WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Raise a glass with us June 11-13, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to toast the 20th anniversary of Closets Conference & Expo. With its debut in 2005, this event became the place for closet and garage designers, manufacturers, and forward-thinking remodeling professionals to share their passion for creating organized spaces. 

Since the inaugural gathering, the show has blossomed into an event for attendees to connect, learn, and discover the latest closet design, manufacturing, and installation trends. It was a surprising invitation from a unique group that got the ball rolling and prompted the quick launch of a brand-new publication and event.

The journey began when industry veteran Mike Carson, then president of the National Closets Group (NCG)—a group of independent closet companies and the predecessor of the Association of Closet & Storage Professionals (ACSP)—contacted our editors and invited them to cover one of their meetings in Savannah, Georgia, to learn about the closet industry in depth, said Helen Kuhl, former editor of Closets magazine (now Closets & Organized Storage magazine).

“The first time we attended the National Closet Group Conference, we fell in love with the industry,” Laurel Didier, former publisher of Closets & Organized Storage magazine, added. “The event vibrated with creativity, enthusiasm, and information sharing. Coming from the woodworking industry, it was a whole new experience.”

After returning from that meeting in Savannah, Kuhl and Didier convinced the team to “follow the industry because it was evolving into a BIG thing.” Their passion and commitment were integral to the launch of Closets magazine (now Closets & Organized Storage) in November 2004. Carson was one of the publication’s initial contributing writers, penning the Front Office column.

The magazine’s initial mission was to address the growing demand for information in the custom storage industry, to provide insights into the growing closet market, and to share trends, new products, design innovations, and best practices.

“It was apparent that this was a unique niche within the greater woodworking universe, with distinct business and sales operations and personnel needs — and that these were difficult to address in our traditional woodworking venues,” Kuhl explained. “That realization was behind the birth of Closets magazine and the Closets show. It was exciting to be a part of this industry segment as it blossomed and grew strong.”

As the relationship between the publication and the association continued to develop, in 2004, NCG was invited to speak at the Texas Woodworking Show in Dallas, Texas.

“We had the National Closet Group Day, Closet Day,” Carson said. “We spoke to 300 people, all the members of the National Closet Group Board. We spoke, and everybody there was so excited. They wanted to get involved [with the group]. We said, ‘Well, it's exclusive. You can't become a member.’ They all wanted what we had and the sharing of knowledge. So, we held an emergency board meeting with NCG in Chicago in 2005. We started the ACSP, which is our association now, which is the big tent.”

Launching a dedicated event for the closet industry felt like a natural progression. The conference provided a platform for connection and growth within this community.

The first closets conference was held in 2005 as part of the Texas Woodworking Show. It was such a success that an independent event took place in Santa Clara, California, the following year, and then it moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2007.

“The first Closets Conference held in Dallas was a bit of an after-thought,” said Rich Christianson, former events director for Woodworking Network. “We were already amid planning for a woodworking show when we decided to send up a trial balloon and also host a conference for closets professionals. The event blew away our expectation of registering 50 people, and we immediately saw the opportunity to launch a full-fledged Closets Conference & Expo held the following year in Santa Clara.”

Fast-forward two decades, and the Closets Conference & Expo has become an industry leader and has mirrored the remarkable growth of the organized storage market, expanding its scope to encompass not just closets but garages, home offices, and entire home organization systems. 

“Experiencing the brand’s success from infancy to maturity is so rewarding,” added Didier. “Now, the next generation of creative writers, designers, and industry professionals will put their own stamp on the industry’s growth.”

This year, the event, held in Schaumburg, Illinois, attracted over 1,100 attendees, including 250 full conference attendees, marking record-breaking attendance. The show has continued to broaden its scope from the variety of education sessions and workshops available on the show floor to exhibitors, with the Expo portion of the event consistently showcasing the latest innovations and demonstrations of products and services.

“I’ve had the privilege of being part of two incredible events since joining in January 2023—our 2023 event in West Palm Beach and our 2024 event in Schaumburg,” said Tom Davies, publisher of Closets & Organized Storage magazine. “Each year, I’m continually inspired by the innovation, passion, and collaboration that this industry embodies.”

Closets Conference & Expo’s continued success highlights the importance of organized living spaces and professionals' ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. Looking ahead to the 2025 event, there is a sense of anticipation and optimism.

“The 20th anniversary of the Closets Conference & Expo in 2025 marks a defining moment not just for our company but for the entire closets and home organization industry,” Davies noted. “This event will bring together the best and brightest, driving forward new ideas, fostering growth, and celebrating the remarkable progress we’ve achieved together. I’m excited to help lead the charge as we shape the future of this dynamic industry, offering even greater opportunities for learning, networking, and business success.”

As the Closets Conference & Expo celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains the destination for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve. With its focus on education, networking, and cutting-edge solutions, it is a must-attend event.

Join the festivities June 11-13, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida, and be part of the next chapter of Closets Conference & Expo.

For more information, visit closetscon.com.