IWCE 2027 Keynote Puts the Power of Human Connection at the Forefront
Keynote Speaker Tracee Murphy, “The Design Biz Therapist,” will reveal how understanding people can transform leadership, relationships and business results
TAMPA, Fla., September 16, 2026 — The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) has announced Tracee Murphy, known as “The Design Biz Therapist,” as the keynote speaker for IWCE 2027, taking place March 14–16 at the Tampa Convention Center. Murphy will headline the Keynote Luncheon on Sunday, March 14, with “The Human Advantage: Why Understanding People Is Your Greatest Competitive Edge.” She will also present an interactive featured session, “Conflict Without the Chaos: Turning Difficult Conversations Into Stronger Relationships,” later that afternoon.
Through the lens of psychology and emotional intelligence, Murphy will explore how understanding human behavior can help window covering professionals communicate more effectively, strengthen their teams, deepen customer relationships and lead with greater influence.
Keynote Luncheon: The Human Advantage - Why Understanding People Is Your Greatest Competitive Edge
Sunday, March 14 | 12:00–1:15 p.m
Every business challenge is ultimately a human challenge. Behind every customer decision, team dynamic and business relationship is one powerful force: human behavior.
In “The Human Advantage,” Murphy will demonstrate why the businesses that thrive do more than offer better products, smarter strategies or the latest technology—they understand people. Attendees will discover how greater self-awareness and insight into what drives people to think, react, connect and make decisions can become a meaningful competitive advantage.
Participants will learn how to:
Recognize how psychology and emotional intelligence influence communication, decision-making, trust and human behavior
Apply greater self-awareness and human insight to strengthen leadership, team dynamics and customer relationships
Communicate with greater influence, build stronger connections and turn professional relationships into a competitive business advantage
Because in business, understanding people is not simply a soft skill—it is an advantage.
Featured Seminar: Conflict Without the Chaos - Turning Difficult Conversations Into Stronger Relationships
Sunday, March 14 | 3:00–4:15 p.m
Difficult conversations are inevitable, but the chaos that often accompanies them does not have to be. Whether dealing with a challenging employee, a frustrated client, a strained partnership or an uncomfortable conversation that has been repeatedly postponed, the way conflict is handled can either erode trust or strengthen it.
During this interactive session, Murphy will examine what happens when emotions run high, why people become defensive or shut down and how to prevent difficult conversations from becoming destructive. Attendees will gain practical strategies for managing tension, reducing defensiveness, communicating with clarity and addressing problems directly without damaging important relationships.
Participants will learn how to:
Recognize communication patterns that escalate conflict and apply practical techniques to reduce defensiveness and manage tension
Address performance issues, unmet expectations and challenging behavior with greater clarity, confidence and appropriate boundaries
Navigate difficult conversations in ways that strengthen trust, accountability and professional relationships
Attendees will leave better equipped to transform conflict into an opportunity for stronger relationships, greater accountability and better business outcomes.
About Tracee Murphy
Tracee Murphy, “The Design Biz Therapist,” brings psychology, emotional intelligence and practical business insight together to help leaders and professionals better understand themselves and the people around them. Her engaging approach gives audiences actionable tools to improve communication, navigate conflict and build healthier, more productive professional relationships.
Attend IWCE 2027
IWCE 2027 will bring the window covering industry together March 14–16 at the Tampa Convention Center for three days of education, product discovery, hands-on learning, business development and industry connection. The 2027 educational program will feature more than 45 seminars led by respected experts from across the industry. Early Bird registration is now open, with discounted pricing available through December 15, 2026. Tickets for the Keynote Luncheon and featured session may be purchased during registration.
To register and learn more, visit iwce-vision.com.
About the International Window Coverings Expo
The International Window Coverings Expo is North America’s premier trade show and educational conference dedicated to the window covering industry. IWCE connects designers, dealers, workrooms, installers, fabricators, retailers, manufacturers and other industry professionals with the products, education and relationships they need to grow their businesses.
