Window Fashion VISION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Grace McNamara, IWCE Show Producer
Phone: 651-756-8834
Email: [email protected]
[ST. PAUL, MN, April 10, 2018] The 2018 International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) was held in Tampa, FL, March 26–28. AIM Communications LLC, publisher of Window Fashion VISION magazine, produced the show, which was declared a resounding success by attendees and exhibitors alike. One hundred and ten exhibitors from around the world showcased cutting-edge products in every category including: fabrics, motors, drapery hardware, trims, interior and exterior shades, shutters, workroom machinery and automation, and computer software designed to increase sales and decrease workloads for designers and retailers.The 3,000 attendees who gathered in Tampa were treated to dozens of Expo-floor demonstrations of innovative new products (often accompanied by promotional items such as those made by Custom Lanyards 4 All), the always popular Construction Zone, their choice of 20 seminars ranging from Introduction to Motorization to Translating Fashion Trends to Original Designs, three daylong Window Fashion Certification Program (WFCP) classes, an opening night reception, and the Vision Design & Workroom Competition awards gala.
“I took the 101 Design ad Workroom Tips seminar taught by Jill Scully and Staci Faulkner, and it was very informative,” said Elsa Vanbever, Reflections Home Interiors, Inc., The Villages, FL. “I learned how to set up my workroom, handle clients, and about new technology and how to use it. It was well worth my time.”
Taffie Curry, Peristyle Interiors, Stuart, FL, raved about the Construction Zone. “I learned hands-on time-saving tips about how to make a tufted cornice and a layered Roman shade-I’ve never seen that before. I loved the way it was constructed.”
Over 200 designers and decorators attended the Design & Workroom Competition awards ceremony which was sponsored and co-hosted by Kirsch. Awards were given out in 15 categories to some 25 winners of the competition. Always a highlight of the show, the awards ceremony rewards designers and workrooms for their innovative and creative solutions to window treatment, installation, and room design challenges. This year’s gala had an international flair, as several award winners represented a variety of countries including Russia, Japan, and China.
Drapery designer Brenda Baxter of Custom Drapery Designs, Richardson, TX, won first place in the Hardware and Trimming category in the Design Competition this year. Baxter has been to every Expo, except one, since 2009, and says this is the time she focuses on the latest trends in everything from fabrics to hardware to marketing tools. “The Design Competition awards ceremony was great. It gave me a chance to network with lots of other designers and workrooms. I really applaud all the solid work that others have done. Thanks to Kirsch for sponsoring it and to WF-Vision for giving us this opportunity.”
Baxter was enthusiastic about the seminar presented by Weldon Hong titled Increasing Website Credibility: Traffic or Conversions. “I’ve already made several changes to my website as a result of this class. Weldon is helping me to home in on my internet marketing, so I’m not just throwing money into the wind.”
Exhibitors from across the globe participated in the Expo. Will Knieper from the Netherlands represented Eisenkolb USA LP. “This was a very good show for us,” said Will. “I just got back from R and T in Germany, and although that is a bigger show, this show was better for us. It’s our target audience. I was amazed by the volume, the huge number of attendees.”
Matt Robb of Mitchell Fabrics, Lafayette, IN, said, “It was our first time exhibiting in many years. It was a great show. We’re already looking forward to Nashville.”
Shawn Culbertson, Universal Screens, Plano, TX, added, “We sell exterior shades and it was our first time exhibiting at a show focused on interior window coverings. We’re very grateful to have participated.”
Next year’s show promises to be just as exciting. Dozens of exhibitors have already reserved space for the 2019 Expo which is slated for the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN, March 8–10, 2019.
AIM Communication publishes Window Fashion VISION magazine and produces the International Window Coverings Expo. AIM is also the founder and developer of the Window Fashion Certified Professional Program (WFCP).
