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What's it like to be an AAW International Woodturning Symposium Demonstrator?


Getting the chance to be a demonstrator at the AAW International Woodturning Symposium is a great way for woodturners to make a name for themselves, teach and inspire other woodturners, and make great connections in the woodturning community. Plus, you get to demonstrate at the highest level to the largest in-person/online audience (nearly 3,000 total in 2024!).


Over the years, many great woodturners have been selected to demonstrate at the AAW International Symposium. The demonstrators featured in the videos below want to share their perspectives and why they encourage other woodturners to apply to be demonstrators.


AAW is accepting applications for 2025 demonstrators until August 1, 2024. Don't miss your chance to have a great experience, like these demonstrators, and share your woodturning expertise in St. Paul, Minnesota next June.



Keith Gotschall:







Elizabeth Weber:







Laurent Niclot:






Kevin Jesequel






The application process is simple, but here are some of the guidelines and info you need before applying:


  • The Demonstrator Selection Committee assesses the capability of the applicants and selects those who offer high-quality demonstration skills and demonstration topics that contribute to an overall balanced program for the event. The evaluation process focuses on presentation quality, diversity of content, and relevance to the broad woodturning community.

  • You may submit up to three demonstration topic proposals.

  • All demonstrations submitted should reasonably fit the 90-minute timeframe, including 10-15 minutes for audience questions. It's essential for the demonstrations to be completed in a safe, informative and entertaining way, where the audience can gain a full understanding of the process from start to finish.

  • Selected Demonstrator Compensation: All accepted applying demonstrators will receive $225 per rotation, three nights lodging booked by the AAW at the host hotel, Symposium registration, personalized AAW smock, and a banquet ticket. Demonstrators participating in one to two rotations will receive $150 travel reimbursement. Those doing three or more demo rotations will receive $400 in travel reimbursement and $150 for food. Demonstrators selected to be part of the Virtual broadcast will receive $1 for every registered attendee.



Visit the Calls For Entry page to read all the guidelines and apply by August 1!



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