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Baltimore '98

Exhibits, seminars and special events top the agenda at the International Window Coverings Expo.

An array of exhibits, special events and CEU-approved seminars are planned for the International Window Cover- ings Expo. Trade show producers Messe Frankfurt, Inc. and Window Fashions magazine, co-sponsors of this international event, expect about 10,000 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 in Baltimore, MD. Trade Show More than 200 exhibitors will fill the nearly 70,000 net square feet of floor space, March 20 to 22, with a wide spectrum of window coverings and related products. Attendees will find companies representing 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. Dream Windows A special attraction attendees will have an opportunity to investigate is Dream Windows. Members of the on-line association of window coverings professionals, DraperyPro, will display full-size window treatments that will help peak designer's creativity. Remember to bring your camera to photograph these inspiring designs. Exhibitor Workshops As an extra educational benefit, select exhibitors will conduct demonstrations or workshops about products or services they offer. Learn the selling points for the products you specify. Education Wednesday, March 18, opens four days of more than 65 CEU-approved seminars taught by 22 experienced window coverings professionals. Topics covered include design, business, workroom installation and technical avenues. Exhibitors may want to schedule time for a few key seminars that could affect their business practices: Lifetime Tools for Lifetime Customers, Part I and Part II; Profitable Project Management; and the Presidents' Panel Luncheon. Richard Buckingham of GoalStar Business Strategies, Inc. will conduct sales and performance training seminars for exhibitors and attendees. He has worked in the commercial window treatment industry for more than 12 years. The Presidents' Panel Luncheon will include top executives of some of the most influential major window coverings companies in the United States: Jim Mathews, Hunter Douglas Window Fashions; Lance Devereaux, Springs Window Fashions Division, Inc.; Dave Roberts, Levolor Home Furnishings; Steve Thomas, Kirsch; Tom Marusak, Comfortex Corp.; and Steve Swidarski, M & B Window Fashions. Keynote Luncheon Lady Caroline Wrey, an internationally renowned window coverings expert, will conduct the Keynote Luncheon, "Optimum Elegance," Friday, March 20. Wrey also has written such popular design books as 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 also will have an opportunity to learn from Wrey's experiences Thursday, March 19, in her seminar, "The Fundamentals of Skilled Curtain Making." Special Events The learning experience continues in some of the special events that are planned during the show. The Window Covering Manufacturers Association's (WCMA) product innovation awards will be displayed Friday, March 20 to 22. Winning window treatment designs of the 13th annual Window Fashions Design Competition will be presented Friday, March 20 in an awards ceremony in the Maryland Suites Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Attendees also will have an opportunity, Thursday, March 19, to tour Mount Vernon Place and Evergreen House on the Baltimore Overtour and relax at a private wine and cheese reception following. More Shows to Plan for in 1998 August 14-16 Pacific Home Fashion Fair Sponsored by Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt, Inc. Tropicana Convention Center Las Vegas, NV September 30-October 2 Window Fashions EXPO Sponsored by Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt, Inc. The Merchandise Mart Chicago, IL