Friday, March 18

  • National Advisory Council Meeting Open session
    • You can impact Exciting Windows! National Advertising and business policies. Your idea may be something other members want to hear. If you want to influence Exciting Windows! marketing and operations, this is the place to do it. If you have questions about National Ad funds or current policies, join for this session.
  • Vendor Event
    • Rave notices last year convinced us to repeat your Friday night supplier event for fun and learning. Meet with your favorite suppliers. Discover new ones. You will see winning new products and growth in Automation, plus simple side panel programs and other items to keep you ahead of competition, and earning more profit.

Saturday, March 19

  • Keynote speaker - Keith Gerson
    • Additional notes coming soon
  • What is working - "Best of the Best" ideas to build your business
    • APPOINTMENTS - the beginning of business! What is the BEST way for you to find new customers? For the first time, hear two leading suppliers distill powerful winners from dozens of ideas they've heard from hundreds of dealers. They are working for others. They can work for you! Then listen to four Exciting Windows! colleagues tell what actually works to attract upscale customers you want more of. Two will tell how to use media -paid advertising. Two will tell about activities and personal marketing. You are sure to hear new ideas that will pay you dividends all year long.
  • What is working - Best of the Best Roundtables to put the dynamic ideas to work
    • What is working - "Best of the Best" ROUNDTABLES…you heard WHAT to do. Now, hear HOW to do it. Experts will share their winning techniques and details upfront and personal. Take notes. Record on your phone. Then, go home and know exactly what to do to have more quality customers in your business.
  • Breakout workshops - Personal Businesses
    • 2 PERSONAL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS - to move your business up to the next level. Choose from:
      • Market Planning - money, media mix, and affordable budgeting; or attend
      • Social Networking that Works! Get the Pro & Con of each option - Facebook, Houzz, Yelp, Angie's List, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Yes, you will plan in advance, then actually set up on the best source of leads for your business. Advance preparation required for each session
  • Breakout workshop - Managed Business
    • MANAGED BUSINESS OWNERS - get the inside details, and decide the best way to build your business. Learn in three focused sessions, to put the Best Ideas to work in your business.
      • Lead Cost
      • Power of Activities
      • Hot to Plan & Budget Media Advertising
      • All the details you need to bring in quality customers you want

Sunday, March 20

  • Breakout Sessions - Personal Business Owners
    • Personal Business Workshop - Understanding the Numbers
      • MEASURING IS FUN: Measure a window correctly can give you a drapery to fit correctly. Measuring your business can give you profit to fit your life correctly. Have pride and profit in your business – success you want for yourself and your family. Just track the numbers. Exciting Windows! makes it easy. Your system will do most of the work. Only 15 minutes a week can give you numbers you need every month. Advance preparation will make this session a winner
      • Personal Business Workshop - Increasing Gross Margin: When you have one customer a week, your next, most important task, is to measure the Gross Profit on each sale. A monthly summary will help you manage your business for the profit you want. Learn how easy it is. Advance preparation will make this session a winner
    • Workshop for Managed Business Owners
      • Should you diversify to other product categories? If so, when?: Open discussion about window coverings businesses that add commercial sales, institutional sales, closet systems, and other product categories. When should you consider the option? Which has the best opportunity for you? Hear from each member. Receive a checklist from Exciting Windows!
      • Core Values: Mission, Purpose, and essential qualities that make your business great: Mary Thompson stressed mission and core values in two presentations to Exciting Windows! She developed those skills with the Dwyer Group, one of the top leaders in franchising. Why did she say it is important. How do we do it better. Advance preparation will make this session a winner
  • 2016 Annual Conference - Gala Dinner
    • Entertainment - Member fun session
      • A new introduction will be an entertaining presentation by favorite members. Plan to laugh and have fun with friends
    • Member Recognition and Appreciation
      • Exciting Windows! Members learn and grow by leadership example. Tonight is the one time each year to recognize and show appreciation to leaders who help us all to be more successful. Tonight applaud their achievement that carries you closer to your own greater success.
    • Valerie Awards
      • The Annual Valerie Award Design Contest is in memory of co-founder, Steve Bursten's wife. Valerie Bursten believed that window fashions design can impact and improve the lives of homeowners. Tonight we recognize owners who fulfill that mission and set an example for us all. (Give money from suppliers)
    • Sales and Leadership Awards
      • Annual sales awards recognize owners who balance serving the most customers with quality fashions to have an exceptional community reputation. It is not only the sales achievement we applaud, but the many raving fan customers served to reach this level. Winning Members are an inspiration to each of us to reach higher
    • Closing remarks
      • Chairman Steven C. Bursten closes our Gala Awards Banquet with insight about industry trends. You will hear his vision how Exciting Windows! Business Owners will continue as the most successful in the world by bringing customers exceptional window fashions and long term happiness

Monday, March 21

  • Valerie Awards Presentation
    • Award winners present their designs, telling the customer challenge and how they solved it. Winners will tell the inspiration that sparked their creativity and the qualities that make a winning design
  • Melissa Minihan, vice president of marketing, STAINMASTER®
    • Melissa Minihan, earned STAINMASTER® carpet the MAX Award for marketing, and is recognized as one of the top ten most influential members of the industry. Learn how solid research, innovation and great branding can make you a leading success in your community
  • Melissa Minihan breakout activity
    • Experience a live working session with Melissa Minihan. Engage and discover the power of branding. You can win against all competitors by presenting value that customers want. Result: happier customers, more referrals, and greater success for you
  • Exclusive Service Advantages
    • Building on concepts by Melissa Minihan, learn how you can present Exciting Windows! Branding to set you above all competitors. Use the tools you have to win high profit sales without discounting
  • Members tell new insights, goals, and plans for 2016
    • Voice your insights and discoveries from three days of exceptional speakers, new sessions, and ideas from colleagues. Tell what you will do differently as a result of this event…and how you will achieve value for rapid return on investment to attend
  • Geff Lynch, VP of Marketing for Lancaster Distributing
    • Geff Lynch has brought marketing excellence to the Lancaster business by his exceptional understanding of customers. Learn how his innovative ideas can propel your business forward.
  • Exciting Windows! Roadmap for 2016
    • "The Steves" wrap up three intensive days with their vision for future Member success, and plans to re-engage growth of new Members