Stronger Together: Closing Celebration & National Town Hall

Live Virtual Event and Final Day of the WCAA Membership Drive Week

We’ve celebrated. We’ve connected. We’ve grown.
Now it’s time to come together one last time—to reflect on what we learned, to listen where we're headed, and to discover how you fit into what’s next.

Join us for the final virtual event of the Stronger Together Membership Drive Week, a powerful national conversation led by Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) leadership and members from across the country.

Moderated by LuAnn Nigara

Featuring WCAA Board Members Nationwide

This live, interactive session brings together WCAA leadership and members for an open, honest discussion on:

• Key lessons learned during Membership Drive Week

• What chapters across the country experienced and discovered

• How member voices are shaping the future of WCAA

• What’s next for the association—and the industry

If you care about the direction of the window coverings industry, this conversation matters.

Raffles You’ll Want to Stick Around For

To celebrate the week and thank our community, we’ll be giving away exclusive services and experiences from industry leaders, including:

• Jessica Harling, Behind the Design

• LuAnn Nigara, LuAnn Nigara Inc.

• Vin Nigara, Exciting Windows

• Michele Williams, Scarlet Thread Consulting

• Sun Shade VIP Experience

• Ticket to the Exciting Windows Conference

• $1500 Gift Certificate from Draper Inc.

✨ Must be present to win—this is one meeting you won’t want to leave early.

Additionally, visit www.wcaa.org/membershipdrive for local events in your area.

Register Here!

Why You Should Be There

This isn’t a wrap-up—it’s a launch point.

• Connect with peers from across the U.S.

• Hear directly from WCAA leadership

• Understand how WCAA is evolving to better serve members

• Be part of a community that believes we are stronger when we work together

Whether you joined WCAA this week, have been a member for years, or are still deciding—this conversation is for you.

Join us for the Stronger Together Closing Celebration & National Town Hall.
End the week where it began, together. Because community doesn’t end when the event does—it’s just getting started.

TRIANGLE GA CHAPTER SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Triangle Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating education, craftsmanship, and collaboration across the design and window coverings industry. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners.

This program invites attendees to step behind the scenes of fabrication and see design decisions through a new lens. Fabric choices—pattern, scale, repeat, and balance—can make or break a finished product. Understanding how fabricators evaluate these details leads to smoother projects, fewer surprises, and better outcomes for everyone involved.

Expect practical insight, professional connection, and tools you can immediately apply to elevate your work and your partnerships.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11th fro 3-5pm EST

Location: The Green Chair Project, 1853 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604

Registration: Register Today!

SPEAKERS

SANDRA VAN SICKLE

Topic: Through the Eye of the Fabricator | What Fabric Really Reveals!

In this behind-the-scenes presentation, Sandra VanSickle shares how professional fabricators evaluate fabric choices to successfully bring a designer’s vision to life. Drawing on more than 30 years of hands-on workroom experience, Sandra breaks down how pattern, scale, balance, and repeat affect fabrication, installation, and the final appearance of custom window treatments.

Attendees Will Learn:

• How fabricators assess pattern and scale before fabrication begins

• Why certain fabrics create challenges—and how to anticipate them early

• How better fabric decisions lead to smoother collaboration and stronger results

• What designers and workrooms can discuss upfront to avoid costly revisions

Sandra VanSickle, an esteemed leader in the industry, strives to educate, inspire and promote others in the window covering industry. With her 30-plus years of knowledge and workroom experience, she’s committed to passing along what she has learned through online and hands-on classes, articles and speaking engagements for those seeking professional training in the custom window treatment segment of the industry. In Apex, North Carolina, Sandra is the proud owner of Sew What’s New, LLC, a wholesale custom window treatment workroom and training center. She’s also the director of IWCE’s Artisan Atelier.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you want better outcomes, fewer surprises, and stronger collaboration between design and fabrication, this event is for you.

Join the Triangle design and window coverings community for an educational, insight-rich session that will change how you look at fabric—and how you work together.

Register today and bring your questions.
Because when designers and fabricators understand each other, we’re Stronger Together.

SEPA/NJ CHAPTER SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the SEPA & New Jersey Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating innovation, education, and growth across the design and window coverings industry. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you are a current WCAA member or exploring membership for the first time.

This hands-on, demonstration-rich program is designed to remove the fear and mystery around motorization and lighting control. Attendees will gain practical insight into how motorized shading and simplified lighting solutions can increase revenue, elevate client experience, and expand service offerings—without adding unnecessary complexity. As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, this event reflects the theme “Stronger Together: You’re Never in Business Alone.”

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11th from 10-1:30 EST

Location: DEL Motorized Solutions, 2075 Byberry Road, The Atrium Suite 108, Bensalem, PA 19020

Register Here!

SPEAKERS

DENNIS LISTER

Topic: Don’t Fear Motorization!

In this practical, sales-forward session, Dennis Lister and the DEL Motorized Solutions team—along with Lutron experts—will break down how motorization can become a profitable, approachable addition to your business.

What You’ll Learn & Experience:

• Sales, programming, and installation tips & tricks from Lutron experts

• Live demonstrations of Lutron shading systems, controls, and Ketra lighting

• How to unlock untapped revenue by adding simplified lighting control to your offerings

• Architectural solutions for angled and arched windows

• DEL Motorized Solutions’ white glove services, including:

  • Measuring

  • Product design

  • Installation

  • Programming

  • All at aggressive wholesale pricing

Bonus for Attendees:
All members who attend will gain access to Lutron’s and DEL’s full line of labor, shading, and lighting solutions, creating immediate opportunity for expanded services and revenue.

Dennis Lister is the CEO of DEL Motorized Solutions, a trusted provider of motorized shading and lighting control solutions for the design and window coverings industry. Known for making complex technology approachable, Dennis helps designers, retailers, installers, and workrooms confidently integrate motorization into their businesses in a way that is both profitable and scalable.

