Twenty years ago, the seeds for a major industry event were sown in Savannah, Georgia. According to attendees, the energy was palpable at the 2004 National Closets Group annual meeting, where independent closet companies gathered, eager to share best practices and sharpen their competitive edge. Witnessing this excitement were Helen Kuhl, then editor of Closets magazine, and Laurel Didier, its former publisher.

“We were overwhelmed by the attendees’ enthusiasm to learn how to be more competitive and increase productivity,” recalled Didier. “It was then that we knew ‘closets’ was an industry overlooked but full of potential.

“Fortunately, [the publishing company] also saw the upside and allowed us to launch a magazine, website, and in 2005, the Closets Conference & Expo, in Dallas, Texas,” Didier added.

The inaugural conference portion alone drew more than 100 attendees, filling the ballroom to standing-room-only capacity. The hunger for knowledge and connection was evident and the engagement didn’t stop when the sessions ended.

“At the end of the day, everyone huddled at tables and at the bar to continue discussions and form new relationships,” Didier reflected. “If I could have bottled the energy of the exhibitors and attendees at that conference... [and] by continuing the program, launching the magazine, and the Top Shelf Design awards, we allowed that energy to grow.”

This sustained momentum also saw the evolution of the founding closets group into the Association of Closets & Storage Professionals (ACSP), which also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

As the event has evolved, so too has the leadership, with Michaelle Bradford, Closets & Organized Storage magazine editor, steering much of the conference content, and Tom Davies, publisher, now overseeing Closets Conference & Expo sales.

Looking ahead, Davies emphasized that the 20th anniversary is both a retrospective and a launchpad. “It’s not just about looking back at how far the industry has come — it’s about setting the stage for what’s next.” Key to this future is the continued partnership with ACSP to bolster “education, certification, and professional development.” Davies also highlighted new collaborations, such as with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), aimed at bringing “fresh perspectives and strengthening our connection to the design community.”

The expo also continues to grow. “We’re seeing great momentum — bringing in new exhibitors, expanding product categories, and curating design-focused sessions, hands-on learning, and CEUs that give attendees real value,” Davies noted.

“We’re focused on building an environment where designers, fabricators, remodelers, installers, manufacturers, and others can connect, share ideas, and move the industry forward,” he added. “By growing our community, we’re creating a space that informs, inspires, and helps shape the future of the closets and home organization industry.”

For information, visit closetscon.com.