PRESS RELEASE
CHARLOTTE, NC — Window coverings are more than the finishing touch, they’re the foundation of a profitable design business. This spring, designers, decorators and workrooms from across North America will gather at the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE), April 21–23, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina, for three days of inspiration, innovation and education dedicated to the art and business of custom window treatments.
Featuring over 200 top exhibiting brands, IWCE 2026 goes beyond the show floor with an inspiring educational program designed to spark creativity and drive results. The sessions empower both seasoned experts and up-and-coming entrepreneurs to strengthen partnerships, optimize workflows and turn design vision into profit through custom window treatments.
Top 5 Can’t-Miss Seminars
- Tuesday, April 21 – 9:00–10:15 AM: Window Dressings: A Global Trend Report—What’s Next for Window Coverings with Deb Barrett, exploring international influences and what’s shaping the future of window fashion
- Tuesday, April 21 – 10:30–11:45 AM: Designer/Workroom Collaboration: Stronger Together with Sandra VanSickle, Sew What’s New, offering actionable strategies for seamless teamwork in the workroom
- Tuesday, April 21 – 10:30–11:45 AM: Beyond Beige: Using Color with Confidence in Luxury Interiors with Elle Cole, Elle Cole Interiors, inspiring designers to push boundaries with bold palettes
- Tuesday, April 21 – 3:00–4:15 PM: Pretty Yet Profitable with Eric Ross, Eric Ross Interiors, uncovering the formula for balancing beauty and business
- Wednesday, April 22 – 10:30–11:45 AM: From Confusion to Confidence: Window Treatments Demystified with Vita Vygovska, Vitalia Inc., clarifying the complexities of fabrication and design integration
Also not to be missed—Thursday, April 23, 10:30–11:45 AM: On the Horizon: Innovations & Trends in Window Treatments with Vita Vygovska, exploring what’s next for materials, automation and sustainability.
Keynote & Panels: Design Leadership in Action
- Tuesday, April 21 – 12:00–1:15 PM: Winning with Window Treatments + Book Signing with Eric Ross, Eric Ross Interiors. Join this inspiring keynote luncheon to discover how window design can set your business apart.
- Wednesday, April 22 – 12:00–1:15 PM: Panel Discussion: Building Your Dream Design Business—Journey of Three Bold Firms featuring Vicky Serany (Southern Studio Interior Design), Bria Hammel (Bria Hammel Interiors) and Christi Barbour (Barbour Spangle Design), sharing real-world insight into growing profitable, purpose-driven design firms.
Business Mastery for Creative Entrepreneurs
Beyond design inspiration, IWCE 2026 equips attendees with the business acumen needed to thrive in today’s evolving market:
- Tuesday, April 21, 9:00–10:15 AM: Scaling Through Leaders: Creating a High-Performing Management Team – Madeleine MacRae, ProQ Systems
- Tuesday, April 21, 9:00–10:15 AM: From Posts to Profits: Building a Sales-Driven Content Calendar – Kaitlyn Sloan, Creekmore Marketing
- Tuesday, April 21, 3:00–4:15 PM: AI Meets ROI: Smarter Marketing Wins for Your Business – Katie Creekmore, Creekmore Marketing
- Wednesday, April 22, 9:00–10:15 AM: Business Benchmarks: Your Path to Profitability – Vince Nigara, Exciting Windows
- Tuesday, April 21, 9:00–12:00 PM: Supersession: From Hesitation to Yes—A Blueprint for Confident Sales Conversations – Kathy Pace, Elevated Design Sales
Early-bird registration for IWCE 2026 is now open! Save an average of 20% by registering before January 7, 2026. Don’t miss your opportunity to grow your skills, expand your network and turn window coverings into profit.
Learn more and register today at IWCE.Vision.com.
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About IWCE:
The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) is the ultimate destination for those who design, create and craft beautiful interiors. As the only event in North America devoted entirely to window treatments, IWCE connects the design community through education, innovation and collaboration, helping turn inspiration into profit. Visit IWCE-Vision.com.





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