The Closets Conference & Expo, June 11 to 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida, is gearing up for an action-packed schedule of learning and networking, offering invaluable opportunities for professionals in the closet and cabinet industry. This year’s Expo Learning Days, taking place during the expo portion of the Closets Conference & Expo, will feature a diverse array of clinics, workshops, and talks designed to elevate your skills and business acumen. Here’s a glimpse of what a few of the sessions attendees can expect:

Deep Dive into Design and Installation:

For those looking to refine their design and installation techniques, the Expo offers a comprehensive selection of clinics.

Design Clinic #1 - Closet Design 101: Building the Foundation for Success (10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Coral Ballroom, Hilton): Led by industry experts Wendy Scott and Jenna Shock, this session focuses on the fundamentals of closet design, covering industry standards, zoning, and accurate measurement techniques. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including measuring a sample closet space and drafting basic layouts.

Design Clinic #2 - Closet Design 201: Material Mastery-Selecting the Perfect Finishes for Closet Design (10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Room: 1BC in PBCC): The right materials can make all the difference in both aesthetics and functionality. This clinic digs into a broad range of options—from classic wood and durable laminates to wire components and specialty finishes like leather, glass, and metal.

Install Clinic #1 - Closet Install 101: Troubleshooting Basics: Avoiding Common Installation Pitfalls (11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m., Coral Ballroom, Hilton): Dave Tinker will guide participants through common installation challenges, providing practical solutions for uneven walls, misaligned components, and more.

Install Clinic #2 - Closet Install 201: Optimizing Functionality: Advanced Drawer and Pull-Out System Installation (11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m., 1BC, PBCC): Eric Marshall will delve into advanced installation techniques for drawers and pull-out systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimal functionality.

Design Clinic #3 - Garage Design 101: Color and Finish Basics for Garage Design (12:50 - 1:50 p.m., 1DE, PBCC): Chris McKenry will teach the basics of selecting colors and finishes that enhance garage aesthetics while maintaining practicality.

Elevate Your Business Acumen:

The Expo also offers workshops focused on crucial business management skills.

Business Management Workshop #1: Plan for the Black Hole if You Want to Scale Your Business (10:30 - 11:30 a.m., 1DE, PBCC): Tim Coleman will discuss the financial challenges of scaling a business, providing strategies to navigate the “black hole” between investment and return.

Business Management Workshop #2: Vendor & Client Management: Building Lasting Relationships for Success (11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m., 1DE, PBCC): Brian Dougherty, VP of Sales for ClosetMaid PRO Building Division, will cover actionable strategies for cultivating trust and managing expectations with vendors and clients.

Day Two of Closets Expo Learning Days

The momentum continues the second day of the Closets Conference & Expo, offering a dynamic lineup of learning and networking events designed to propel your career forward. Explore specialized clinics, insightful talks, and collaborative exchanges to enhance your design, installation, and business management skills.

Engage with Industry Leaders: The ACSP Designer Exchange

ACSP Designer Exchange (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Coral Ballroom, Hilton): Kick off the day with this unique exchange, moderated by Wendy Scott. This session features: 

Session #1: Master the Art of Layering: Colors, Textures, and Materials That Wow: Jenny O’Conner shares her expertise in creating bespoke closet designs, focusing on the transformative power of color, texture, and material choices.

Session #2: Sell Like a Pro: Hands-On Marketing for Design Success: Jenna Shock and Allanna Bell team up to deliver actionable marketing and sales strategies, empowering you to grow your business.

Following the presentations, Wendy Scott will lead a guided exhibit hall tour, highlighting the latest products and innovations.

Master Installation Techniques:

Install Clinic #3 - Closet Install 101: Tools & Hardware Fundamentals: The Foundations of Closet Installation (10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 1DE, PBCC): Dave Tinker will guide you through the essential tools and hardware needed for successful closet installations, covering maintenance and safe operation.

Refine Your Design Skills:

Design Clinic #4 - Closet Design 101: Closet Accessories Essentials: Elevating Design with the Right Choices (12:20 p.m. - 1:20 p.m., Coral Ballroom, Hilton): Mae Rodgers will showcase must-have accessories and teach you how to integrate them seamlessly into your designs.

Boost Your Business Acumen:

Business Management Workshop #3: Do You Have the Discipline, or Do You Need to Hire It? An Honest Look at Financial Management and How to Begin (12:20 p.m. - 1:20 p.m., 1DE, PBCC): Tim Coleman provides practical tips for financial management, emphasizing the importance of discipline and sound practices.

Gain Valuable Insights:

Fabrication Clinic #3: The Art of Collaboration: Designers and Fabricators Creating Together (1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., 1BC, PBCC): Kelly Victor-Burke and Jenny O’Connor will explore how collaboration between designers and fabricators can lead to innovative and efficient projects.

Networking and more

Beyond the structured learning sessions, attendees can take advantage of the Expo Floor, which provides ample opportunities for networking and discovering new products and services.

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skills, network with peers, and stay ahead of the curve in the closets and cabinet industry.

For more, visit closetscon.com.