Drapery Goddess goes to Atlanta

A few weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of attending the International Window Coverings Expo-Vision10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For those of you not familiar with the window treatment business, this is a huge trade show/continuing education event for our industry. This is our chance to catch up with friends, see what's new, and learn new techniques for our businesses.

So where were all our vendors?

I attended four classes while I was in Atlanta, ranging from sewing techniques to business management. I also sat in on countless demonstrations in the Custom Home Furnishing Academy's "Construction Zone." I spent hours in the vendor hall, trying to absorb all the new STUFF that's out there, as well as placing quite a few orders for equipment and supplies. I met some great industry professionals as well.

Here's what I DIDN'T do in Atlanta: I didn't talk with a single one of my fabric vendors. That's because they weren't there. I didn't get to see their new collections, put faces with the names of people I talk to regularly via phone and e-mail, or place any orders for new sample books. I didn't stock up on any linings for the workroom.

I didn't buy any new patterns, because only one pattern vendor was there, and I have most of theirs. I didn't purchase any thread or needles--most of those vendors were missing, too.

Now, the next time I order something, who will I think of first? Probably the company whose rep I met at Vision10. The one who showed me some new hardware samples, or the one who demonstrated a new cordless shade product, or the one who showed me how to use trim glue in miraculous ways.

Any marketing expert will tell you that when times are hard, the worst thing you can do is cut back on your marketing to save money. You need to go where your customers are. You need to show them (us) that you're here for the long haul.

Thank you to the hundreds of vendors who made the trip to Atlanta this year. Rest assured we'll remember your names!