Under his leadership, DEL Motorized Solutions has become known for its white-glove service, offering measuring, product design, installation, and programming at competitive wholesale pricing. A strong advocate for education and hands-on learning, Dennis regularly shares practical sales, installation, and programming insights and works closely with partners like Lutron to help professionals unlock new revenue while delivering seamless, high-performing solutions for their clients.

LuAnn NigARA

LuAnn Nigara is a leading business expert, keynote speaker, and media personality, known for helping entrepreneurs stop playing small and take decisive action. As the host of the top-rated podcasts A Well-Designed Business® and Window Treatments for Profit—with over 1,000 episodes and 9 million downloads—LuAnn has built an international reputation for delivering no-nonsense business advice.

A seasoned entrepreneur, she has successfully launched three businesses, including LuAnn Nigara Inc., where she provides business education through live events, LuAnn University, and bestselling books. Known as the go-to speaker for business owners ready to get out of their own way and step into profitability, LuAnn delivers engaging, actionable keynotes that inspire and challenge audiences to make bold, smart decisions in their business.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you’ve been curious about motorization—but unsure where to start—this event is for you.

Join the SEPA & NJ design and window coverings community for hands-on demonstrations, expert guidance, and practical strategies you can use immediately to grow revenue and confidence.

Save the date. Watch for registration. Bring your questions.
Because when we learn and grow together, we’re Stronger Together.

EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating education, collaboration, and business growth within the design and window coverings industry. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners at every stage of business.

This inspiring program goes behind the curtain to explore how successful professionals elevate window treatments from a final decorative step into a strategic profit center. Through thought-provoking education and tangible creative inspiration, attendees will gain tools to strengthen process, enhance client experience, and increase the value of their finished work.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11th from 10-2pm EST

Location: Boston Design Center, The Martin Group Showroom, Suite 215, 1 Design Center Place, Boston MA 02210

Register Here!

SPEAKERS

CHRISTA O’LEARY

Topic: Behind the Curtain | What’s in your Designer Toolbox for a Profitable Window Treatment Business?

Do you have all the pieces in place for a successful design or window treatment business, or are you relying on talent and hustle alone?

In this presentation, Christa O’Leary, Founder of Home in Harmony Designs, takes attendees behind the curtain to reveal why window treatments are one of the most powerful (and often under-leveraged) drivers of revenue, client satisfaction, and design impact.

Using her signature Designer’s Toolbox™ approach, Christa shows how the most successful businesses create consistent results by designing with multiple lenses - not only aesthetics, but the psychological, physiological, and emotional impact of a space. 

Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for how to elevate window treatments from a “final detail” to a profit center, strengthen their process, and create a client experience that feels effortless, premium, and referral-worthy.

Founder and CEO of Home in Harmony Designs, Christa O’Leary leads a distinguished design firm renowned for crafting exquisite interiors that elevate both aesthetic beauty and the wellbeing of her clients. With a rare combination of expertise—holding dual degrees in psychology and human development—O'Leary’s foundation in marriage and family therapy uniquely informs her philosophy of “Design Inspired Living,” where interiors not only reflect personal style but also foster emotional and physical wellness.

A celebrated figure in the world of interior design, O’Leary has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Design Firms by Designer’s Today magazine and hailed as the “One to Watch” by Modern Luxury Magazine. Her insights and innovative approach have positioned her as a thought leader in the industry. She has shared her expertise as a keynote speaker at the prestigious High Point Market and participated as a Market Pro, further solidifying her influence in the design community. Additionally, she has been a featured speaker on the Traditional Home panel at HPMKT, offering her unique perspective on creating spaces that nurture and inspire.

A celebrated author and advocate for design psychology & sustainable living, Christa’s work has captured the attention of national media, with appearances on CBS, NBC, and The Hallmark Channel. As a sought-after motivational speaker, she has inspired audiences worldwide, appearing on renowned radio shows and podcasts. Her signature designs, regularly featured in prestigious publications such as Modern Luxury, Designer's Today, New England Home, Luxury Interiors, and by the acclaimed international fabric house Kravet, encourage a life of elegance, harmony, and vitality.

Through her visionary leadership at Home in Harmony Designs, O’Leary continues to push the boundaries of traditional interior design, blending her deep understanding of aesthetics and human psychology to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply enriching for those who inhabit them

Marisa Guttmacher

Topic: Samuel & Sons Luxury Trims

Attendees will go inside the world of luxury trimmings and passementerie—how they are created, why they matter, and how designers and workrooms can use them to elevate finished goods. This visually rich presentation includes samples and inspiring examples of how thoughtful trim selection adds craftsmanship, personality, and unforgettable impact to window treatments and soft furnishings.

Marisa Guttmacher serves as Vice President of Design at Samuel & Sons, the world’s leading source for luxury trimmings, passementerie, and decorative textiles. With a keen eye for detail and a deep respect for craftsmanship, Marisa plays a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision behind one of the most influential brands in the interiors industry.

In her role, Marisa oversees design direction and product development, guiding collections from concept through creation. She collaborates closely with artisans, mills, and global partners to ensure every trim reflects Samuel & Sons’ commitment to quality, innovation, and timeless design. Her work bridges tradition and modernity—honoring historic techniques while introducing fresh applications that inspire today’s designers and workrooms.

A passionate educator and industry resource, Marisa is known for helping designers and fabricators understand not just what trimmings are available, but how to use them strategically to elevate finished goods and create true “wow” moments. Through presentations, sample-led demonstrations, and collaborative partnerships, she empowers creative professionals to push boundaries and add distinctive value to their projects.

Marisa’s leadership and creative influence continue to position Samuel & Sons at the forefront of luxury detailing—where exceptional design meets impeccable execution.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you want to design smarter, increase profitability, and create work that truly stands out—this event is for you.

