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TradeShows

Show scheduled for Baltimore next March.

The schedule of events and seminars is evolving quickly in preparation for the largest, most comprehensive trade event for the window covering industry -- the International Window Coverings Expo. This event, co-sponsored by Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt Inc., will be held March 19 to 22, 1998, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. The exhibit hall will be open March 20 to 22 and will feature a wide range of products pertinent to the window coverings industry. Products attendees should expect to see include hard and soft window coverings; decorative 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. Thousands are anticipated to attend the show to find the latest product introductions and the newest industry advances. Exhibiting companies will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the industry's most influential buyers from across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia. Sharing Insights A Gala Welcome Celebration and other special events will offer ideal atmospheres for window covering professionals to meet and discuss trends in the industry as well as share their insights into the business. Having time to interact with peers in a casual setting and discover other business options and techniques is an important aspect of trade shows. Attendees will have dozens of other learning opportunities provided through the CEU-accredited Window Fashions Certified Professionals[TM] (WFCP) program sponsored by Window Fashions magazine and Messe Frankfurt. WFCP seminars, taught by faculty members with years of experience in the window covering industry, will present answers to daily challenges faced by industry professionals. Topics covered through the WFCP Program include window fashion design; interior design trends; executive business seminars; installation for all levels; workroom fabrication, equipment and tools; computer and motorization technology; and international design and business. Charity Raffle and Donation At Atlanta's International Window Fashion & Design Exposition & Conference in April, a 1997 red Corvette was given to one lucky attendee. In 1998, another window covering professional will have a chance to win an exceptional prize, yet to be disclosed. Anyone with hopes of walking away with this prize must purchase a raffle ticket. Raffle proceeds will be given to the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) to aid its efforts to educate the industry and the public on window covering safety issues. Design Competition The 13th annual Window Fashions Design Competition Awards Presentations is a special highlight of the Baltimore show -- where attendees can relax and enjoy an idea-provoking slide presentation and hear winners share their design concepts. Designers interested in entering the competition have until November 14, 1997, to send the required materials to Window Fashions magazine. Winners are chosen in six categories: Combinations, Curtains & Draperies, Decorative Hardware & Trims, Specialty Window, Top Treatments and Hard Treatments. An overall winner will be selected for the grand prize -- the Award of Excellence. This winner will receive a Design Pass to attend the International Window Coverings Expo including airfare (within the United States) and hotel accommodations. A trophy is given to the Award of Excellence winner and the first and second place winners of the six categories. The winners' designs will be presented at the awards presentation in Baltimore and will be featured in Window Fashions magazine. For a copy of the entry form contact Window Fashions at (612) 293-1544. For more information about the International Window Coverings Expo and any of the special events scheduled, 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 Cheryl Strickland is owner of Professional Drapery Seminars. She is an internationally-acclaimed speaker with more than 20 years experience in the window coverings industry. She is the publisher and editor of Sew WHAT?, an international monthly newsletter for professional drapery workrooms. Strickland also is the author of A Practical Guide to Soft Window Coverings and the Designer's Sketch Pad, which are available through Draperies & Window Coverings magazine.