NeoConEast A Feast for the Senses

Day One of NeoConEast - what could I expect? Heavy Baltimore traffic delayed my arrival but when I did enter the Convention Center, I was thronged by fellow attendees, all eager to view the show floor and hear a wide range of speakers on a variety of topics.

NeoConEast bills itself as "the premier design exposition and conference for commercial interiors with a focus on the federal government." The first seminar I attended gave good specifics regarding obtaining government contracts. Then it was time to walk the show floor, a real treat for the senses. Bright colors, contoured shapes, intricate designs all tantalized the eyes. One of my favorite booths was trendgreen, with a wide assortment of machine washable fabrics made in the USA of 100% Post Consumer Recycled Polyester by Reid Witlin.



Lutron amazed with its brand-new line: the motorized Kirbe vertical drapery system, in a wide variety of fabrics. Draperies are lifted up and out of the way while retaining their pleats, completely eliminating stack-back.



The other products that impressed me were the seamless leather Tubular Wovens from Garrett Leather, which could be used for drapery rods or tiebacks, in three sizes. They also carry pre-made leather welt cord in the leather and color of your choice. What a beautiful accent for pillows!

I'm a Certified Hunter Douglas Professional Dealer!

I finally completed all of the webinars to receive certification as a Hunter Douglas Professional Dealer! I made it my goal this month to complete the course and last evening polished off the last one.

What's so special about that? Why am I excited? I've been selling Hunter Douglas products like the Silhouette and Pirouette window shadings for quite a few years already. But now I've taken it to a whole other level. Lifting systems, size maximums, fabric choices, vane sizes - the course covered so many of the million details that accompany Hunter Douglas products.

There are very few Certified HD Professional Dealers in this area, dealers who have decided to take those extra steps in order to benefit clients. It is of utmost importance to me to increase my knowledge of the window fashions industry through education, by attending trade shows, seminars, webinars, and by reading trade publications and blogs. I've made it my on-going mission to be up-to-date and very knowledgeable about the products I sell so that I can provide the best possible choices and information to my clients.

And now, off to Baltimore to experience NeoConEast; the abundance of seminars and myriad of exhibits are sure to be educational and stimulating!