Join the Eastern Massachusetts design and window coverings community for an afternoon of education, inspiration, and connection that will change how you think about window treatments and the role they play in your business.

Save the date. Watch for registration. Bring a colleague.
Because when we learn and grow together, we’re Stronger Together.

INDIANA CHAPTER SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Indiana Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating community, leadership, and smarter ways to run profitable, low-drama projects. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you’re a long-time professional or new to the trade.

Custom work means custom challenges: changing details, multiple handoffs, client emotions, and constant decision-making. This event is designed to help professionals across the window coverings ecosystem lead projects with confidence, make faster decisions, and set boundaries that protect time, margins, and relationships. As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, the Indiana chapter event reflects the theme “Stronger Together: You’re Never in Business Alone.”

Expect practical education, real-world tools, and connections with peers who understand the realities of custom work.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11th from 10-2pm EST

Location: Indiana Design Center, 200 S Rangeline Road, Carmel IN 46032

Register Here!

SPEAKERS

Andrea Liebross

Topic: She Thinks Big®: Drop the Drama—Make Faster Decisions, Hold Better Boundaries, and Lead Projects With Confidence 

In the window coverings world, everything is custom—which means variables, handoffs, and client emotions can quickly turn projects into decision fatigue and unnecessary stress. In this practical, high-energy keynote, Andrea Liebross shows you how to “drop the drama” by upgrading the way you make decisions, communicate across the trade, and lead clients and partners with clarity.

You’ll learn a simple framework to stop overthinking, reduce scope creep, and hold boundaries around pricing, timelines, and expectations—without damaging relationships. Whether you’re a designer, retailer, workroom, installer, vendor, or newer professional, you’ll leave with tools you can use immediately to keep projects moving, protect your time, and lead every project with calm confidence.

Key takeaways:

• A repeatable process to make faster, clearer decisions (even when details are still evolving)

• Boundary language that protects pricing, scope, and timelines while strengthening trust

• Practical strategies to improve handoffs and communication between designers, workrooms, installers, and vendors

Andrea Liebross is a keynote speaker, bestselling author of She Thinks Big®, podcast host, and strategy-driven business and leadership coach. She helps leaders strengthen decision-making so growth feels clear, grounded, and sustainable—at work and in real life.  

KERRY MARTINDELL

Kerry Martindell, representative for Maxwell Fabrics, will kick off the morning with a look at Maxwell’s upcoming Spring Collections, launching later this month. As our coffee and beverage sponsor, Kerry will welcome attendees with both inspiration and insight, highlighting new drapery offerings with a strong emphasis on wide widths, sheers, prints, stripes, and wool blends. This presentation offers an early peek at fresh, versatile fabrics designed to support beautiful, functional window treatments—setting the tone for a creative and energizing day ahead.

Kerry Martindell is a trusted industry representative for Maxwell Fabrics, working closely with designers, workrooms, and industry professionals to help them select textiles that balance beauty, performance, and practicality. With a strong understanding of drapery and decorative fabrics, she is known for translating collections into real-world applications, considering factors such as width, hand, pattern, and end use. Kerry supports the launch of new collections—including wide-width drapery fabrics, sheers, prints, stripes, and wool blends—and serves as a knowledgeable, collaborative resource within the design and window coverings community.

Lisa Campbell

Why Sunbrella? Lisa will show us all the advantages of using Sunbrella fabrics. She will also bring a “Stain Bar” where you can learn how easy it is to clean these fabrics.
Lisa Campbell is a representative for Sunbrella, working with designers, workrooms, and industry professionals to showcase fabrics that combine durability, cleanability, and design-forward style. Known for her engaging, hands-on approach, Lisa educates professionals on the many interior applications of Sunbrella fabrics—including window treatments, upholstery, and soft goods—often demonstrating their easy-care performance in real-world scenarios. Through practical education and deep product knowledge, she serves as a trusted resource, helping professionals specify fabrics that deliver long-lasting beauty and confident client solutions.

EVENT SPONSORS:

If you want to make clearer decisions, protect your boundaries, and lead projects with confidence—while building stronger relationships across the trade—this event is for you.

Join the Indiana design and window coverings community for an educational, energizing gathering that delivers tools you can use immediately.

Save the date. Invite a colleague. Be part of WCAA.
Because when we lead together, we’re Stronger Together.

CHICAGO SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Chicago Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating community, leadership, and smarter ways of growing creative, trade-based businesses. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you’re a longtime WCAA member or brand new to the community.

Hosted by Jessica Harling of Behind the Design and Springs Window Fashions in Graber’s training facility, this in-person gathering focuses on practical, real-world insight into how strong systems, clear processes, and aligned teams help businesses scale without losing culture. Expect thoughtful conversation, actionable takeaways, and meaningful connections with peers who understand the realities of the window coverings and design trades.

PLUS a factory tour by Graber and a presentation on market insights for the growth of our industry!

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Wednesday March 11th from 10-4pm CST

Location: Springs Window Fashoins, 7549 Graber Rd, Middleton, WI 53562

Agenda: Click here to see the agenda!

Inventment: No Charge with Lunch Included!

Registration: Register Here!

SPEAKERS

JESSICA HARLING

Jessica Harling is a process architect turned people strategist who helps creative businesses scale with clarity, confidence, and heart. As Founder and CEO of Behind the Design, she blends deep operational expertise with emotional intelligence to build high-performing teams without sacrificing culture.

A proud fourth-generation window covering professional, Jessica was raised in her family’s Chicago-based business founded in 1936 that is still thriving today. She earned her expertise the long way, holding roles across sales, business development, and operations, giving her a rare, firsthand understanding of what it takes to grow and sustain a trade-based business. Today, she helps firms systemize success by aligning people, process, and purpose, proving that structure and soul can coexist.

