains, and wear, making it ideal for even the most demanding interiors. Recognized by the Challengers Award, Master Oak not only validated our commitment to innovation but also underscored our ability to redefine what’s possible in design and functionality.

We highly encourage any company challenging the norm to participate in this competition. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the woodworking community, highlight your innovative spirit, and gain global recognition. For Unilin Panels, it was an honor that continues to inspire us to innovate and lead the way in the decorative panels market.”
— Julie Lauwers, 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!”
— Brandon Koetter, President – Northtech Machine LLC

“Participating in the IWF Challengers Award was such a rewarding experience for our team at Total Finishing. It gave us the chance to share our passion for innovation with the woodworking world and highlight how Total Flatline Automation™ Featuring the VD Simple Dynamic Spray Machine and the Walcom 360 TRUE LIGHT 2.0 are truly making a difference. These award-winning products are the result of incredible collaboration with our industry partners, who share our commitment to pushing boundaries and solving real challenges. Total Flatline Automation™ Featuring the VD Simple Dynamic Spray Machine transforms any flatline into a one-man, part-time operation! while the Walcom 360 TRUE LIGHT 2.0 attaches to your spray gun directly illuminating the surface to be painted and is redefining precision in the industry. 

The entire process brought our team together in a way that was both inspiring and rewarding. Winning not one, but two awards, was a huge honor and opened the door to so many great conversations with attendees at the show. If you’re proud of what you’ve created and want to show it to the industry, the Challengers Award is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”

We highly encourage any company challenging the norm to participate in this competition. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the woodworking community, highlight your innovative spirit, and gain global recognition. For Unilin Panels, it was an honor that continues to inspire us to innovate and lead the way in the decorative panels market.”
— Hannah Christopherson, Marketing Manager – Total Finishing Solutions, LLC