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Special events announced for the International Window Coverings Expo.

Whether attendees are looking for in-depth educational seminars or a comprehensive trade show floor to find the products they need to compete, the place to be March 18 to 22, 1998, is the International Window Coverings Expo at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD. This event, sponsored by trade show producers Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt, Inc., is developing into the largest, most comprehensive window coverings conference and trade show of its kind. Here are some of the special programs scheduled during the event: Lady Caroline Wrey Keynote Lady Caroline Wrey, well-know author from England, will present the keynote address during the International Window Coverings Expo. Wrey is the author of Designs for Window Treatments, The Complete Book of Bedroom Elegance, The Complete Book of Curtains and Drapes, and her new book Curtain Style. She has been developing her business since 1982, designing window treatments in England, France and the United States. Wrey is a qualified teacher and has established a reputation for offering advanced courses on designing and making window treatments and soft furnishings. Design Competition Awards Ceremony Window coverings professionals will have the opportunity Friday, March 20 to see the winning designs from six categories of the 13th annual Window Fashions Design Competition: combinations, curtains and draperies, decorative hardware and trims, specialty windows, top treatments and hard treatments -- plus the overall Award of Excellence winner. The evening presentation will focus on the challenges the designers faced with the projects, how they overcame them and details about the treatment's fabrication. Show attendees can use this time to wind down from the day of seminars and shopping the show floor to relax and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and beverages while discovering new design ideas. Also watch for: Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) awards for product excellence. DraperyPro Dream Windows on display. VIP reception. Window Fashions Certified Professionals[TM] (WFCP) gathering. Raffle to benefit the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC). Earn WFCP Credits with WCAA Course Attendees of the Certified Window Treatment Consultant course sponsored by the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) can earn up to five credits toward an associate, specialist or master level in the Window Fashions Certified Professionals[TM] (WFCP) program. The two-part course will begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 1998, and a two-part examination will be held at 4 p.m. The course and the examination will be held in the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD. Part A of this course will cover information such as window coverings functions, measurements, ready-mades, hardware selection and installation, selling coordinating ensembles, fabric fibers and product care. Part B will include details on period treatments, calculating yardage, fabric selection, combining treatments, creativity in designs and professional practices. Those interested must register by February 15, 1998, for this special program. The registration fee is $150 for WCAA members and $195 for non-members. The fee includes the study materials plus a certification recognition award package. A minimum of one month advance study is required to be adequately prepared for the review seminar and examinations. All registrants receive the textbook, Window Treatments, and two course study guides authorized by Karla Nielson, instructor of the course. To register for this program or for more information about WCAA membership benefits and events, call WCAA at (888) 298-9222. For more information about the International Window Coverings Expo contact: Window Fashions magazine 4225 White Bear Pkwy., Ste. 400 St. Paul, MN 55110-3349 (612) 293-1544; fax: (612) 653-4308 E-mail: bcarlson@gwmcnamara.com Messe Frankfurt, Inc. 200 Galleria Pkwy., N.W. Ste. 790 Atlanta, GA 30339 (770) 984-8016; fax: (770) 984-8023 E-mail: MesseInc2@aol.com