RACHEL HYSLOP

Since February 2020, Rachel Hyslop has served as the Vice President of National Accounts for the dealer channel at Springs Window Fashions. Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, the company has 14 window treatment manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery are in nearly every major retailer and in thousands of design showrooms nationwide.

Ms. Hyslop is a collaborative, energetic leader with strategic and tactical experience in the retail and business-to-business realms. She has led successful product launches, marketing campaigns, brand positioning, and customer acquisition/retention projects for more than 15 years. Ms. Hyslop has provided thoughtful direction on branding and consumer insight projects, in addition to implementing projects, systems, and organizational structures that support Springs Window Fashions’ growth.

Prior to this role, Ms. Hyslop held several positions with increasing responsibility at Springs Window Fashions. She served as Director of Channel Marketing, where she was responsible for the successful development and implementation of customer marketing campaigns, loyalty and incentive programs.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you’re ready to build a stronger business with clearer systems, better leadership, and a community that truly understands your work, this event is for you.

Join the Chicago-area design and window coverings community for a day of insight, connection, and forward-thinking conversation.

Register now, bring a colleague, and be part of the WCAA movement.
Because when we grow together, we’re Stronger Together.

VIRTUAL CHAPTER SPECIAL ZOOM EVENT

Join the Virtual Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special live, online event celebrating connection, education, and stronger businesses—no travel required. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners across the country.

Hiring is one of the most high-stakes—and often most frustrating—parts of running a creative, trade-based business. In this engaging and practical session, attendees will learn how to transform interviews from awkward conversations into powerful tools for clarity, alignment, and confident decision-making.

As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, this virtual event delivers immediately actionable insight while reinforcing the idea that you are never in business alone—even when your team is remote.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10th from 3-4pm EST

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Registration: Register Here!

SPEAKERS

Jessica Harling

Topic: Don’t Lead the Witness | The Art of Interviewing
This presentation explores the art of interviewing through three critical lenses:

• How to ask better questions that reveal real capability and fit

• What strong interviewers are actually listening for

• How to avoid costly hiring mistakes when searching for your next rockstar employee

Attendees Will Learn:

• How to structure interviews to uncover genuine insights

• How to avoid unintentionally coaching candidates to the “right” answers

• How to assess skill, will, and alignment—not just likability

• How to design interviews that support confident, values-based hiring decisions

This session is ideal for business owners and leaders who want to hire smarter, reduce turnover, and build teams that truly support growth.

Jessica Harling is a process architect turned people strategist who helps creative businesses scale with clarity, confidence, and heart. As Founder and CEO of Behind the Design, she blends deep operational expertise with emotional intelligence to build high-performing teams without sacrificing culture.

A proud fourth-generation window covering professional, Jessica was raised in her family’s Chicago-based business founded in 1936 that is still thriving today. She earned her expertise the long way, holding roles across sales, business development, and operations, giving her a rare, firsthand understanding of what it takes to grow and sustain a trade-based business. Today, she helps firms systemize success by aligning people, process, and purpose, proving that structure and soul can coexist.

EVENT SPONSORS

If hiring feels risky, exhausting, or hit-or-miss, this session will change how you approach it.

Join the WCAA Virtual Chapter for a practical, thought-provoking conversation that will immediately improve how you interview, evaluate, and hire—no matter the size of your team.

Register now and bring your hiring questions.
Because when we learn together, we grow Stronger Together.

CHARLOTTE NC SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Charlotte Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating connection, collaboration, and stronger business partnerships. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you’re a current member or exploring WCAA for the first time.

At the heart of this event is a dynamic panel discussion focused on one of the most important (and often misunderstood) relationships in our industry: designer–workroom partnerships. When communication is clear, expectations are aligned, and accountability is shared, these partnerships become long-term, profitable, and far less stressful for everyone involved.

As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, this Charlotte chapter event reflects the theme “Stronger Together: You’re Never in Business Alone.” Expect honest conversation, practical insight, and real-world perspective you can take back to your business immediately—plus time to connect with peers over lunch.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10th from 10:30-2pm

Location: United Supply Company, 10701 Texland Boulevard, Charlotte, NC  28273

Registration: Register Now! (Lunch is included with Ticket)

PANEL DISCUSSION SPEAKERS

SARA LYNN BRENNAN

Sara is a highly respected interior designer celebrated for her thoughtful, family-centered approach that beautifully blends sophistication with everyday livability. Her work has earned both national and local recognition, including features in Architectural Digest and Traditional Home, being named a Women to KNOW in NC, and being voted 2025 Charlotte’s Best Interior Design, Woman-Owned Business, and Window Treatment Provider. Beyond her design work, Sara is a trusted voice in the industry who loves sharing her knowledge through education, workshops, and community involvement. With a genuine passion for people and design, she continues to create spaces that feel as meaningful as they are beautiful.

CHERYL LUCKETT

Like Cheryl’s southern roots, her love for design runs deep. Since 2012, Dwell by Cheryl Interiors has kept clients raving about Cheryl and her team’s ability to transform their homes into classic, colorful, cultured and cozy spaces. 

For over 15 years, Cheryl worked at a Fortune 500 company, initially as a Registered Dietitian and subsequently as a human resources professional in diversity and inclusion. Eventually, however, those seeds of creativity took root. They collided with her faith and she realized her true calling was in design. She hasn’t looked back since. 

Along with designing for her clients, Cheryl also brings the classic style, cultured details, and charming flair she’s known for to collaborations with major brands in the home furnishings and design industry. Her product designs feature everything from lighting to textiles with no end in sight.  You can find her lighting, furnishings and home décor collection available at Wildwood and her premiere textile collaboration at Revolution Fabrics. 

Cheryl and her work have been featured in Southern Home, Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, AD, Forbes, The Washington Post, and Southern Living to name a few.

