The co- located Cabinets & Closets/Wood Pro Expo runs March 6-8 at the Charlotte Convention Center and attendees will be treated to a firsthand look at the latest in technology, materials and supplies from more than 100 exhibitors.  The three-day event kicks off on March 6 with two educational tracks followed by a plant tour to Carocraft and a reception at tour sponsor, Biesse America.  Both companies are located in Charlotte.  

David Linda, founder and former president of SpaceMan, will deliver the opening keynote on March 6. In his keynote titled, “How to launch a closets business and retire early,” Linda will offer business advice based on his years of experience in building Houston-based SpaceMan into a leading closet and home organization company.  Following Linda’s keynote, attendees can select educational sessions from a Closets or Wood Pro track.

Internet expert, Brian Kraff, CEO of Market Hardware Inc., will deliver the morning keynote March 7, which is the first day of the two-day expo.   Kraff's presentation, "5 Lead Magnet Ideas to Supercharge Your 2019 Web Marketing Strategy," will provide a high-level view of proven website promotional techniques, drawn from the real-world experiences of small businesses involved in the home remodeling market, including closets, kitchen cabinetry, and finish carpentry.

The highlight of March 7 is a reception honoring the winners of the Top Shelf Design Awards at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum, located steps from the Charlette Convention Center. The Top Shelf Design Awards are given annually to honor designers for their creative closet and home organizational designs.  Each entry is judged based on the following criteria: 50 percent appearance/design (emphasizing design creativity) and 50 percent functionality and quality of construction/materials.
The Best of Show winner (project receiving the highest score from the judges) will receive a $500 gift card and all award winners will receive an award plaque and/or a certificate and will be featured in Closets & Organized Storage magazine and its social media platforms. The awards are sponsored by JB Cutting, CCF Industries and KCD Software.

FDMC Editor-in-Chief and renowned speaker, Will Sampson, will deliver the opening keynote March 8 on Day 2 of the expo. In his keynote address, “The Path to Professionalism,” Sampson will share what he has learned from visiting hundreds of shops across North America. He will help you get started on the right foot or get back on track.  Topics will include best business practices, efficient production, effective marketing, and secrets some shops don’t learn for decades.  Sampson's keynote presentation is sponsored by Quis Machinery and is open to all Wood Pro Expo attendees.

The winner of another design competition, the Young Wood Pro, will be recognized on March 8 at the Woodworking Network Booth. Sponsored this year by Genesis Products, the Young Woodworking Professionals competition recognizes outstanding projects and the young wood pros that create them.

For more information visit WoodProExpoCharlotte.com.