Baltimore Biennial

The International Window Coverings Expo returns to a favorite spot.

Baltimore, MD, has been good to the International Window Coverings Expo, hosting the event twice over the past three years—in 1998 and again this year. The show, held April 14 to 16 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD, also returned to its regular Friday to Sunday schedule. The show drew 7,000 attendees from across the United States and 45 countries including such far-off locales as Iceland, Russia and Singapore, according to producers Messe Frankfurt and Window Fashions magazine. Although the number of attendees was the same as reported for last year's show in Atlanta, GA, this year saw an increase in the number of exhibitors to some 250 companies presenting many new products and programs. Products on display covered most all home decorating categories including shades, blinds, shutters, motorization systems, decorative hardware, wall coverings and accessories as presented in the accompanying photographs. Independent business owners and designers made up the show's core customer base, which also included buyers from major national retail chains and Internet companies. For 2001, the show moves to a different region of the country. Next year's show is slated for March 21 to 25 in New Orleans, LA.

More Articles by Howard Shingle  More Articles on Trade Shows Horizontal blind fabricating techniques were demonstrated live using equipment from LTL International. Lisa Hobart of Lutron, parent company of VIMCO, introduced the new Sivoia motorized sunshade. Elana Moore and Larry Chashion showcased adhesive-free Wallpaper for Windows from EtchArt. With more retailers going online and creating a Web presence for their businesses, attendees frequently paused at the Internet Café to access the three Internet products offered through Draperies & Window Coverings.

SEE More Photos of Baltimore Exhibitors.