Schedules & Programs at EXPO Richmond
Easy Planning for EXPO Richmond 2026
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This is the schedule for 2026 show. All registrations are closed as the courses have been completed. We just want to give you an idea of what to expect April 21-22, 2028!
Plan your visit to EXPO Richmond 2026 with the complete schedule of programs, show hours, educational opportunities, and special events. Whether you are an exhibitor preparing your space, a buyer planning time on the show floor, or an attendee visiting with family, this schedule helps you make the most of your time in Richmond this April.
EXPO Richmond spans April 13-21 ,2026, bringing the forest products industry together for a full week of education, exhibits, and activities, culminating in two packed public show days on Friday and Saturday, April 17–18, 2026.
Programs & Courses
Introduction to Pallet & Crate Design Software with Woodpack Global
Friday, April 17, 2026
Woodpack Global (formerly NWPCA) is launching its new name at EXPO Richmond and bringing valuable, hands-on learning with it.
Join the Introduction to Pallet & Crate Design Software course to improve pallet performance, reduce material use, and make smarter design decisions using tools like the Pallet Design System™ (PDS).
Prepare for What’s Next in Technology
Gain practical insight into the Pallet Design System™ (PDS), including how it predicts load performance, stiffness and durability to support more efficient and reliable pallet design.
Preview the new Crate Design System™ (CDS), a streamlined platform designed to produce specifications, drawings, and bills of materials without requiring CAD expertise.
Space is limited. Advance registration is recommended.
Friday, April 17 | 11:30 AM (lunch), 12–3 PM (course)
Meadow Hall | $99, includes lunch
Build foundational grading knowledge with the NHLA Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Grading Course, a four day educational program offered during EXPO Richmond. Taught by certified National Hardwood Lumber Association instructors, this course provides a clear introduction to hardwood lumber grades, terminology, and inspection principles used across the forest products industry.
The course runs Mon., April 13 - Thurs., April 16, 2026, during the event and is ideal for industry professionals, new employees, students, and anyone seeking a better understanding of hardwood lumber standards. Instruction is offered in English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider workforce audience.
Participants gain practical knowledge that supports better communication, improved quality control, and stronger decision making in sawmills, manufacturing, and wood products operations.
Pre-registration is required! To meet you and your team where you are at, NHLA is proud to provide both English and Spanish-speaking options for this course.
NHLA Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Grading Course
NextGen Forestry: Pathways to Forestry Careers
Formerly known as the Virginia Forest Trails Initiative, join Virginia Tech, Mountain Gateway Community College and Industry Leaders to learn more about education and careers in Forestry.
VoTech Class Day | Fri., April 17, 2026
High school teachers and vocational instructors, you’re invited to register to bring your classes to NextGen Forestry. Students will discover the world of forestry and learn about the diverse career paths and opportunities, all while exploring the East Coast’s Sawmill, Logging & Pallet Equipment Exposition, EXPO Richmond.
For questions and to register your class, reach out to us at NextGenForestry@vfpa.net.
To learn more, download and share this VoTech Day flyer.
Individual Student Day | Sat., April 18, 2026
If you are a high school junior or senior who would like to come, but whose school is not bringing a class to the Friday NextGen Forestry event, you’re invited to register to attend the Saturday event. Click below to discover more information about this special Saturday experience.
Show Hours & Key Dates
Full schedule for April 13-21, 2026. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC on April 17 & 18!
Time Program or activity
Monday, April 13
7:30a-7:30p Outside Exhibitors can begin setting up
8a-4p Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading, Day 1 of 4 (Meadow Hall)
Tuesday, April 14
7:30a-7:30p Inside Exhibitor set begins. Outside Exhibitors continue.
8a-4p Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading, Day 2 of 4 (Meadow Hall)
Wednesday, April 15
7a-8p Inside and Outside Exhibitor set up continues
8a-4p Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading, Day 3 of 4 (Meadow Hall)
Thursday, April 16
7:30a-7:30p Inside and Outside Exhibitor set up continues
7:30a-7:30p Exhibitor Registration Open (Farm Bureau Building, West Lobby)
7:30-4p EXPO Richmond Information & Merchandise (Farm Bureau Building, East Foyer)
8a-4p Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading, Day 4 of 4 (Meadow Hall)
9a-6a Exhibitor Registration Open
Friday, April 17
7:30a-7:30p Exhibitor Registration Open
7:30a-4p EXPO Richmond Information and Merchandise (Farm Bureau Building, East Foyer)
7:30a-4p Food concessions (Farm Bureau Building)
7:30-9a Food concessions (Meadow Hall)
8a-5p Attendee Registration Open (Meadow Pavillon)
8:30a-5p Exhibits Open
8:30a-4:30a Weiler Loader Competition (Booth C1)
10a American Lumberjack Show (The Pit Area)
10:30a-12:30p SHARP Logger Class (Meadow Hall)
11:30a-3p Introduction to Pallet & Crate Design Software with Woodpack Global
12-3p Pallet Design System Class (Meadow Hall)
12:30p American Lumberjack Show (The Pit Area)
2:30p American Lumberjack Show (The Pit Area)
4:30-7p Welcome Reception (Meadow Hall)
Saturday, April 18
7:30a-2p Food Concessions (Farm Bureau Building)
7:30a-9a Food Concessions (Meadow Hall)
7:30a-4p EXPO Richmond Information and Merchandise (Farm Bureau Building, East Foyer)
8a-3p Attendee Registration Open (Meadow Pavillion)
8:30a-3p Exhibits Open
8:30a-1:30p Weiler Loader Competition
9:30a American Lumberjack Show (The Pit Area)
10a-1p NextGen Forestry Class (Meadow Hall)
10a-2p Food Trucks
10:30a-12:30p SHARP Logger Class (Meadow Hall)
11:30a American Lumberjack Show (The Pit Area)
1:30p American Lumberjack Show (The Pit Area)
3-7:30p Exhibitor Clean up and Exit
Sunday, April 19 - Tuesday, April 21
All day Exhibitor Clean up