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
"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."
