Boston '97

The golden anniversary of the Boston Curtain & Drapery Show was celebrated in a new venue this year with many of the industry's leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their latest products and designs along with a host of first-time exhibitors. Likewise, on the education front, many new seminars were featured in this year's Interior Fashions University curriculum. Show producers, Messe Frankfurt, Inc., moved the 50th anniversary show into Boston's bustling Back Bay area to the John B. Hynes Memorial Convention Center. The beautiful and spacious center proved a popular site for the three-day event running from February 27 to March 1. A steady stream of buyers, decorators and retailers walked the exhibit floor asking, "What's new?", and their answer was, "Just about everything!" The season's latest window covering fashions, fabrics, wall coverings, accessories, tools and equipment were all on display, which featured the industry's first look at the Luminette[TM] Privacy Sheers[TM] from Hunter Douglas. Softer and more colorful looks were evident in many booths showing top treatments, drapery fabrics, wall and bed coverings and pillows, while many alternate treatments featured new textures, styles and natural looks from horizontal and vertical blinds to woven woods, rollers shades and shutters. Still increasing in consumer popularity, decorative hardware and motorization options were well represented along with workroom equipment and installation aids. More than half of the 30-plus seminars presented by Draperies & Window Coverings magazine were new this year. Covering business management, sales techniques and design and decorating topics, the new seminars covered accessorizing with artwork, decorating on a budget, increasing product mix for increased profits and basic knowledge on the Internet and World Wide Web. On Thursday evening, the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) hosted a complimentary open house sponsored by Döfix No*Sew, Inc. Psychologist Dick Gariepy led the motivational session using humor and dynamics to explain how positive attitudes are created, not born. The ballroom of the host hotel, the Sheraton Boston Hotel & Towers, was the scene for the gala Caribbean party held Friday night. Exhibitors and attendees alike were invited to enjoy the festive island sounds of a live band while mingling with new contacts and old friends. The evening was capped with the awarding of a free Caribbean cruise for two to Susan O'Brien of the R.H. Rowley Co. Plans for next year's event are underway. For more information on attending or exhibiting, call (561) 627-3393.