CHICAGO SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT
Join the Chicago Chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) for a special in-person event celebrating community, leadership, and smarter ways of growing creative, trade-based businesses. This event is open to designers, workrooms, retailers, installers, and industry partners—whether you’re a longtime WCAA member or brand new to the community.
Hosted by Jessica Harling of Behind the Design and Springs Window Fashions in Graber’s training facility, this in-person gathering focuses on practical, real-world insight into how strong systems, clear processes, and aligned teams help businesses scale without losing culture. Expect thoughtful conversation, actionable takeaways, and meaningful connections with peers who understand the realities of the window coverings and design trades.
PLUS a factory tour by Graber and a presentation on market insights for the growth of our industry!
EVENT DETAILS
Date/Time: Wednesday March 11th from 10-4pm CST
Location: Springs Window Fashoins, 7549 Graber Rd, Middleton, WI 53562
Agenda: Click here to see the agenda!
Inventment: No Charge with Lunch Included!
Registration: Register Here!
SPEAKERS
JESSICA HARLING
Jessica Harling is a process architect turned people strategist who helps creative businesses scale with clarity, confidence, and heart. As Founder and CEO of Behind the Design, she blends deep operational expertise with emotional intelligence to build high-performing teams without sacrificing culture.
A proud fourth-generation window covering professional, Jessica was raised in her family’s Chicago-based business founded in 1936 that is still thriving today. She earned her expertise the long way, holding roles across sales, business development, and operations, giving her a rare, firsthand understanding of what it takes to grow and sustain a trade-based business. Today, she helps firms systemize success by aligning people, process, and purpose, proving that structure and soul can coexist.
RACHEL HYSLOP
Since February 2020, Rachel Hyslop has served as the Vice President of National Accounts for the dealer channel at Springs Window Fashions. Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, the company has 14 window treatment manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery are in nearly every major retailer and in thousands of design showrooms nationwide.
Ms. Hyslop is a collaborative, energetic leader with strategic and tactical experience in the retail and business-to-business realms. She has led successful product launches, marketing campaigns, brand positioning, and customer acquisition/retention projects for more than 15 years. Ms. Hyslop has provided thoughtful direction on branding and consumer insight projects, in addition to implementing projects, systems, and organizational structures that support Springs Window Fashions’ growth.
Prior to this role, Ms. Hyslop held several positions with increasing responsibility at Springs Window Fashions. She served as Director of Channel Marketing, where she was responsible for the successful development and implementation of customer marketing campaigns, loyalty and incentive programs.
EVENT SPONSORS
If you’re ready to build a stronger business with clearer systems, better leadership, and a community that truly understands your work, this event is for you.
Join the Chicago-area design and window coverings community for a day of insight, connection, and forward-thinking conversation.
Register now, bring a colleague, and be part of the WCAA movement.
Because when we grow together, we’re Stronger Together.