Vision11 Moves to Vegas!!

Contact:
Grace McNamara
IWCE: VISION 2010
651-293-1544 phone
651-653-4308 fax
grace@wf-vision.com

International Window Coverings Expo: VISION 2011 Moves to Las Vegas!

St. Paul, MN – In a strategic move to strengthen and re-position the window-covering industry's annual conference and trade show, show producers announce an opportunity to re-locate the show from Tampa to Las Vegas. International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE): VISION 2011 will be held April 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Educational seminars and the conference will begin April 25 and exhibits will be open April 26-28.

"This is a super opportunity for our industry to obtain a Las Vegas venue,” said Grace McNamara, producer of IWCE: VISION 2011. “Las Vegas presents an international opportunity as well as proximity to the West Coast market, which is a first for IWCE."

Bringing the show to a fresh new environment will infuse energy and excitement to both exhibitors and attendees. As an added bonus, VISION 2011 will be held at the same time as the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, which draws a huge audience of home-remodeling professionals. This co-location gives window coverings added exposure to a related group of interior design professionals. This is a win-win for all participating parties.

“We're excited about the new venue in Las Vegas,” said William O’Connor, president of B&W Window Fashions. “The timing and placement could not be more encouraging. We're confident that we'll be introducing ourselves to many, many more attendees. Plus it's been quite awhile since we've been west of the Mississippi, where so many exciting designers and retailers are based. Having the show in Las Vegas in 2011 is clearly an inspirational decision, and the shot-in-
the-arm our industry needs.”

Las Vegas is the conventional capitol of the world, hosting 36,351,469 visitors in 2009. Last year, 4.5 million convention delegates attended more than 19,000 conventions. According the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, attendance increases 14 percent, on average, when conventions rotate into Las Vegas. As a comparative success story for change of venue, the Nursing2010 Symposium in Las Vegas was up 25 percent over last year in Orlando. Research also shows that attendees spend more time in meetings and on the trade show floor when programs are held in Las Vegas.

“I am pleased to see the IWCE: VISION 2011 move to Las Vegas,” said Michael Lee, president of Somfy USA. “Somfy has exhibited at many shows in Las Vegas and we feel it will draw a strong and varied group of dealers from across the United States, especially the West Coast and Southwest markets. We feel it is a good move for the window-coverings annual show.”

“We anticipate that this exciting new venue will be a big draw for the IWCE, as our industry needs continually energized players,” said Ben Kutell, vice president of sales and marketing at Vertilux. “This show is an industry 'must-go,’ a once-a-year opportunity to see product options as well as to meet current and potential suppliers in person. Prior years have seen tremendous innovation, and it is well worth the limited time investment for those who wish to increase their businesses and maximize their potential."


About IWCE: VISION 2011
The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE): VISION 2011 is the world’s largest window covering industry trade show and educational conference. For over 25 years, the International Window Coverings Expo has been the premiere destination for tens of thousands of window covering retailers, buyers, designers, decorators, workrooms, dealers, installers, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, product developers, trend experts and students and faculty. For more information, visit www.wf-vision.com.

Vision10 International Window Coverings EXPO Surprises Industry

Vision10 International Window Coverings EXPO Surprises Industry
Contact: susan@gracemcnamarainc.com

