Vision10 – Interviews with Exhibitors
Vision10 in Atlanta ended on Saturday. Grace looks so tiny under that enormous sign! Classes were very educational, as always. My class on Cloud Computing enlightened attendees on the benefits of moving their business to the Clouds. One attendee asked, “Are you saying we wouldn’t have to have a server?” I responded, “That’s exactly what I am saying.” Everyone left the seminar with all of the possibilities swirling in their heads. Minutes Matter will be offering a series of webinars on Cloud Computing later this summer. Watch your Inbox for more details on why and how you can move your business to the Clouds.
The new Social Media Day, on Friday, was a huge hit. Somfy hosted a Tweetup, which included free drinks for everyone! Attendees tweeted and blogged all day about the conference. That afternoon, I was part of a panel discussion on how blogging benefits the interior design industry. Jackie Von Tobel did a fabulous job hosting the panel discussion. The panelists were Brian Patrick Flynn, Valorie Hart, Skyla Freeman, Jay Helser and myself. You could tell this group came from a wide variety of backgrounds. The discussion was very educational and, at times, quite humorous.
Saturday morning, the last day of the show, was the first opportunity I had to tour the show floor. I wanted to make sure I took some videos to share with those of you that were not able to join us in Atlanta. I interviewed a couple of vendors and asked them to tell me a little about the services and products they offer.
Mark your calendars, Vision11 will be held in Tampa, Florida, April 14-16, 2011. Grace, her staff and I hope to see you there!
click on image to view video
Jenna Abbot, Executive Director for WCAA (Window Covering Association of America) has only held this position for a year, but you wouldn’t know it looking at all the changes that the WCAA has undergone during her tenure. The entire WCAA board attributes much of the organization’s success to Jenna’s attitude and her keen business skills. The board consists of Bob Hipps – President, Margi Kyle -Vice President, Ed Hopkins – Treasurer, Jeanelle Dech – Secretary, Beth Hodges – Past President, Bill Taylor – Director, Roman Hardy – Director, Linda Principe – Director, Michele Williams – Director, Lora Vestal Scott – Director, Joe Jankoski – Director, and me, Debbie Green – Director.
If you’re not a member of the WCAA, check out their website or visit a local chapter in your area.
click on image to view video
Jay and Mark Helser are two great guys; you can randomly ask any one of their customers about them and you’ll hear story after story about how their products and customer service is the best in the industry. They have a passion for their business and it shows. Hats off to you guys, I know success will continue to follow you!
As usual, the WCAA After-Hours Party, hosted by Helser Brothers on Friday night was a blast. I was so tired and, I hate to admit it, a little stiff from all the dancing. I could hardly get up the next morning! It was a sight to see, since I really can’t dance, but that definitely wasn’t true for most of my fellow party-goers. I think, as I said last year also, that I’ve got to take dance lessons. You have to watch the video all the way to the end to see Jay and Mark doing their best Robot moves. I’ll be sharing Jay’s video with you once he finishes the final edits.
click on image to view video
This was my first time to stop by the Lutron booth and I was certainly glad I did. Joe Secena, took time to enlighten me on all of their products. After Joe’s tour, I can see why Lutron leads the industry in motorization. Can you say “Quiet Motors?”
click on image to view videoJeanelle Dech, CEO of the CHF Academy, sponsored the Construction Zone at Vision10. The Construction Zone conducted live demonstrations throughout the conference. In addition to offering specialized classes at the CHF Academy, they also offer an industry network membership, Drapery & Design Professional, which includes a bi-monthly magazine, access to the industry’s largest forum and free educational webinars.
click on image to view video
Teia Combs with M’Fay Patterns told me they have a new pattern collection that includes an instructional DVD. They also have a new supplement available for purchase. Teia, you were such a delight, who wouldn’t want to buy from you?
How cool! Thanks for sharing with those of us who just won't be able to attend these things for maybe a few more years yet! Michelle / Michelle Jamieson Interiors
That was great, so glad you posted these !
Your Cloud Computing seminar gave me lots of food for thought. I am tentatively trying GoogleDocs. And the panel discussion was a hoot! Informative, but had me in stitches!