AMANDA SMITH
Amanda D. Smith is the founder and owner of Sew Unordinary, LLC, a full-service, to-the-trade workroom specializing in custom window treatments and soft furnishings for the interior design industry. With a background in education and a lifelong foundation in sewing and upholstery, Amanda launched her workroom in 2001 and has grown it into a trusted resource for designers nationwide. In 2017, she co-founded Seamless Workroom, an industry-specific management system designed to improve efficiency and productivity for fabricators and designers.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you’ve ever wanted stronger partnerships, clearer communication, and more profitable projects, this event is for you.

Join the Charlotte design and window coverings community for an engaging conversation, meaningful connections, and practical insight—plus lunch with peers who understand your business.

Register now, bring a colleague, and be part of the movement.
Because when designers and workrooms work together, we’re truly Stronger Together.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating community, leadership, and smarter ways of running creative businesses. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you’re a longtime WCAA member or just getting to know the association.

Hosted at the Sheffield Furniture & Interiors Design Studio, this gathering combines education, connection, and practical business insight in a setting built around craftsmanship and thoughtful design. As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, the event highlights how shared tools, language, and leadership frameworks help businesses move from reactive to proactive—together.

Attendees will leave with immediately usable strategies, new professional connections, and a clearer understanding of how WCAA supports business owners and teams at every stage.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10 from 10-12:30pm EST

Location: Sheffield Furniture & Interiors Design Studio, 9912-A1 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066

Register Here!

SPEAKERS

Rebecca Munster

Topic: Stoplight Systems | From Reactive to Proactive Leadership

In this class, business owners and operations leaders learn how to use stoplight systems (green / yellow / red) to create instant visibility, shared language, and better decision-making across their business.

Stoplight systems help teams move out of reactive mode and into proactive thinking. Early on, many businesses see a lot of red—and that’s not failure, it’s awareness. Over time, as teams learn to spot warning signs sooner, issues are caught at yellow, allowing leaders and teams to pivot before problems become urgent, expensive, or disruptive.

We’ll explore how to apply stoplight systems across key areas of the business—projects, operations, sales, capacity, team performance, and client experience—so everyone understands:

• What’s on track

• What needs attention

• What requires immediate action

Participants will learn:

• How to define clear, objective criteria for green, yellow, and red

• How stoplight systems teach proactive thinking and better communication

• How to use stop lights to guide priorities, conversations, and time allocation

• How to help teams escalate issues early—without fear or drama

• How to avoid common pitfalls like “everything is yellow” or status based on gut feel

By the end of the class, leaders will know how to implement stoplight systems that build awareness, encourage ownership, and shift the organization from firefighting to forward-thinking—creating calmer operations and stronger execution over time.

Rebecca Munster is the owner of RMD Luxury Window Treatments, where she leads a growing team delivering custom window solutions for clients’ most important spaces—their homes. With a background that bridges design, operations, and corporate project and organizational management, Rebecca brings a deep passion for building clarity, structure, and systems that actually work in real-world, creative businesses.

Through years of hands-on experience—learning what worked and what didn’t as her business grew—Rebecca developed Simply Managed, a practical approach to leadership and operations designed specifically for small, service-based and trade-focused companies. She is passionate about helping business owners move out of survival mode, simplify how they run their businesses, and create environments where both people and creativity can thrive.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you’re ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity, this event is for you.

Join the Northern Virginia design and window coverings community for a practical, inspiring conversation about better systems, better leadership, and stronger businesses—supported by a national professional community.

Save the date. Invite a colleague. Watch for registration opening soon.
Because when we learn and lead together, we’re Stronger Together.

NASHVILLE SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Nashville Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating community, leadership, and smarter ways of running creative businesses. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you’re a longtime WCAA member or just getting to know the association.

Hosted at the Manoirs Nashville and Fabricut, this gathering combines education, connection, and practical business insight in a setting built around craftsmanship and thoughtful design. As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, the event highlights how shared tools, language, and leadership frameworks help businesses move from reactive to proactive—together.

Attendees will leave with immediately usable strategies, new professional connections, and a clearer understanding of how WCAA supports business owners and teams at every stage.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10 from 10-12:00pm EST

Location: Manoirs Nashville, 2969 Armory Drive, Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37204

Register Here!

SPEAKERS

DARLA HUNTER

Topic: The Importance of Properly Measuring Window Treatments

Darla will focus on why accurate measurements are essential when installing window treatments such as curtains, blinds, or shades. It explains how proper measuring affects appearance, functionality, cost, and overall satisfaction.

I have been a seamstress since the age of 10, starting my journey in sewing through 4H.

My academic background includes a degree in Textiles, Tailoring and Business which laid the foundation for a diverse career in public relations followed by raising 2 daughters and all that motherhood offers. 

In 2013 I opened a workroom, specializing in custom work, dressmaking and home soft goods as well as other creative projects. Over time, I shifted focus primarily to window treatments and other soft home furnishings. 

In 2020 I accepted a position with Fabricut as a window treatment specialist in the Tennessee / Kentucky territory, transitioning from entrepreneur to territory specialist. Today I primarily serve as a consultant and educator for trade professionals, collaborating with designers, workrooms, installers and retail establishments. My role involves helping them better understand our Finished Products and supporting the territory account manager.  The most enjoyable part of my job is working with industry partners, problem solving and witnessing a job well done installed. 

EVENT SPONSORS

If you’re ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity, this event is for you.

Join the Northern Virginia design and window coverings community for a practical, inspiring conversation about better systems, better leadership, and stronger businesses—supported by a national professional community.

Save the date. Invite a colleague. Watch for registration opening soon.
Because when we learn and lead together, we’re Stronger Together.

RICHMOND VA CHAPTER SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join the Richmond, VA Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person gathering celebrating community, craftsmanship, and connection within the design and window coverings industry.

Hosted at the iconic McKinnon & Harris showroom, this event brings together designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners for a relaxed yet meaningful experience focused on conversation, inspiration, and professional connection. Set within a space known for quality and thoughtful process, the afternoon reflects the values that define strong, enduring businesses.