ST. PAUL, MN, May 21, 2010—Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO, held May 12-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, was considered a success by both participating exhibitors and attendees. Although exhibitor and attendee numbers were down, reflective of what is happening in most sectors of the home furnishings industry today, the overall feedback was positive and most participants were optimistic about the future.
“We united as an industry during this challenging time and those participating reported positive results and appreciation of the event,” said Grace McNamara, president of Grace McNamara Inc., producer of the show and publisher of Window Fashion Vision magazine. “We heard from our industry suppliers, many of whose businesses were drastically affected by the poor housing market and the economy in general. Despite the fact that business has not improved significantly in the past year, most participants felt that, as an industry, we have made the turn. Certainly those attending had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and positive energy. You could feel the ‘buzz.’”
Opening day saw lines at the registration counter demonstrating that people waited to the last minute to register, but they came regardless. Trade show traffic remained robust all day Thursday and most of the day on Friday, with Saturday typically being the slower of the three days. Somfy’s onsite party Friday late afternoon was a refreshing burst of celebration. Exhibitors reported that Vision10 attendees were serious buyers looking for new suppliers – the exact audience exhibitors hope to attract.
The announcement of the show moving to Tampa, April 14-16, 2011, brought enthusiastic response from attendees and exhibitors alike, many selecting their booth spaces before they left the show.
Sunil Patel of Orion Ornamental Art said: “We appreciate the efforts you and your team have made in the course of organizing this show, which also means assisting in keeping the industry vibrant and well positioned for future growth. The show did bring ‘quality interaction’ from visitors to our booth, and undoubtedly we would have missed out on many opportunities that were presented to us through our presence at the show.”
Added Orion’s Kay Blair: “We thought the show was super – lots of good traffic all three days. We introduced two new products, and we won WCMA awards for both! I think it was one of the best shows we’ve had. Grace is certainly to be commended for all her hard work in keeping this show going.”
From an exhibitor’s point of view, there is no better way to talk to such a high volume of qualified buyers face-to-face. Just ask Ben Kutell, Vertilux’s vice president of sales and marketing: “This show was a great success, perhaps among the best in recent years. Our new products were well received, and we had the opportunity to meet with many fabricators from across the country. At first, we were concerned about the reports of a possible low turnout. But in fact everyone in our booth was busy for the entire time. Possibly it was because of the positive energy or simply the total innovation of our product lines, but the show was great, and Vertilux looks forward to next year in Tampa.”
“Helser Brothers is thrilled to report that our booth was filled with source-hungry drapery hardware enthusiasts from beginning to end,” said Jay Helser, President, Helser Brothers. “I am not complaining, but a lunch break would have been nice.”
Interior Design Society National President and Window Coverings Association of America National Vice President Margi Kyle was excited to have attended. “What a show! The buzz is out,” Kyle said. “This was the best show in years. Great energy, many people, new people, and lots of interest all around. Attendees stayed for at least two to three days, because there was something going on all the time to hold their attention.”
The Roellchen family, which operates One Stop Decorating Center, Overland Park, Kansas, attended the show for the first time in 15 years and was amazed at the new products that they found on the show floor. “For example, we were able to find a new vendor that prints logos on screen shades,” noted president Steve Roellchen. “We have had many requests and until now we were unable to get the business. We also found a wonderful line of ready-made products for the home, such as place mats, napkins, table rounds, bedding, simple valances and drapery panels. We have had a difficult time getting the younger customer and we believe these products fill a very necessary void. It was great to interact with other dealers and manufacturers and talk about business. It was an incredible two days!” The industry show was definitely worth their while and they plan on attending again, possibly with some of their sales personnel.
“The seminars were absolutely fabulous!” enthused Carol Collins, owner of Denton, Texas-based Carol’s Custom Draperies and Interiors. “I wish there had been time to take each seminar. I have read the descriptions and handouts from each one and they were all chocked full of wisdom from their presenters. I will study the handouts and keep them for reference. My hat is off to Grace McNamara and her team. What a wonderful job, as usual.”
Similar sentiment came from Masterworks Creative Director & Design Principal Linda Basser: “Vision10 was terrific for me, despite it being a smaller show. I took seminars from Wednesday through Saturday, still had to scramble around on the show floor when I was not in classes, and loved networking with others in our field. Of course I loved being recognized in the Envision Design competition, but I also learned some new ideas from some of the other award winners. Coming back from the IWCE always pays off for me in sales as well, as my excitement and new ideas and resources is contagious!”
DraperyPro also exhibited, as it has done the past 13 years. Founder Dian Garbarilni notes that “the enthusiasm was there and so were many familiar faces. Hats off to all the vendors who participated and all the attendees who came to learn and seek out the products that will keep them ‘in the know.’ It's never been easier to create a buzz with new media at our fingertips. Thanks to Grace McNamara and her Vision10 team to offer this important window coverings trade show. We'll be in Tampa – let's plan to make it a great show!”

