ATLANTA – Weinig/Holz-Her, which manufactures a variety of machines including equipment for small to medium-sized companies, will sponsor the 2018 IWF Closets Symposium to be held Tuesday, August 21 at the Georgia World Congress Center, the day before IWF exhibits open on the show floor.
Presented by Closets & Organized Storage Magazine, the 2018 Closets Symposium is an all-day event dedicated to closet designers, builders, and garage businesses. Speakers and panelists will discuss latest design, color, and material and hardware trends, business opportunities, and offer plenty of audience interaction. The audience will learn design ideas to sell more home organization projects. Topics will include everything from marketing to manufacturing to the latest industry trends. The Closets Symposium is a must for industry professionals to learn “What’s Next.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Coffee & Pastries
9 am – 10 am
How to Grow Your Business
Lisa Carlquist, Artisan Closets
Real life ideas from a closet firm that saw dramatic growth, going from zero sales to nearly $9 million in about 7 years. Get business tips on everything from personnel and hiring to marketing.
10 am – 11 am
How to use PR effectively
Amanda Eden, Stoner Bunting Advertising, Michaelle Bradford, Closets & Organized Storage, and David Biggs, Woodworking Network
Have you completed a high-profile project or hired a well-known designer? Learn how to attract media attention and gain coverage of your firm by using effective PR strategies with digital marketing and social media.
11 am – 12 pm
What’s Trending in Colors and Textures
Michele Weitzel, Northern Contours
Whether in urban centers or smaller metro areas, European furniture designs are increasingly popular. This presentation will provide a look at the hottest styles from Europe and how to apply them in a successful business strategy for the North American market.
Noon to 1 pm Networking Lunch
1 pm – 2 pm
The Ins and Outs of Closet Manufacturing
Phill Hunt, Dream Closets
See how this North Carolina company evolved from a dealer to a wholesale manufacturer of closet systems, cabinet components and furniture.
2 pm – 3 pm
Best Business Model: Manufacturing or Outsourcing?
Eric Marshall, Kitchens and Closets by DEA; and Mike Carson, Inspired Closets and Phill Hunt, Dream Closets
Hear real-life experiences from two industry vets on the pros and cons of manufacturing and outsourcing as well as best practice tips on how to make your business a success regardless of the model.
3 pm – 4 pm
Build Business with Brand Engagement
Michael Mendelssohn, Gravity Well Marketing
Winning strategies on how to create an engaged customer.
4 pm – 5 pm
Micro Living and Multifunctional Spaces
Eric Pothier, Richelieu Hardware
With Boomers downsizing and Millennials preferring smaller living spaces especially in urban areas, creating interior designs that accommodate micro units sizing 300 square feet are less is more important than ever. Learn what products and materials are best suited for these small spaces.
To register, visit www.iwfatlanta.com/Education/CLO.
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