Grace Note

ABOVE, from left: Joyce Germsheid, Karen Holm, first-time award winner Suzanne Hynan, Grace McNamara, and Angela Scully.

BELOW: This amazing team of women is the core behind IWCE. From left: Samantha Banker, Colleen Garry, Gail Gutsche, Anne Bild, Grace McNamara, Heather Bradley, Leslie Fox, Sophia Bennett, and Ania McNamara. Not shown: Susanne Young

When you’ve been producing a trade show for decades, you know that everything has to line up in order to have a successful event: the venue, timing, programming, marketing, staffing and more. Some things will be out of your control but you pray that when the doors open, your exhibitors are ready and happy and you have people flowing into the show. idea. Check out our website where we will feature ongoing advice in our blog and look into taking one of our Window Fashion Certified Professional classes, which will be offered in June. These intensive online live classes will take you to the next level of your career. We will be offering the five different certifications: Window Fashion Design, Workroom, Motorization, Color and Installation.

I have to say that the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) in Nashville this year had all the elements of success—great exhibitors with cutting-edge new products, attendees hungry for information to help their businesses grow and industry professionals just ready to let loose and have a great time. I haven’t seen this much energy in years! Thanks to everyone who made this year’s IWCE the best in 10 years! And to those of you that couldn’t attend, put Charlotte on your calendar now. This industry is back and those that take the time to participate will be the winners.

Now the important thing to do is to process all the information collected and make a game plan! Many of our columnists were presenters at IWCE, so follow their advice in each issue and make a point of trying at least one new Every successful person is learning all the time. It’s our goal to provide this industry with quality education in the magazine, online and live each year at IWCE. If you feel we’re missing something that you need, don’t hesitate to contact us.

In the meantime, enjoy this issue packed with IWCE highlights, trends and winning window fashion ideas!

Grace McNamera Publisher grace@wf-vision.com