About Grace McNamara Inc.For the last 21 years, Grace McNamara Inc. has published the premier window-fashions industry magazine, Window Fashion Vision, and for the last 10 years has produced the world’s largest window-fashions industry trade show, Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO (IWCE). For more information, visit wf-vision.com

Kudos Keep Coming ...

There is agreement across the board – Vision10 was a hit!

Sunil Patel of Orion Ornamental Art said: “We appreciate the efforts you and your team have made in the course of organizing this show, which also means assisting in keeping the industry vibrant and well positioned for future growth. The show did bring ‘quality interaction’ from visitors to our booth, and undoubtedly we would have missed out on many opportunities that were presented to us through our presence at the show.”

Added Orion’s Kay Blair: “We thought the show was super – lots of good traffic all three days. We introduced two new products, and we won WCMA awards for both! I think it was one of the best shows we’ve had. Grace is certainly to be commended for all her hard work in keeping this show going.”

Interior Design Society National President and Window Coverings Association of America National Vice President Margi Kyle was excited to have attended. “What a show! The buzz is out,” Kyle said. “This was the best show in years. Great energy, many people, new people and lots of interest all around. Attendees stayed for at least two to three days, because there was something going on all the time to hold their attention.”

The Roellchen family, which operates One Stop Decorating Center, Overland Park, Kansas, attended the show for the first time in 15 years and was amazed at the new products that they found on the show floor. “For example, we were able to find a new vendor that prints logos on screen shades,” noted president Steve Roellchen. “We have had many requests and until now we were unable to get the business. We also found a wonderful line of ready-made products for the home, such as place mats, napkins, table rounds, bedding, simple valances and drapery panels. We have had a difficult time getting the younger customer and we believe these products fill a very necessary void. It was great to interact with other dealers and manufacturers and talk about business. It was an incredible two days!” The industry show was definitely worth their while and they plan on attending again, possibly with some of their sales personnel.

“The seminars were absolutely fabulous!” enthused Carol Collins, owner of Denton, Texas-based Carol’s Custom Draperies and Interiors. “I wish there had been time to take each seminar. I have read the descriptions and handouts from each one and they were all chocked full of wisdom from their presenters. I will study the handouts and keep them for reference. My hat is off to Grace McNamara and her team. What a wonderful job, as usual.”

Similar sentiment came from Masterworks Creative Director & Design Principal Linda Basser: “Vision10 was terrific for me, despite it being a smaller show. I took seminars from Wednesday through Saturday, still had to scramble around on the show floor when I was not in classes, and loved networking with others in our field. Of course I loved being recognized in the Envision Design competition, but I also learned some new ideas from some of the other award winners. Coming back from the IWCE always pays off for me in sales as well, as my excitement and new ideas and resources is contagious!”

From an exhibitor’s point of view, there is no better way to talk to such a high volume of qualified buyers face-to-face. Just ask Ben Kutell, Vertilux’s vice president of sales and marketing: “This show was a great success, perhaps among the best in recent years. Our new products were well received, and we had the opportunity to meet with many fabricators from across the Country. At first, we were concerned about the reports of a possible low turnout. But in fact everyone in our booth was busy for the entire time. Possibly it was because of the positive energy or simply the total innovation of our product lines, but the show was great, and Vertilux looks forward to next year in Tampa.”

“Helser Brothers is thrilled to report that our booth was filled with source-hungry drapery hardware enthusiasts from beginning to end,” said Jay Helser, President, Helser Brothers. “I am not complaining, but a lunch break would have been nice.”

DraperyPro also exhibited, as it has done the past 13 years. Founder Dian Garbarilni notes that “the enthusiasm was there and so were many familiar faces. Hats off to all the vendors who participated and all the attendees who came to learn and seek out the products that will keep them ‘in the know.’ It's never been easier to create a buzz with new media at our fingertips. Thanks to Grace McNamara and her Vision10 team to offer this important window coverings trade show. We'll be in Tampa – let's plan to make it a great show!”

