Are you thinking about attending one or the other? Both? We’re bringing you an unbiased look at each event so you can make an informed decision!
Duration – 2 days. The next event will be held in October of 2016.
Location – The 2016 Summit will be held in the Washington DC area and will be hosted by Capitol Closets.
Attendees – Independent home storage professionals. Approximately 175 people attended the 2015 event.
Vendors – 30 vendors were included in the 2015 event. Table-top displays were the norm with select vendors giving presentations.
Website – http://www.closetsummit.com/home.html
Conference Portion – One conference track (home storage) geared towards a small to medium-sized businesses. 2015 conference topics included design, pricing, protecting against legal issues and credit card rates. In addition, presentations were given by industry experts on the latest and greatest products so you can stay on top of trends.
Networking Opportunities – With a meet and greet the first night, two networking breakfasts, two networking lunches, round tables and a networking banquet with an open mic night, the Summit includes a multitude of networking opportunities. What is different vs the CCCE is that vendors are included at all of these events, so you will get to know your vendors as well as your colleagues quite a bit better. There are also quite a few “fun” events such as a Beer Summit and Belt Sander Races.
Panel Discussions – The second day of the Summit, hardware vendors, software vendors and laminate vendors were on the hot seat while attendees asked all of their burning questions. This is a good forum to get the information you may be craving!
Showroom/Shop Tour – The Summit features an in-depth look at the host company’s showroom and shop.
Price – 2015 attendees were charged $489.00.
Duration – 3 days. The next event will be held in March of 2016.
Location – The 2016 Cabinets & Closets Conference and Expo will be held in Pasadena, CA.
Attendees – Open to all cabinet makers and home storage professionals. Approximately 1,000 people attended the 2015 event.
Vendors – 75 vendors were included in the 2015 event. The Expo portion of the event is usually on the second day in an exhibit hall. Vendors bring out their best booth displays.
Website – http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events-contests/cabinets-closets-conference-expo
Conference Portion – With three conference tracks (Closets/Design/Cabinets) there’s something for everyone! The 2015 conference included many industry leading, dynamic speakers including Houzz sales and marketing guru Lindsey Thudin.
Networking Opportunities – In 2015, a networking cocktail party closed out the conference portion. On the expo floor, awards festivities included four programs: Closets Top Shelf Awards, Custom Woodworking Design Portfolio Awards, 2015 BEST Kitchen Design Contest and the 1st Annual Young Wood Pros Award. Expo participants mixed and mingled while enjoying beverages and snacks. There was also a silent auction to help further the cause of woodworking education.
Showroom/Shop Tour – The Closets and Cabinets Conference and Expo usually offers two shop tours. Last year, there was an in-depth look at a closet manufacturer and a furniture company. Unfortunately, the furniture company was unable to participate due to internal issues.
Price – If you register on or before February 26th, a Conference & Expo Pass is $295.00. If you register after the 26th, a Conference & Expo Pass is $350.00. Should you wish to attend the Expo portion only, before February 26th, the fee is $19.00. After the 26th, the fee is $30.00.
In our experience, both events offer ample opportunities for networking, keeping up on trends and education. It really is up to you; perhaps where the event is located may sway your decision to one or the other. You really can’t go wrong! We’ll be attending both events and look forward to seeing you at either or maybe both!