More Trade Shows

Trade Shows

The Window Fashions EXPO returns to Chicago, IL, for an eighth year, but this year it is special for two reasons. It is the first year the trade show will be produced by the cooperative efforts of Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt, Inc. It also is the first year the event will be held in conjunction with the Fall Chicago Gifts & Accessories Market in the 12th-Floor Market Suites in The Merchandise Mart. The Window Fashions EXPO will be held September 17 to 20, 1997, on the 12th floor. The exhibit hall will be open Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20. The Gifts & Accessories Market will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 18 to 20 and will be located on floors 12 through 15. Thousands of Products Thousands of window covering products will be displayed in the Window Fashions EXPO exhibit hall including the latest hard window coverings, fabrics, top treatments, decorative hardware and trims, computer software, motorization options, equipment and tools. When attendees have finished investigating the EXPO they will be able to peruse the Gifts & Accessories Market showrooms and see more than 9,500 product lines -- for no additional cost. Lamps, pillows, rugs, silk and dried florals, holiday items, pottery and ribbons are just some of the products attendees will be able to inspect for possible use with window treatment designs. CEU-accredited Seminars The Window Fashions Certified Professionals (WFCP) program, sponsored in cooperation by Window Fashions and Messe Frankfurt, offers four days of nearly 50 CEU-accredited seminars and tours taught by leading experts in the industry. Both new and repeat attendees will have a broad selection of new, educational sessions to increase their business, fabrication, installation and design knowledge. VIP Reception The VIP Reception for attendees and exhibitors, Friday, September 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. will supply networking opportunities as well as entertainment. "All that Jazz" is the theme for this gala affair, complete with a live jazz band. Everyone is encouraged to attend this reception and enjoy hors d'oeuvres with their peers in the Wolf Point Ballroom located on the 15th floor in the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza. Two New Tours A visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Oak Park, which shelters the world's largest collection of Wright's building designs, is scheduled. Transportation will be provided to and from The Merchandise Mart, so reserve 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, September 17 for this rare glimpse of the lifestyle and work of this inspirational architect. Another tour attendees should be sure to book now is the tour of The Merchandise Mart. The Mart is the largest commercial building in the world stretching four million-square-feet and hosting products from 75,000 manufacturers. The facility can be daunting, especially for newcomers, so register for the tour to maximize this center and its industry resources. There is plenty to inspire attendees on the show floor as well, such as the Wall of Windows sponsored by the Chicagoland Drapery Workroom Association (CDWA). Each year CDWA members out-do themselves by creating new window coverings that are even more impressive than the previous year. With a comprehensive educational program, two trade shows displaying the best in window covering and home furnishing products and special events with recreation, learning and networking opportunities, the Window Fashions EXPO offers a complete package for industry professionals to improve their businesses. For more information about the Window Fashions EXPO call Window Fashions magazine at: (612) 293-1544; or Messe Frankfurt at: (770) 984-8016.