The Buzz from Vision10

The team at Grace McNamara Inc, producers of Vision10 and WF Vision Magazine, would like to extend a big thank you to all the attendees, exhibitors, designers, students, speakers, and sponsors for coming together as an industry at Vision10 this year in Atlanta, GA. We look forward to seeing you next year in Tampa FL for Vision11.

Vision 10 IWCE was great...classes, showroom, energy & meeting old friend and making new ones. So disappointing, as both you & Carol said, not to see the big name vendors there. Will they die like Artmark Fabrics did because they are letting us forget they exist?
-Rissi Cherie-

"We at Orion thought the show was super -- lots of good traffic all three days. We introduced 2 new VERY COOL products: Clip-A-Crown - a metal valance for blinds to enhance the look, and SleekFascia--iron traversing system with rings, which can also be motorized. And, I can add that we won WCMA awards for both! I think it was one of the best shows we've had. Grace is certainly to be commended for all her hard work in keeping this show going."

- Kay Blair/Orion-

"Somfy Booth Cocktail Hour:My first tweetup, but not my last!"

-Sarah McKeel Youngblood

~WFCP Advisory Board~
"What a GREAT time we had at IWCE! Grace put on an exceptional event!"

-Judy Soccio-

Gather a bunch of creative people at a creative event called a "tweet up" - add wine - brilliant! A very fun and creative end to a great day on the EXPO floor.

-Kathy Broderick Cragg-

"What a show! The Buzz is out; this was the best show in years. Great energy, people, new people and lots of interest all around. Attendees stayed for at least 2 to 3 days, because there was something going on all the time to hold their attention."
-Margi Kyle, IDS-

"Attending the Expo is like being able to attend our industry's family reunion, it so Energizing and meaningful!"

- Lurene Darnell Ulrich-

"It was great being at the Expo. Grace McNamara is doing a real service to the industry. The Roellchen family found their first visit a huge benefit, as will all large and small business owners."

-Steve Bursten-

"I had a wonderful time at the show this week. What is important to me is not the size of the show, but the fact that I had over 100 quality conversations with customers old and new. That is why I go. To get out from behind my desk and spend time with customers. Keep up the good work and I will see you next year. http://www.awardfabrics.com/"

-Mark Steinbaum-

"Thank you for everything Grace! We had a great show, much more action than we had expected, and our suppliers are very happy. Hope to see you again next year for another great Vision IWCE! "

-Travis Storch-

"Loved seeing many familiar faces and connecting with new attendees & vendors. DraperyPro will continue to help Vision10 strengthen our industry. Looking forward to Tampa next year!"

-Dian Hunt Garbarini-

"LexMar Wholesale Window Fashions would like to thank Grace, Shannon, and the rest of your team, for an awesome show for 2010. We will be back for Tampa 2011!!"

-Anthony Lauer-

Segs in The City

Our friends at Helser Brothers sent us this awesome invite!
Helser Brothers have booked a 2 hour Segway tour of downtown Atlanta and have room for six more friends!
As a fun way to encourage folks to sign up for our Facebook fan-page and subscribe to whyhelser, we are offering two ways to enter:
You will find a form here at whyhelser.com and another form on the Helser Brothers Facebook page. Each form submitted will serve as an entry and another name in the hat.
We will be pulling six names from the hat on Friday May 7th and announcing the winners at both locations at 12 noon, Pacific time.

Good luck- See you in ATL!!

Jackie Blue Home: New Media Day at IWCE in Atlanta, Friday, May 14

I’m thrilled to be hosting an all day New Media event at this years VISION 10"’, International Window Coverings Expo in Atlanta, on Friday, May 14th. The days activities focus on the explosive growth in the world of social media and it’s effect on the interior design industry today and in the future.


I will be starting off the day at 8:00 am with a seminar on the basics of social media: GET CONNECTED: Grow Your Business with Social Media

I’ll be talking about the basics of Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, you Tube, etc. and how to adopt them for your design business success.


The highlight of the day is the Design Perspectives Panel at 4:00pm. We are so happy to have a great group of influential bloggers representing designers, manufacturers, and vendors on our panel.





