Decorating Den Interiors Holds Annual Conference

Furniture World Magazine

Decorating Den Interiors, the world's largest, international full-service, interior decorating franchise, recently celebrated its 32nd Annual Market Conference at the John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel in Reno, Nevada. More than 550 franchise owners, decorators, approved suppliers, and others participated in the event. The theme of the four-day event, "Designing Tomorrow Today," was selected due to the powerful role of technology within the home fashion and design industries. Conference attendees were informed of further expansion of the DDI website, DecoratingDen.com. Expansion includes the launch of a personal website for each franchise owner, and a chance for website visitors to create their own personal folder using professional photos of fabulous rooms. The online experience is based on individual interests and preferences, for an unprecedented level of one-to-one interaction. DDI also announced the addition of three new suppliers to its extensive preferred supplier grouping: Dinec, a resource for custom dining ensembles, Lafayette Interior Fashions, and York Wallcoverings. Conference attendees had the opportunity to preview samples and vignettes of more than 55 preferred suppliers in the 15,000 square-foot supplier market. Held on the "heels of High Point," many suppliers unveiled new lines to attendees. Another conference highlight was the 17"' Annual Dream Room Awards presentation at which winners of the contest were recognized, receiving cash awards and crystal awards from Tiffany's. Entries were judged by magazine editors during the contest judging in New York City this spring. Attendees also attended numerous training and educational seminars given by such notable experts as Lamar Griggs, in addition to a lecture given by keynote speaker Gall Sheehy, a writer and celebrated speaker on women's issues. Sheehy's titles include Hillary's Choice, The Silent Passage, Passages and New PassagesMapping Your Life Across Time. During her presentation, "Mapping Your Life Across Time," Sheehy addressed fundamental questions for everyone juggling career, family and personal ambition. "The momentum is building," states Jim Bugg, Jr., Decorating Den Interiors President and CEO, "Decorating Den Interiors is positioned exactly where every competing retailer wants to be ... in the client's home, servicing their needs on a very professional yet personal level." Established in 1969, Decorating Den now boasts 550 franchise owners/decorators worldwide. Each decorator brings thousands of samples of draperies, furniture, carpet and wallcoverings to the client's home or office in a specially equipped ColorVan®. To learn more about Decorating Den Interiors, visit www.DecoratingDen.com