Editorial

Conference or Trade Show?

by Howard Shingle,
Carolyn Silberman

Is there a difference? This subject has been bantered around industry circles lately—even more so since we launched our new conference, D&WC: A Whole New World. The title emphasizes that the trade show you knew as D&WC's The World of Window Coverings, though well suited for its time, has come and gone. It's time for something new: A Whole New World! D&WC: A Whole New World is an educational conference. As an educational platform, it is intended to prepare window coverings professionals for the future, including "the future" that some experts say is already here. Technology is an important part of what it's all about. Those who feel the Internet is only about selling products online for less than your competitors are not getting the full story—like reading only the headlines without the full content—and our seminars are aimed at filling in those vital details. By the same token, a key element of A Whole New World is the Product Learning Center where industry suppliers, Web site designers and software experts will display products and discuss with attendees how these products and services will help them reach their business goals. A highlight of D&WC: A Whole New World will be the Industry Leaders' Panel in which top industry supplier executives discuss what they plan for the Internet. Attendees will be invited to ask their own questions as well. Conference seminars will be taught by our renowned faculty of speakers including Cheryl Strickland, Karla Nielson, Kitty Stein and Kay Pegram, added industry leaders such as Ray Soltis and Ginny Connor and many technology experts. Draperies & Window Coverings has been working with retailers, designers and fabricators across the country to help us shape A Whole New World. Complete information on this conference, including seminar speakers' backgrounds and full descriptions of the seminars, is available on www.dwctech.com and online at www.DWCdesigNet.com. You also can pre-register—either online or in this issue—and save on registration fees. To get the full story on what it will take to stay competitive, plan on being in Atlanta, GA, April 26 to 28. As a special treat, on Friday April 27, D&WC hosts its 20th Anniversary Gala celebrating two decades of publishing and educational service to the window coverings industry. We salute all of you who have turned to us as your voice to the industry during those wonderful years. See you in Atlanta!

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