Brian Patrick Flynn is an interior designer and founder of the online decorating magazine, decordemon.com. He gained attention for his bold, glamorous spaces created almost entirely with garage sale items and flea market finds. Formally educated in television production, Brian made the leap to interior design after working as a producer on various hit home makeover programs. Décor Demon was created as an online outlet for Brian to produce original editorial lifestyle content from a witty and practical male point-of-view. From modern home renovations to the latest baby toy craze, Décor Demon’s features aim to be both inspiring and entertaining.





Valorie Hart of Visual Vamp is a vivacious personality, experienced designer, writer, and tango dancer and teacher among other things. Her blog is a lively reflection of her fascinating life in New Orleans. Valories work and her own eclectic home is a favorite among other bloggers and online publications.





Skyla Freeman, author of the home and style blog Sanity Fair (sfair.blogspot.com), learned to love design from an early age. Her mother, a former decorator, and her father, a self-taught architect, raised their family in a Southern home filled with art and Asian antiquities. After working at the White House for nearly four years, she left in 2009 to write full-time at SkylaFreeman.com and founded Sanity Fair. Since then, the blog has grown a steady following, received several blogging awards, and been featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Atlantan Magazine as a "Fab Five" design blog. An entryway to stylish living for all budgets and lifestyles, Sanity Fair provides everyone from renters to professional designers with fresh decoration and fashion inspiration. From Parisian couture to the local Target, Sanity Fair is about discovering the lovely things in life - wherever they are found.



Debbie Green from Minutes Matter - In The Loop Blog, is an industry innovator and educator who has spearheaded the inclusion of technology and social media in the window covering industry. Debbie’s company Minutes Matter Solutions Inc. produces Studio software, a graphic design software program for the interior design industry.





Jay Helser of the Why Helser blog is one half of the fabulous Helser Brothers team of drapery hardware manufacturing fame. Widely recognized and acclaimed for their fabulous customer service and beautiful and innovative product line, the Brothers Helser are forging new ground in the world of social media through dream giveaways and raffles to their customers via their blog. They even gave away a trip to Paris last year!


This promises to be an eye opening and inspiring event so please sign up early and don’t miss it. The panel discussion will be followed by a networking event for all attendees.

Sign in for the TweetUp HERE

See You in Atlanta!

Jackie

Lutron to Roll Out a New Experience at the International Window Coverings Expo

Lutron to Roll Out a New Experience
at the International Window Coverings Expo


Coopersburg, PA (May 3, 2010) – Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., will be featuring its latest innovations at the Vision 10: International Window Coverings Expo and Southern Building Show in Atlanta, Georgia, May 13-15, 2010, via its 43’ Mobile Experience Center. The residentially-designed mobile unit will be parked inside the Georgia World Congress Center at booth 1024.

New Lutron products on display include the Kirbé™ vertical drapery system, Roman shades with CERUS™ (Cord-Eliminating Roman Uptake System) safety technology, cornice top treatments, Sivoia® QS Wireless, plus new shade and drapery fabric options from the Avant Collection™.

The Kirbé vertical drapery system allows homeowners to operate draperies up and down, instead of side-to-side, all at the touch of a button. This state-of-the-art system contains an intelligent roller drive that silently draws the fabric up and completely out of the way, giving homeowners full access to a window or door and the view beyond by completely eliminating stack back.

Lutron’s CERUS safety technology allows for a safer Roman shade system by eliminating lifting cords typically associated with their construction. This system utilizes color-adaptive mesh uptake bands instead of smaller exposed inner cords, which can potentially pose a strangulation hazard to small children. CERUS also improves performance and reliability, offering smoother, more even travel of the shade and eliminates the possibility of cords tangling with each other.

The New Avant Collection includes a variety of fabrics for use with the Kirbé system, traditional drapery, or cornice top treatments, as well as a new line of soft fabrics and woven woods for Roman shade systems. The collection includes a variety of contemporary and traditional fabric options to complement any décor.

Sivoia QS Wireless is the latest in automated shade control from Lutron that is beautiful, scalable, and reliable. By eliminating communication wiring, sophisticated shade control can be easily installed into new or retrofit applications with more versatile control options. The shading system utilizes Lutron’s proprietary RF technology, ClearConnect™ that allows the system to reliably scale from one-room to an entire home.

