Neil, I, too, was at the IWCE in Atlanta this week. The seminars were absolutely fabulous! 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. I also share your dissappointment in the non-support of many of our vendors this year. I was extremely dssappointed that our major fabric suppliers, Robert Allen, Fabricut, Kasmir, Kravet and on and on were not there. The ones that were there showing were great! But, the big names were not there. I think we, as designers and workrooms, should make our voices heard to our supplies and let them know the disappointment we feel in them. My hat is off to Grace McNamara and her team. What a wonderful job – as usual. Posted @ Sunday, May 16, 2010 7:21 AM by Carol Collins
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? Posted @ Sunday, May 16, 2010 11:23 AM by Rissi Cherie
Great to see you at the show, Neil. DraperyPro exhibited, as we have done for the past 13 years. Yes, the show was smaller, but 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.”
We’re keeping a positive outlook and look forward to Tampa next year. It’s up to every one of us to keep our industry moving in a forward direction–whether or not the bigger companies participate. This is the chance for those smaller companies to make a big statement and stand out! 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! Posted @ Sunday, May 16, 2010 11:29 AM by Dian Garbarini
Hi Neil
Thanks for taking a moment to chat with me on Thurs at the Visions10 expo. I was so surprised to look up and see you at the Comfortex booth – you are such a big presence in the industry. I think your positive atttitude is very infective.
I was there to accept my award for CamilyWand for the Best Technical Innovation in the misc category for the WCMA. I subscribe to your newsletter and do follow it. I’ve added a demo the my site http://www.camilywand.com if you have a few minutes to check it out. Clients are thanking me for advertising it in Martha SL and are very positive about it.
You might consider starting a conversation with some of your past clients with the CamilyWand as an opener. I’ve gotten more design/window covering business from existing clients by using that approach.
Again, very nice to meet you and thanks for your positivity,
Lynn Severson