interzum bogota 2026: the podcast connecting the furniture and wood value chain

At a time when the furniture and wood processing industries are facing growing challenges around competitiveness, sustainability, and international expansion, creating space for strategic conversation is no longer optional — it is essential.

That is the purpose behind the interzum bogota Podcast: a series of conversations with business leaders, industry representatives, and international experts who examine the structural challenges shaping the sector, as well as the opportunities redefining its future across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Listen to conversations that bring together industry, knowledge, and a long-term vision.

Industry and trainning: the foundation of competitiveness

The first episode of the interzum bogota Podcast brought together Hernán Osorio, Hettich representative for Latin America, and Edgar Parra, academic coordinator at SENA, to discuss a key issue: the professionalization of technical talent in the wood processing and furniture manufacturing industries.

The conversation made one thing clear: innovation is not driven by machinery or advanced technology alone. Real transformation depends on skilled talent, updated capabilities, and a strong connection between technical training and industry needs.

Closing the gap between education and productivity is not a minor challenge. It is a critical condition for strengthening regional competitiveness and meeting global standards.

Listen to the full episode here.

Industry aligment and innovation in wood

In the second episode, Christian Guarín, General Manager of Koelnmesse Latam, spoke with Juan Miguel Vásquez, Director of Fedemaderas, about the importance of industry coordination, public policy, and innovation in wood-based fibers and biomaterials.

The conversation expands the way we think about construction. It is not only about buildings — it also includes furniture, objects, and solutions that integrate new materials and technological processes.

The message is clear: the sector’s competitiveness depends on an aligned, sustainable value chain that responds to international markets.

Listen to the full episode here.

Internationalization and regional opportunities

The third episode featured Felipe Opazo, Trade Commissioner of Chile in Colombia at ProChile, who shared his perspective on international expansion, regional integration, and market development.

In an increasingly global environment, companies in the sector can no longer limit their growth to local borders. Cooperation between countries, technology exchange, and participation in specialized industry platforms are becoming strategic levers for scaling competitiveness.

This episode positions interzum bogota as a bridge between industries, countries, and production models looking to expand onto the global stage.

Listen to the full episode here.

A platform for industry thinking

The interzum bogota Podcast confirms that the fair is much more than a place to showcase innovation in furniture design and manufacturing. It is also a platform for reflecting on the full furniture and wood value chain — from responsible sourcing and industrial transformation to the development of new materials, bioproducts, and advanced solutions.

By bringing together conversations on technical training, industry alignment, and internationalization, interzum bogota strengthens its role as a platform that connects knowledge, industry, and strategic vision for the region.

See you at Corferias, May 12-15, for a new edition of interzum bogota.