Attendees will experience a guided look inside the McKinnon and Harris showroom and workshop, connect with professionals from across the industry, and gain insight into WCAA as a professional community and resource.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday, 10th from 10-12pm

Location: McKinnon & Harris 1722 Arlington Road, Richmond VA 23230

Register Here!

SPONSORED BY

As part of the national WCAA Membership Drive, this event provides an opportunity to engage with industry professionals in a setting that reflects craftsmanship, quality, and thoughtful process.

If you value craftsmanship, relationships, and being part of something bigger than your individual business, this event is for you.

Join the Richmond design and window coverings community for an afternoon of connection and inspiration—and discover how WCAA supports professionals at every stage of their journey.

Save the date. Invite a colleague. Come experience WCAA—Richmond style.

ATLANTA GA CHAPTER SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT

Join Atlanta’s design and window treatment community for a business-focused, in-person event that brings designers, workrooms, installers, and industry partners into one room to talk about what really moves the needle: collaboration, clarity, and profitability—especially around window treatments.

Window treatments should never feel like a headache—or an afterthought.

This program is designed to elevate how window treatments are specified, priced, fabricated, and installed, and to show designers how strong partnerships can:

• Protect margins

• Reduce stress

• Improve client satisfaction

• Turn a problem area into a true profit center

Expect real-world business insight, honest conversations, and actionable strategies you can use immediately.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10th from 10-2pm EST

Location: ADAC (Atlanta Design Center) 351 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30305

Agenda: See the Agenda here!

Investment: $25 per person for non-members, $15 for Atlanta WCAA members

Lunch is provided in your ticket price, and seating is limited, register today!

Registration: Register here!

SPEAKERS

LUANN NIGARA

Topic: Enhancing the Interior Designer & Workroom Partnership

LuAnn Nigara is a leading business expert, keynote speaker, and media personality, known for helping entrepreneurs stop playing small and take decisive action. As the host of the top-rated podcasts A Well-Designed Business® and Window Treatments for Profit—with over 1,000 episodes and 9 million downloads—LuAnn has built an international reputation for delivering no-nonsense business advice.

A seasoned entrepreneur, she has successfully launched three businesses, including LuAnn Nigara Inc., where she provides business education through live events, LuAnn University, and bestselling books. Known as the go-to speaker for business owners ready to get out of their own way and step into profitability, LuAnn delivers engaging, actionable keynotes that inspire and challenge audiences to make bold, smart decisions in their business.

MICHELE WILLIAMS

Topic: Understanding Your Financials is More than Reading an Income Statement 

Have you ever heard the phrase “understand your financials”? For many they interpret this as being able to read an income statement or balance sheet, as if that is enough. In this presentation, Michele will share with you not only how to read an income statement but how to apply the knowledge you gain for continued decision making so that the understanding becomes action.

Michele Williams is the visionary owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies dedicated to empowering creative professionals – especially interior designers, workrooms, and window covering specialists – to thrive as business owners. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michele has built a reputation as a trusted advisor who helps design entrepreneurs navigate the financial and operational complexities of running a business. 
At Scarlet Thread Consulting, Michele leverages her deep expertise in finance and business strategy to provide tailored coaching and mentoring. Her focus on financial clarity and operational efficiency equips clients to make confident, data-driven decisions that fuel sustainable growth. 

Through Metrique Solutions, Michele bridges technology and consultancy, offering software tools designed specifically for small business owners. By harnessing financial metrics and data analysis, she enables clients to refine pricing strategies, strengthen profitability, and build resilient businesses. 

Recognized as both a thought leader and advocate in the design community, Michele is known for her commitment to excellence and her unwavering support of her clients. Her work not only transforms businesses but also sparks creativity, confidence and long-term success – making her an indispensable guide for design professionals who are ready to elevate their businesses.

INTERIOR DESIGNER PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderated by LuAnn Nigara

ERIKA WARD

Erika Ward is the founder and principal designer of Erika Ward Interiors, an Atlanta-based residential design studio with over 20 years of experience designing refined, livable homes nationwide. Known for her tailored yet approachable aesthetic, Erika specializes in guiding homeowners through renovations and new construction with clarity, confidence, and thoughtful attention to how families truly live. 

A published designer, speaker, and industry advocate, Erika is passionate about elevating the client experience, mentoring fellow designers, and helping professionals build sustainable design driven businesses. Her work blends timeless design principles with modern functionality —always rooted in intention, process, and long-term value.

DANA FALER

Dana Faler is the principal designer and founder of Dana Faler Interiors, a Chattanooga-based design firm recognized for its disciplined, architecture-led approach to residential interiors. Georgia-born and grounded in classical design principles, Dana’s work draws from traditional foundations while confidently integrating transitional and contemporary elements, always with an emphasis on enduring quality.

Her firm was voted “Best of the Best Interior Designer” by the Chattanooga Times Free Press Readers’ Choice Awards (2024–2025), and Dana has been recognized by Modern Luxury Magazine for excellence in transitional and contemporary design across the Southeast and Nashville markets.

Dana brings a collaborative, execution-focused perspective to design and is known for understanding how details—like window treatments—play a critical role in how a space ultimately feels and functions.

EVENT SPONSORS

If you design, fabricate, install, or support window treatments, this event is for you. Come learn how stronger partnerships lead to better projects, healthier margins, and less stress—while building relationships that move the industry forward.

Reserve your seat, bring a colleague, and be part of the conversation.
Because when we work together, we’re Stronger Together.

Kickoff Event: National Virtual Celebration

Moderated by LuAnn Nigara, President of WCAA

We’ll kick off the week with an energizing live virtual event that brings the entire country together in one room—online.

