Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario

09/16/2026

🚨 QNE @ HOMAG is coming October 1!

WMCO members, this is more than a networking event — it’s an afternoon packed with practical information you can take back to your business.

Here’s what’s on the agenda:

AI for the Wood Industry
See how AI and workflow automation are being applied to manufacturing and get an update on WMCO’s AI Agents Program.

Employment & Legal Updates
Get practical guidance on employment contracts, ESA changes, attendance management, leaves, performance management and ending the employment relationship.

Government Funding for Manufacturers
Learn more about grants, SR&ED, funding strategies, eligibility, timing and how to make different funding opportunities work together.

FedDev Ontario Guest Speaker
Jeff King will share timely updates on tariff relief and other funding opportunities for WMCO members.

And, of course, plenty of opportunities to connect with manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders from across Ontario’s wood industry.

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026
10:30 AM–3:30 PM
📍 HOMAG Canada
In-person & live-streamed
Complimentary lunch included

Make the most of the day — stay for the full program and leave with insights, connections and funding updates that can support your business.

👉 Register today!
https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/10/1/wmco-qne-innovation-insight-industry-collaboration

09/11/2026

Last chance to learn how you can help shape WMCO’s AI Accounting Agent.

Our September 15 Information Session is coming up.

This is an opportunity to see how WMCO is working with manufacturers to develop AI around real industry workflows, challenges, and use cases — not generic tools.

Join us to learn:
• How the AI cohort works
• How your workflows can help shape the solution
• What participating companies can expect
• What WMCO’s future AI services could look like

September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via Zoom

No commitment required. Just come learn, ask questions, and see if it’s right for your business.

Register today: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session

09/02/2026

Ready to Explore What AI Could Do for Your Business?

WMCO is bringing members together to explore how an AI Accounting Agent could be developed around real manufacturing workflows and industry needs.

Join our September 15 Information Session to:

• Learn how the AI Agent will be trained
• Ask questions about the cohort program
• Explore how your business could participate
• Help shape practical AI solutions for our industry

September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via Zoom

No commitment required — just come learn, ask questions, and see what’s possible.

Register: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session

08/27/2026

AI is being built for manufacturing — and WMCO members have a chance to help shape it.

WMCO is developing an AI Accounting Agent with participating manufacturers, using real-world workflows and industry needs to build something practical.

Join our September 15 Information Session to discover how your company can:
• Help shape the AI tool
• Incorporate your real business workflows
• Learn how the AI cohort works
• Get an early look at WMCO’s future AI services

September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via Zoom

No commitment required. Come learn what’s possible and ask your questions.

Register: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session

08/23/2026

New U.S. tariffs are here. What are Ontario manufacturers seeing?

WMCO is hosting a free Facilitated Networking Forum tomorrow, Monday, August 24 at 1:00 PM EDT to bring manufacturers and industry partners together to compare experiences and discuss what comes next.

New 50% U.S. tariffs now affect a broad range of Canadian exports, including wood and building products, machinery, manufacturing inputs and other goods.

This is a working discussion, not a presentation.

We want to hear:

How is your business being affected?
What are customers telling you?
What strategies are you considering?
Where can manufacturers work together?
What should WMCO be doing to support the industry?

Monday, August 24 | 1:00 PM EDT | Virtual | Free

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/8/24/wmco-facilitated-forum-u-s-tariffs-industry-response

Members and industry guests are welcome.

WMCO Facilitated Forum: U.S. Tariffs & Industry Response at Zoom on Mon Aug 24 2026, 1:00pm EDT: New U.S. tariffs affecting a broad range of Canadian...

08/21/2026

AI for our industry is being built now — and our members can help shape it.

WMCO is bringing members together to develop an AI Accounting Agent based on real manufacturing workflows, company data, and valuable industry use cases.

Join our September 15 information session to learn how the cohort works, what you'll gain from participating, and how you can help influence the future of AI in wood manufacturing.

September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via Zoom

No commitment required to attend.

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session

08/02/2026

Celebrate the next generation of skilled cabinetmakers!

Join Georgian College for the Student Cabinetmaking Exhibit 2026 and explore outstanding student projects that showcase creativity, craftsmanship, and technical skill.

Where: Barrie Campus
Dates: Aug. 5 & 6, 2026

07/31/2026

WMCO's popular Spray Finishing Training has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Join industry expert David Blackler at Conestoga College for a full day of hands-on learning designed to improve finishing quality, reduce defects, and build confidence through practical spray finishing and simulator training.

💲 WMCO Members: $599 + HST
💲 Non-Members: $1599 + HST

Take advantage of exclusive WMCO member pricing.
Half the spots are already taken — secure your seat before registration closes!

Thursday, August 20, 2026
📍 Conestoga College – Woodworking Centre, Kitchener

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/7/8/wmco-apos-s-hands-on-finishing-training-skills-for-quality-efficiency-conestoga-college

Deadline: August 12th at 12pm.

07/29/2026

Is your business running at its full potential?

When was the last time you audited your company’s most important “vitals”?

Join Andrew Wall from Sandler Milton for a full-day, in-person workshop focused on strengthening your leadership, operations, financial performance, and growth strategy.

Learn practical tools to help you:
✓ Build a stronger accountability culture
✓ Improve business processes & SOPs
✓ Strengthen your revenue engine
✓ Create a more effective, well-run company

September 4, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sandler Milton (In-Person)
2800 High Point Drive, Suite 209, Milton

WMCO Members: $195 + HST
Non-Members: $995 + HST

Limited spots available — reserve your seat today!

Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/9/4/sandler-wmco-practical-business-development-for-manufacturers

07/16/2026

New Date Confirmed!

Our popular Spray Finishing Training has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Join David Blackler, Finishing Technologist and Professor at Conestoga College, for a full day of hands-on training designed to improve finishing quality, reduce costly defects, and build confidence through practical instruction and advanced spray finishing simulators.

💲 WMCO Members: $599 + HST
💲 Non-Members: $1,599 + HST

Take advantage of exclusive WMCO member pricing and reserve your spot today!

📍 Conestoga College – Woodworking Centre, Kitchener
Register here: https://www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/ #!event/2026/7/8/wmco-apos-s-hands-on-finishing-training-skills-for-quality-efficiency-conestoga-college