Custom Workroom Conference

Hello,

In 2016, we produced the very first Custom Workroom Conference in Concord, NC. There were a lot of unknowns and risks, but we believed that the workroom industry would show up - and show up they did! We would not have had the confidence to embark on this journey without the encouragement of Hanes Fabrics who supported our vision, sponsored the very first CWC and has been with us every year since. As a thank you to Hanes Fabrics, we have designated them as our Legacy Sponsor in honor of their commitment to the workroom industry and CWC.

For the 10 year anniversary we have chosen a spectacular venue and look forward to welcoming you the Bayfront Convention Center on the waterfront in Erie, Pennslyvania. There are two hotels connected to the convention center, the neighborhood is walkable and the sunsets are spectacular.

CWC is the place where the custom sewing and uphholstery trades and workroom owners are understood, supported and celebrated. All levels of experience and business models are welcomed and valued.

You will enjoy meeting suppliers in person, learning from our talented team of instructors and having fun with people who “get you.” Many people have told us that attending is life changing and we are grateful for the friends and mentors who make CWC such a valuable experience. We look forward to celebrating the CWC 10 year anniversary with you!

Registration is open at www.customworkroomconference.com

With Warmest Regards,
Susan Woodcock and Rodger Walker
Owners and Producers CWC

The CWC Education Station is sponsored by takes place on Tuesday, September 29 during the Exhibitor Marketplace. Plan your day to include learning and meeting teachers at the Education Station - included with conference registration.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Custom Workroom Conference is the only educational event and trade show specifically for custom drapery, upholstery and soft furnishing workroom businesses. This year's event will be held September 28-30, 2026 at the beautiful Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA. Visit our website to see the event brochure, check out the list of exhibitors and plan your trip to Erie, PA. www.customworkroomconference.com

See this video to take a tour of the CWC website with Susan Woodcock and learn how to register to attend.

A Tour of the Custom Workroom Conference website In this video Susan Woodcock, owner and producer of Custom Workroom...

Meet the CWC Speakers: Grant Trick

Grant Trick owns Grant Trick Furnishings in High Point, N.C., where he collaborates with designers to create custom pieces, and produces his own designs from The Grant Trick Collection. He has a degree in apparel design from the University of Alabama, and has worked as a sportswear designer, and as a contract showroom designer and prop maker in New York City. He learned the craft of custom upholstery and soft furnishings in San Francisco before returning to Alabama to build his own business. In 2022 he moved to North Carolina to learn large-scale furniture production. See www.granttrick.com and Instagram.

Grant is teaching PRO-5 Industry Grade, Artisan Made
If you’ve ever wanted to take a peek into the world of large-scale furniture manufacturing — here’s your chance. Join Grant Trick as he discusses the advantages afforded large manufacturers, including specialized machinery and the selection of supplies not available to most markets. He’ll demonstrate methods for applying skirts and sewing miters, plus tips for making these processes faster, cleaner, and more consistent. Whether you run a small artisan shop or a larger custom operation, you’ll gain practical knowledge you can apply directly to your own work — elevating quality, efficiency, and profitability while keeping the craftsmanship and care you’re known for.

Meet the CWC Speakers: Aaron Studham

Aaron Studham started at Marcoux Upholstery part time in 2008 making deliveries and sweeping floors while working various odd jobs. As he developed his upholstery skills, he took on more responsibilities within the business, including estimating and working with designers. In 2023, Aaron purchased the Leominster, Mass., business, which offers commercial and residential upholstery with a focus on custom-built projects, including sofas, banquettes, and beds. Marcoux Upholstery projects have been featured in magazines like Architectural Digest, Decor Maine, and Boston Home, and appeared on the TV shows Castle Rock and Dexter. Learn more at www.marcouxupholstery.com and Facebook, and Instagram .

Aaron is teaching UPH-5 Building Confidence - From Frame to Finished Project
If you already have basic upholstery skills and tools, you, too, can build your own furniture. With a slipper chair as his model, Aaron Studham will show you how to plan the project, tackle complex shades, and create cut lists. He’ll then demonstrate how to build a good foundation, install springs, and choose the proper methods for upholstery. Aaron will also explain how to apply these skills to other projects. Before you know it, you’ll have the confidence to make your own low-cost high-value projects.

Meet the CWC Speakers: Jennifer White

Since 1995, Jennifer White has operated Hudson Valley Drapery Studio, a to-the-trade workroom in Lagrange, N.Y. She is best known for her meticulous attention to detail, as well as her high-end, hand-sewn draperies and shades — which also happen to be her favorite projects to fabricate. In 2022 she opened Workroom Supply LLC, through which she sells systems, components, and supplies for window coverings. Jennifer frequently shares her knowledge as a teacher with in-person classes at Workroom Tech in North Carolina and the Workroom Cadre regional programs. See more on Instagram.

Jennifer is co-teaching WT-5 Made in the TDBU Shade with Deborah Cronin

For Deborah Cronin and Jennifer White, the most-asked question lately is, “Can a top-down/bottom-up shade be motorized?” In short, Yes! Together, they’ll give an overview of TDBU operating systems, including beaded chain loop and cordless, and discuss the variables when considering motorization. Will it need to coordinate with a home system? What about budget? Does the homeowner need both TD and BU? Deborah and Jennifer will also talk about step-by-step fabrication and review the necessary calculations, including for adding bottom trim or hobbled folds. Finally, they’ll tackle how to motorize your shade, and share samples of headrails, motors, and more.

Check out the CWC schedule. Our focus is quality education and the class line-up is impressive but there is also time in the schedule for you to meet and connect with other custom drapery and upholstery workroom owners, educators, mentors, suppliers and friends at the Bayfront Convention Center. in Erie, PA.

Registration is open! Sign up early to save your seat in your first choice of classes. www.customworkroomconference.com

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Meet the CWC Speakers: Deborah Cronin

Deborah Cronin has been in the interior design industry for more than 40 years, first in home decorating retail sales and management and then, since 1999, as owner of Leatherwood Design Co, a high-end to-the-trade fabrication studio in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Her specialties are making shades and any other project that requires inventive techniques. Deborah loves sharing her expertise with her designers, as well as with workroom colleagues at CWC, Workroom Tech, various WCAA chapters, and State University of New York at Purchase. She is a member of the WCAA Virtual Chapter. See more on Facebook and Instagram.

Deborah is co-teaching WT-5 Made in the TDBU Shade with Jennifer White

For Deborah Cronin and Jennifer White, the most-asked question lately is, “Can a top-down/bottom-up shade be motorized?” In short, Yes! Together, they’ll give an overview of TDBU operating systems, including beaded chain loop and cordless, and discuss the variables when considering motorization. Will it need to coordinate with a home system? What about budget? Does the homeowner need both TD and BU? Deborah and Jennifer will also talk about step-by-step fabrication and review the necessary calculations, including for adding bottom trim or hobbled folds. Finally, they’ll tackle how to motorize your shade, and share samples of headrails, motors, and more.