What to Expect:

• Live keynote from LuAnn Nigara on how collaboration strengthens the industry as a whole

• Real member stories highlighting the power of community, connection, and shared growth

• Raffles & giveaways you can only win by attending live

• A first look at how WCAA chapters nationwide will be celebrating all week long

This is your front-row seat to the heart of WCAA—and the perfect introduction for future members.

Who Should Attend?

• Window covering dealers & retailers

• Interior designers

• Workrooms & fabricators

• Installers & technicians

• Industry partners & suppliers

• Anyone curious about WCAA membership

Members and non-members welcome.
If you’ve ever considered joining WCAA—this is the moment.

What do I put on my calendar?

Monday, March 9th, at 12:00 pm EST

Additionally, visit this page for local events in your area.

How do I register?

Register Here!

Why “Stronger Together”?

Because no one builds a successful business alone.

WCAA exists to:

• Support professionals at every stage of business

• Create meaningful connections across roles and regions

• Advocate for the industry as a unified voice

• Share knowledge, resources, and real-world experience

This week is about opening the doors, extending the invitation, and reminding ourselves what’s possible when we collaborate.

Save your spot. Invite a colleague. Celebrate the industry.
Because when we come together—we’re Stronger Together.

Join us for our Quarterly Webinar with Deb Barrett

Harnessing AI in the Custom Window Covering World

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world of interior design, with a focus on custom window coverings. In Part 1 Deb will delve into how AI can streamline the design process, enhance personalization, and elevate customer experiences. This webinar will help demystify AI, introduce tools and strategies that any design pro can implement. We’ll walk through the steps to get you started, define your AI plan and then build a foundation to be able to use AI effectively equipping you with actionable strategies to integrate AI into your sales and design processes to stay competitive and innovative in the custom window covering market. (P.S. AI helped write this description!) 

Members Register Here

Non Members Register here for $45

Creative catalyst, design confidante and industry presence for more than 30 years, Deb Barrett has a unique perspective. Her aim is to inspire and energize the design industry. Her design career has taken many paths and her fascination with what’s around the corner has led her to her current roles as a designer, speaker, educator, trend forecaster and consultant. As a design creative, Deb combined her twin passions—design and soft furnishings—by founding Window Dressings, a couture window treatment and soft furnishings firm near Chicago. She is an accredited speaker and a member of the Interior Design Continuing Education Council Board of Directors and WithIt. Most recently, she was awarded the Educator of the Year award by WithIt and the Window Coverings Industry Icon Award. As a trend strategist and High Point Market brand ambassador, she attends dozens of industry trade shows, design exhibits and design events to keep abreast of the hottest new trends and product innovations and to develop design intelligence and interior forecasts. She travels the globe, tracking developments in the ever-evolving world of design, providing designers with exclusive access to some of the world’s best design destinations through her company, Décor Tours.

Presentation Title:
The Value of Lead Magnets and Other Ways to Build an Email List

Synopsis:
Learn how to start building trust with your audience by growing an engaged email list, even if you’re starting from scratch. We’ll cover why having your own list matters, strategies for building it effectively, and how to create valuable lead magnets that convert social media followers and website visitors into subscribers.

This session emphasizes the human side of email marketing — showing how even automated touchpoints can feel personal when they reflect your story and brand voice. Attendees will see how list building creates opportunities for ideal clients to know, like, and trust you across multiple touchpoints, all while staying consistent with your brand identity. Along the way, they’ll understand how the right systems help clients feel welcomed in and personally connected.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the value of growing an email list from scratch.

• Create lead magnets that effectively convert followers into subscribers.

• Recognize how automation supports consistent, trust-building engagement.

Email lists and lead magnets are the gateway to connection — they invite your audience into relationship with you. This directly supports the overarching theme: the first step in making clients feel invited in and beginning the “know, like, trust” journey.

About Stephanie Hamilton

Stephanie Hamilton is the Owner and Creative Director of Hamilton Creatives, a boutique marketing agency serving interior designers, window treatment professionals, and others in the home design industry. With over 15 years of marketing expertise, Stephanie is passionate about helping businesses tell their story in a way that attracts their ideal clients. Since founding Hamilton Creatives in 2014, she has led a full-service team offering strategic support across branding, website development, social media, email marketing, videography, and brand strategy. Based in Savannah, Georgia, Stephanie works with clients nationwide to help them grow with purpose and impact.

Nonmembers Sign Up here for $45

Members Sign Up Here

Presentation Title:
Create an Editorial Calendar to Streamline Your Marketing and Build Human Connections

Synopsis:
Stop feeling overwhelmed by your marketing and start seeing results with a simple editorial calendar. This session shows how your blog, email newsletter, and social media can work together as one cohesive system. We’ll cover practical organization techniques and systems that maintain consistent and relevant contact without creating overwhelm, while also incorporating automation to lighten the load.

The calendar isn’t just about organization — it’s about weaving a story-driven brand experience across all platforms. Attendees will see how aligning blog, email, and social ensures that clients encounter a consistent brand voice at every touchpoint, reinforcing trust and making their marketing feel human, clear, and on-brand. When implemented, your ideal clients feel consistency and reliability every time they engage with you.

Learning Outcomes:

• Build an editorial calendar to simplify marketing planning.

• Maintain consistency across newsletters, blogs, and social media.

• Incorporate automation to reduce overwhelm and ensure regularity.

Members Sign Up Here

Nonmembers Sign Up Here for $45

Bio

Susie Salaz is Senior Creative Strategist at Hamilton Creatives, a boutique marketing agency serving interior designers, window treatment experts, and luxury home professionals. Since joining the team in January 2024, Susie has collaborated with founder Stephanie Hamilton and clients to develop high-impact marketing strategies tailored to the design industry. An award-winning journalist, published poet, and experienced content writer, Susie brings a storytelling-first approach to brand messaging. She is also the founder of Cloud Top Creative, where she supports purpose-driven brands with editorial strategy and narrative development. Based in Indianapolis, Susie partners with clients nationwide to craft content that resonates and builds lasting connection.

