We hope you enjoyed our recap of the Custom Workroom Conference in the October issue of Market Corner. For those who were able to attend the conference and visit the Trivantage® booth, we thank you for your conversations on our expanded workroom offerings. In this issue of Market Corner, Susan Woodcock, co-owner and producer of CWC, shares her perspective on the 2024 show experience and what’s in store for the conference in 2025.
What was the highlight of the 2024 Custom Workroom Conference?
This year we had such a friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic group. Attendance was 20% greater than last year, and 40% were attending for the first time. That’s more than 80 first-time attendees. In a word, wow!
Inspiration is a hallmark of CWC. What inspired you the most at the conference?
Each year, I am overwhelmed by the fact that every person attending CWC makes custom products in their small businesses by hand with unique skills and talents. Sewing and upholstery skills are not handed down from generation-to-generation as in the past, although there are a small number of family-owned businesses who are keeping that tradition alive. The next generation of workroom professionals is taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and perfect their craft. I love their energy and fearlessness. The older and experienced workrooms are acting as mentors. It’s exciting and inspiring to see.
Describe the challenges of owning a custom business and how those challenges are addressed at CWC.
Owning a small business is hard work and can be lonely. Most people outside of the industry have no idea of the specialty skills and talents used to create custom furniture and window coverings, or the challenges of selling these products and services. CWC is a place where you can spend time with people who “get you.” That includes the team from Trivantage who spent time getting to know people at registration. They attended classes and lunch, and during the Exhibitor Marketplace showcased the tools, materials, and supplies that workrooms need to run their businesses efficiently and meet their client’s needs. This spirit of togetherness builds confidence, creates networks, and helps small businesses feel less isolated.
What’s in store for the 2025 conference?
We are off and running with plans for the 2025 Custom Workroom Conference which will be held Sept. 23-25 at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, located in the northeast part of the state. This is a beautiful venue that we know attendees will enjoy. We will have more fun opportunities for socializing and a larger exhibit hall to meet the demand of companies who want to meet workroom owners in person. The call for speakers will go out next month (December 2024), and I can’t wait to see the class ideas and choose instructors.
As a reminder, Trivantage’s expanded workroom product offerings include high-quality fabrics and thread, notions, tools, and much more. At Trivantage, you can shop the essentials all in one place and count on us to help you get the job done right. Our Designers & Workrooms experience shortens the search for the perfect upholstery fabric to turn your vision into reality. Count on Trivantage to make finding the right fabrics a simple search, followed by responsive service and speedy shipping – ensuring you receive what you need when you need it.
For more information on our workroom offerings, contact your sales representative, call us at 800-786-1876, or visit Trivantage Designers & Workrooms.