For a preview of Lutron’s Mobile Experience Center, visit www.smarttodim.com and learn about the entire breadth of Lutron product aboard.

About Lutron Electronics (www.lutron.com)
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., headquartered in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, designs and manufactures lighting controls and automated window treatments for residential and commercial applications. Lutron products save energy and make light bulbs last longer, making them an eco-friendly addition to the home and office.
# # #

Corporate Contact Agency Contact
Melissa Andresko Stephanie Herzfeld
Media Relations Manager Media Relations Specialist
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Carmichael Lynch Spong
610.282.6440 212.414.6844
mandresko@lutron.com stephanie.herzfeld@clynch.com

Somfy is offering 50% off a motorized shade sample case!

For a limited time Somfy is offering 75% OFF a motorized shade sample case! This effective selling tool is the best way to demonstrate the benefits of window covering motorization to your clients. The case is compact, lightweight and also features over the door rubber hooks to provide a hands- free demonstration without damaging the client’s property. Bring the motorized sample case to every consultation and watch your profits grow!

Each motorized sample case includes a motorized window covering, power supply, Telis 1 RTS Pure remote and carrying case with over the door hooks. All product samples feature Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS) and are available in a variety of options such as a roller shade, cell shade or wood blind.

Visit Somfy at booth 1016 to learn more.

WFCP and Minutes Matter are in the Clouds

WFCP and Minutes Matter are in the Clouds
Contact: deb@gracemcnamarainc.com

St. Paul, MN, April 1, 2010—Working “in the clouds” sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it? Cloud computing is far from a fairytale, but it’s still just as exciting! So, “why would I want to move my company to cloud computing?” There are many advantages, but here are the top three:
1. Cost Effective: Cost effective way to organize your company and reduce software costs.
2. Time Efficient: Easily schedule tasks, appointments and group meetings, and control who has access to the various calendars.
3. On The Go: Easily retrieve information using your mobile device or another computer, making you more efficient even when you’re on the go!

Join Window Fashions Certified Professionals (WFCP) and Debbie Green, CEO of Minutes Matter, as we demystify cloud computing in a complimentary presentation on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 8 a.m. at Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Find out how your company could easily move its email, calendar, documents, spreadsheets and even presentations to the Clouds. Learn how you can work with clients by sharing a specific folder and keep them constantly updated on the progress of a job.
For more information, visit www.wf-vision.com and click on “Shows.”
About Window Fashions Certified Professionals Window Fashions Certified Professionals is the window coverings industry premier certification program. WFCP is a community of more than 4,000 members driven by a common passion for window fashions, committed to the belief that this element of interior design is a powerful multi-faceted profession that can positively change people’s lives. The group works to promote window fashions as a critical element of interior design and a powerful multi-faceted profession, and enriches members’ careers by promoting the value of certification through education, knowledge and experiences.
About Minutes MatterMinutes Matter is the leading provider of digital solutions and organizational systems. They provide tools to streamline your business and increase your profits. They are passionate about the importance of systematizing every business: doing the same thing … the same way … every time. Minutes Matter now offers more than 100 different products and services to interior designers, fabrication specialists and other design professionals. Minutes Matter also developed Studio, which is a graphic design software program that saves time during consultations and eliminates costly communication errors.

