Did you know Trivantage has expanded its workroom product offerings? From high-quality fabrics and thread to notions, tools, and much more, you can shop the essentials all in one place and count on Trivantage to help you get the job done right. We think you will agree that our Designer & Workroom experience shortens the search for the perfect upholstery fabric. Whatever your vision, Trivantage makes 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 a firsthand look at our broad assortment of products from trusted brands, join us at the Custom Workroom Conference on September 23-25 in Warwick, Rhode Island. CWC is the only annual educational event and trade show specifically for custom drapery, soft-furnishing, and upholstery businesses, and Trivantage is a proud sponsor of this year’s show. The event features 21 expert instructors, a panel discussion, the Exhibitor Marketplace with vendors, including Trivantage, and the popular Education Station.
For richer insights into the conference and its role in educating the workroom industry, we asked Susan Woodcock, co-owner and producer of CWC, to share details on how workroom owners who design and create will share a common purpose over three days filled with education, partnership, and business-setting goals. We can’t wait to see you at CWC to discuss how Trivantage can turn your vision into reality.
Tell us about the Custom Workroom Conference and its role in connecting industry professionals.
The Custom Workroom Conference is the only annual educational event and trade show specifically for custom drapery and upholstery workrooms. It is an opportunity for small business owners to network and learn, and to welcome new people to the industry. We started the conference in 2016 to bring people together in-person, understanding that many workroom owners are sole proprietors. We continue to focus on two goals: providing quality education and building relationships with other workroom professionals and suppliers.
How would you describe the conference experience?
CWC is a unique experience. Everyone is welcomed and included as an equal. New business owners and first-time attendees are celebrated. Many workroom owners attend every year to be with others who understand the day-to-day challenges of owning a custom business. Attendees are energized and inspired. It is remarkable to see how easily people make friends, share, and support each other. It is one of the friendliest groups of people and we often hear how remarkable that is compared to other events and trade shows.
What are some of the topics or themes that will be covered?
Our focus is education. During the three-day event, there are five class sessions with four offerings in each session, for a total of 20 classes to choose from. Topics include window coverings, upholstery, business, and general interest. Instructors are small business owners sharing methods, ideas, and inspiration from their own businesses. The popular Education Station which runs during the Exhibitor Marketplace features live sewing and upholstery demonstrations.
What drives inspiration in the workroom industry and how will CWC showcase inspiring ideas?
The workroom industry is influenced by design and decorating trends and product innovations. Workroom businesses need to stay updated and informed about the latest hardware and shade systems, fabrics, upholstery materials, tools, and techniques. For example, this year’s CWC silver sponsor, Trivantage, will demonstrate its new Seamstick Taper, a convenient tool that makes it easy to apply seam tape to zippers, webbing, and trim. I look forward to seeing this and many other tools in action at the show.
How will the CWC Exhibitor Marketplace benefit attendees?
The CWC Exhibitor Marketplace is a one-day event without competing classes or events. Attendees can focus on purchasing from suppliers like Trivantage specifically for upcoming projects and meet new companies with products and services that will help their businesses succeed. The marketplace also is a trade show where small companies can afford to exhibit and participate. This gives attendees a greater selection of products and companies to connect with, from major suppliers to small companies and even start-ups.
What are you most excited about for this year’s conference?
We are excited to be presenting CWC in the Northeast. We have had a fantastic response to the Rhode Island location and know it will be the best event yet. A lot goes into selecting a venue and we start planning about 18 months in advance. That means we have already selected and signed a contract for 2025! But it’s a secret for now; we will announce that news at CWC in September.
