The Wallcoverings Association (WA) kicked off the year with our Annual Meeting, held over January 27-30 in Clearwater, Florida, where close to 150 manufacturers, distributors and associate suppliers gathered for a full program of educational sessions and dedicated networking opportunities. An array of dynamic speakers took the stage, delving into the latest trends and transformative prospects set to reshape the future of the wallcoverings industry. Here were four pivotal takeaways from the event:
AI Technology Set to Drive Innovation and Growth
Discover the game-changing influence of AI technology, as expert Sam Richter illuminated its transformative power. With a focus on demystifying the digital realm, Richter emphasizes the need to embrace generative AI within workplace settings. Through a variety of AI tools, Richter navigated attendees through creating AI prompt personas and explaining strategic objectives for prompts. From crafting lead generation prompts, to optimizing SEO/YouTube video descriptions, to tailoring outreach emails, Richter's insights unveiled the potential of AI technology.
The NSF/ANSI 342 Gets an Update
The WA’s Sustainability Standard, NSF/ANSI 342, is a pioneering certification ensuring transparency throughout a wallcovering product's lifecycle, and the WA has initiated the process of updating it to ensures its continued relevance. Developed through a collaborative effort involving manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders, this standard establishes a framework for evaluating and certifying environmentally focused wallcovering manufacturing and distribution processes. From raw material extraction to end-of-life management, NSF/ANSI 342 provides a comprehensive assessment to empower informed decisions with ease.
Giselle Walsh (WA's Technical/Sustainability Consultant) and Ned Monroe (President/CEO of the Vinyl Institute) spearheaded an insightful discussion about the intersection of vinyl and sustainability. During the presentation, industry news regarding regulatory updates and sustainability were shared, alongside updates from the Vinyl Institute.
Collaboration Steers the Ship for Commercial Spaces
Design collaboration is increasingly important in commercial settings as more than 75% of employees operate on a hybrid or remote basis.
This year's meeting brought WA's first ever “Designer Panel” together, with John Cialone (Tom Stringer Design Partners), Sarah Colandro (AECOM) and Adriana Rojas (HOK), to discuss the importance of bringing home elements into the office; the role of cross-disciplinary collaboration in design projects; the widespread focus on sustainability. They highlighted how bringing together designers and wallcoverings manufacturers/distributors fosters innovation and enhances project outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures that design concepts are not only visually stunning but also technically feasible and sustainable.
New Installers to Enter the Field
With the launch of a recent initiative, WallForce, the WA is committed to supporting efforts to bring new wallcovering installers into the fold. This initiative serves as an introduction to aspiring installers, targeted toward both young professionals and mid-career professionals. Robin Patrick, both immediate past president and WallForce committee chair, highlighted the committee's mission. WallForce aims to provide a space for interested individuals to explore a path towards becoming installers from an agnostic standpoint, providing information from both the Wallcovering Installers Association (WIA) and The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT.) Additionally, the WA actively promotes various professional development opportunities to further enhance members’ skills and expertise, aiming to cultivate a new generation of skilled installers who will contribute to the growth and success of the industry.