Networking 2.0: Social Media Insight at Vision10

WFCP Sponsors New Media Day at Vision10

WFCP Sponsors New Media Day at Vision10
Contact:deb@gracemcnamarainc.com

ST. PAUL, MN, March 30, 2010—Are you aware how social media and Web 2.0 will be making a difference to interiors in the next year? Adobe just released “What Shopper’s Want,” a study to identify and analyze e-commerce “visual merchandising” experiences. They found that 68 percent of women—our industry’s key demographic—purchased home furnishings online in the last year. And this wasn’t just teens, Millennials or Gen Xers. This was core home-owning, 50–64 year-olds—61 percent of women in that age group purchased home decor online.
We’re on top of this at WFCP. We’ve recognized the importance of Web 2.0 and social media and have dubbed Friday, May 14 “New Media Day” at Vision10. WFCP is sponsoring events throughout the day, including a variety of events in the WFCP Lounge focusing on the web, social media and how it can work for you. Watch for citizen bloggers walking the aisles and tweeting real time the excitement of Vision10—and we have three special sessions scheduled throughout the day, all designed to inform, educate and connect.
Start the day at 8 a.m. with what new media maven Jackie Von Tobel, WFCP Specialist, considers to be Social Media 101. She’ll introduce you to the range of free social media tools available to everyone, explain the differences between them and demonstrate easy-to implement first steps. This early-morning free session is sponsored by WFCP but is open to all. Look for “Get Connected: Grow Your Business with Social Media” in the Vision10 show planner.
At 4 p.m. you can look forward to the Design Perspectives panel discussion. This lively discussion featuring in-the-know design and industry bloggers will give perspectives on what’s going on in the design world today and segue into a discussion on how to capitalize on social media as a design pro. The panel, moderated by Von Tobel, will demonstrate specific examples of how to use social media to engage your customers, grow your career or business and drive social change. To close out this session, we’ll announce the first Blogger’s Choice awards for products and services from the show floor. Well-known design bloggers participating on the panel include Tobi Fairley, BeachBungalow8.blogspot.com; Valorie Hart, VisualVamp.blogspot.com; and Skyla Freeman, Sfair.blogspot.com.
The final “official” event for New Media Day will be a blogger’s meet-up, immediately following the panel discussion. It will be a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange information, discover new contacts and make valuable connections.

SHOW SPECIAL FROM CATANIA SILKS

SHOW SPECIAL FROM CATANIA SILKS:
FREE UPS Ground shipping on all orders placed at the our Booth #1225 v
isit there website for more information at www.cataniasilk.com

Breaking News WFCP and Graber have teamed up to offer Installation for Soft Treatments Certification

What’s WFCP Installation Certification all about?

The installation can make or break you. Soft treatment installation isn’t just drilling a hole and anchoring a bracket. Planning, technique and most of all dressing the treatment is crucial to your window fashion business’ success. Take your business to the next level by becoming a Graber certified soft installer. You will learn the ins and outs of soft window fashion installation gaining valuable expertise in this niche. The Graber/ WFCP certification program follows the best professional business practices in the industry. The small class size and hands-on approach makes it effortless for you to learn how to install soft treatments.

Access our Master Installer, Beth Hodge’s 14 years of experience to learn gold standard installation techniques to set you apart from your competition. After two days of training, you'll be able to market yourself as a WFCP Certified Professional Soft Installer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Seats are limited.

Program Requirements:
NO PREREQUISITES -This is a basic certification course that will allow attendees to properly install soft window fashions. We’ll be offering additional advanced courses later in 2010 in an installation track that follows the WFCP member levels- Associate, Specialist, Master both on the web and on- site. Potential topics include: motorization for soft treatments, soft shadings, advanced trouble shooting and soft window fashion installation for Specialty Windows. The Graber Installation Certification includes:

1-1/2 hour pre show webinar

1 full day of hands on learning in a workshop format

PLUS a 1 hour small group technique breakout session.

Pre registration is mandatory. You’ll receive a materials list and detailed information when you register.

Certification Curriculum:
The Graber Basic Soft Installer Certification program uses a mix of computer training modules and hands-on sessions mixing technical and business curriculum. We’ll addresses aspects of installation basics including measuring techniques, order preparation, installation set-up, hardware, and customer service tips. Topics include: hands on measurements of more complicated projects, motorization, specialty window treatments, and business development.

1-1/2 hour Pre Show webinar:

One full day HANDS ON session on Wednesday May 12, 2010 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30-12:30 Morning session

Break for Lunch-

1:30- 5:00 afternoon session

2- 1 hour Break out sessions on Thursday and Friday limited to 5 people each with intensive hands on:

Installing board mounted Treatments

Installing rod Treatments

Dressing and steaming

Installation technique and trouble shooting.