“Luxury is in the Details: Building a Seamless Back-End That Reflects Your Brand”

Overview:
You can’t sell a high-end experience with a messy back office. This webinar will help the membership create an internal system that matches the level of excellence they deliver to clients.

Teachings:

The “White Glove Workflow” framework to map out your client journey
How to audit and elevate your handoffs between clients, team members and trades
What the best luxury teams do before the first meeting

Hilaire Martin is a serial entrepreneur, community-builder, and creative business strategist with a deep-rooted passion for elevating women-led businesses in the design and build industries. She is the founder of Raleigh Workup, a niche coworking studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, built specifically for interior designers, builders, and other creative professionals. Through thoughtfully designed space, industry-focused programming, and peer-to-peer support, Raleigh Workup empowers its members—many of them women entrepreneurs—to grow their businesses in an inspiring, resource-rich environment. In addition to her work at Raleigh Workup, Hilaire runs a boutique consulting firm, Four E & Company (named after her four children whose names all start with the letter E) that helps creative entrepreneurs build strategic, brand-aligned businesses with clarity and confidence. With a background shaped by her upbringing in the interior design world and years of experience supporting small businesses, she brings a unique blend of business acumen, empathy, and creative vision to every client engagement. Hilaire is proud to be leading two companies grounded in connection, purpose, and Southern hospitality. Her work centers on redefining entrepreneurship not as a solo journey—but as a shared, community-driven experience where women can thrive, grow, and lead with confidence.

Learn More About Hilaire

Members Sign Up Here

Nonmembers Sign Up Here for $45

Title
Smart Stitches, Sharp Numbers: Real‑World AI for the Workroom

Session Description
A modern workroom must keep projects moving, margins healthy, and clients wowed. Artificial intelligence can help shoulder the load without replacing craftsmanship. In this session we will translate the buzz around AI into practical steps that fit the daily rhythm of drapery and shade production. Learn how automated note apps turn client meetings into searchable task lists, how data‑powered estimators finish quotes while you are still pinning samples, and how predictive analysis can catch margin leaks before they drain profit. We will also explore fast‑track content creation that keeps your brand visible. You will leave with a clear roadmap for introducing AI in a way that respects budget, staff capacity, and the artistry that defines a custom workroom.

Key Takeaways

• Time‑Saving Capture
  AI administration tools that convert conversations into organized action items and timelines.

• Automated Estimation
  AI‑driven models that leverage historical data to streamline the estimation process.

• Profit Pulse
  Financial assistants that surface margin trends and highlight projects veering off budget.

• Rapid Brand Content
  Prompt‑based generators for newsletters, social posts, and proposal text that preserve brand voice while cutting production time.

• Instant Visual Sell‑Thru
  Image‑generation platforms that speed-up the ideation process.

Dustin Hayes is founder of  Hermosa Digital.  A passionate brand builder, speaker, and marketing futurist, Dustin has earned a reputation developing disruptive marketing strategies for Fortune 500 brands and technology startups. A creative at heart, Dustin began his career building content for top media and broadcast networks including MTV, CBS, and HBO. Today, he works alongside business leaders to provide new perspective and direction, helping brands realize and surpass their goals. Learn more about Dustin here.

Nonmembers register here for $45

Members register here

Topic: A behind the scenes look at Hartman & Forbes

Description: Come join us to learn how Hartman & Forbes products are made and customized for your customers needs. They will be sharing the special programs they have for designers and showrooms. Hartman & Forbes is one of WCAA’s most valued Industry Partners.

Members Sign Up Here

Nonmembers Sign Up Here for $45

You’re Invited!

Register for WCAA's Palm Royale

Cocktail Party at IWCE! 

Experience the timeless elegance of WCAA's Palm Royale Cocktail Party at IWCE 2025! 

Join us on Sunday, April 13th, at 6 PM for a vintage Palm Beach-inspired evening hosted by the Window Coverings Association of America and sponsored by Bloomin’ Blinds, Exciting Windows!, Helser Brothers, and Rowley Company. 

Enjoy refreshing cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and vibrant entertainment while mingling with industry leaders and fellow professionals. This exclusive event is limited to just 100 tickets, so don’t wait to secure your spot! 

Tickets: $20 each 
Venue: Hilton Event Lawn 

Register Here for $20

Join Us on March 26th for our Lunch & Learn Webinar!

Topic: The Power Duo: Why HR & Marketing Are Critical for Small Business Success  

In small businesses, the people behind the brand are just as important as the brand itself. This dynamic session explores the often-overlooked connection between HR and marketing—and why aligning the two is essential for small business success. Kat and Ashleigh from Allora Solutions Group will guide attendees through practical strategies to create a seamless partnership between these two business functions, helping small businesses build stronger teams, better brands, and more efficient operations.

What You'll Learn: 
- How your internal culture directly impacts your external brand perception  
- Why employer branding plays a critical role in attracting top talent and loyal customers  
- Actionable tips to boost employee engagement 
- Time-saving methods to delegate, automate, and outsource HR and marketing tasks  

Key Takeaway: A thriving small business happens when the people behind the brand and the message in front of the brand work together. Let Allora Solutions Group show you how to bridge the gap.

Learn More About This Team!

Nonmembers Register Here for $45

Members Register Here

Title: Maximizing Your WCAA Membership with WCAA Executive Director

Summary: Start the new year by unlocking the full potential of your WCAA membership! Join Executive Director Renee Gurganus for our January Lunch & Learn as she walks you through the incredible benefits available to members and answers your individual questions. Whether you're a new member or a long-time supporter, this session will provide valuable insights and tips to make the most of your WCAA experience. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and kick off 2025 on the right foot!

This webinar is free to everyone! Register here!