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Baltimore '98

The International Window Coverings Expo is expected to be largest show of its kind this year.

With about 10,000 window coverings professionals expected to attend and more than 200 exhibitors planning to display their newest and best products for the industry, the International Window Coverings Expo is expected to be the industry's biggest show of the year. Trade show producers Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt, Inc., co-sponsors of this international event, are welcoming retailers, interior designers and decorators, workrooms, installers and fabricators specializing in window coverings to attend this five-day educational program and trade show. The International Window Coverings Expo will be held March 18 to 22 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD. The educational portion of the event spans four days beginning Wednesday, March 18 and ending Sunday, March 21; the trade show opens Friday, March 20 and closes Sunday, March 22. More than 200 Exhibitors The International Window Coverings Expo trade show floor offers nearly 70,000 net square feet of booth space, where attendees will be able to examine the latest collections and product introductions from more than 200 exhibitors featuring the following categories. • Hard and soft window coverings • Decorative drapery hardware • Shading systems • Motorization • Fabrics and textile products • Decorative accents and accessories • Workroom supplies and equipment • Manufacturing equipment • Awnings and exterior products • Wall coverings • Computer technology • Merchandising and sales tools • Floor coverings and area rugs CEU-accredited Seminars More than 65 CEU-approved seminars and educational special events, including tours, are planned for professionals to expand their knowledge in design, business, workroom techniques, installation and technical avenues. The faculty of speakers presenting this wide range of sessions include Deb Barrett, Window Dressings; Jo Ann Brezette, Speaking of Window; Meredith Campbell, Rosemark Designs, Inc; Susan Dudics-Dean, interior designer; Jim Doyle, Rosemark Designs, Inc; Miriam Feinseth, Hunter Douglas Window Fashions; Kathy Goodenbour, The Blind Maker; Dian Garbarini, Designs by Dian; Jamie Gibbs, Jamie Gibbs & Associates; Lamar Griggs, American School of Design and Installation; Brent Holup, Somfy Systems; Dan Kerrigan, Lafayette Installation & Training Center; Kim Kiner, Hunter Douglas Window Fashions; Bonnie Kramer, design consultant; Ellen Madill, F. Schumacher; Sally Morse, Morse Consulting and Hunter Douglas; LaVelle Pinder, LaVelle Pinder Desorating; R.H. Rowley, Rowley Co.; Ben Weller, On-Site Drapery Cleaning & More; and Maureen Whitemore, Maureen Whitemore Fine Furnishings. Also, special guests and speakers appearing at the International Window Coverings Expo are keynote speaker Lady Caroline Wrey; Richard Buckingham of GoldStar Business Strategies, Inc., conducting the sales and performance training seminars for exhibitors and attendees; as well as panel members Marv Hopkins, president, Hunter Douglas; Lance Devereaux, president, Springs Window Fashions Division Inc.; Dave Roberts, president, Levolor; Steve Thomas, president, Kirsch; and Tom Marusak, president, Comfortex Corp. Keynote Luncheon Internationally renown window covering expert and author, Lady Caroline Wrey, will conduct the Keynote Luncheon, "Optimum Elegance," Friday, March 20. Wrey is well-known for her best selling books, Designs for Window Treatments, The Complete Book of Bedroom Elegance and The Complete Book of Curtains and Drapes; Her new book is Complete Curtain Making Course. Attendees will have a chance to learn some of her insights into the industry. Special Events • The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) product innovation awards display Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 • The 13th annual Window Fashions Design Competition awards ceremony will present its best window covering designs, Friday, March 20, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Maryland Suites Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. • "Baltimore Overtour" includes a tour to Mount Vernon Place and Evergreen House plus a private wine and cheese reception at the Engineer's Club, Thursday, March 19, 5:30 to 8 p.m.