Why Raleigh? The Smart Choice for the International Window Coverings Expo
- Blake Williams
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a strategic and exciting location for IWCE, bringing the industry closer to one of the most design-forward, rapidly growing regions in the country. Here's why it’s the perfect setting for our next annual event:
A Hub for the Southeastern Design Community
The Southeast is home to a dense concentration of interior designers, custom workrooms, and window treatment dealers, making it a key region for IWCE growth. Raleigh offers a central location within driving distance of design hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, Charleston, and Nashville.
Thriving Workroom and Fabrication Scene
Custom fabrication is booming in the South. Raleigh is surrounded by boutique workrooms, soft treatment artisans, and legacy upholstery and textile professionals—making it a natural fit for our hands-on, solutions-focused expo.
Proximity to the Industry’s Fabric and Furniture Capital
Just a few hours from High Point, Raleigh benefits from North Carolina’s rich design and manufacturing heritage. Attendees and exhibitors will find themselves immersed in a region that understands the value of craftsmanship, customization, and collaboration.
Accessible, Affordable, and Attendee-Friendly
RDU International Airport offers direct flights from across the U.S.
Lower travel and hotel costs than larger coastal cities
A clean, vibrant downtown with a state-of-the-art convention center, dining, and nightlife
A City on the Rise
Raleigh ranks among the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., with a strong base of affluent homeowners and design-savvy consumers. It’s a city full of energy, creativity, and opportunity—perfectly aligned with IWCE’s mission to educate, inspire, and connect.
Supporting Statistics:
Design & Workroom Market Saturation in the Southeast
Over 20,000 interior designers are based in the Southeastern U.S. (BLS, 2024), with North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida leading the region.
North Carolina ranks #5 in the U.S. for the highest concentration of interior designers per capita (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The Southeast is home to hundreds of custom workrooms and upholstery shops, many of which serve luxury and designer markets (Window Fashion VISION subscriber data, 2023).
Window Treatment Market Growth
The custom window covering segment is growing at 4–6% annually, driven by demand for personalized design, automation, and luxury materials (Freedonia Group, 2024).
The South leads new housing construction, with Charlotte and Raleigh ranked among the top 15 U.S. metro areas for residential growth (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024).
75% of designers in the South regularly specify custom window treatments as part of their full-home design services (WFV Reader Survey, 2023).
Strategic Location & Infrastructure
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves over 14 million passengers annually and offers direct flights to 50+ cities, making it highly accessible for national exhibitors and attendees (RDU Airport Authority, 2023).
North Carolina is home to High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the world, further cementing the state as a design industry hub.
The Raleigh Convention Center offers 500,000+ square feet of modern meeting and exhibit space, ideal for IWCE’s format.
Economic & Industry Support
Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., with a population increase of 25%+ over the last decade (U.S. Census Bureau).
The Triangle region has a high concentration of affluent homeowners and luxury residential projects—key clients of window treatment professionals.
North Carolina’s legacy in textiles, furniture, and interior design supports a robust ecosystem of manufacturers, vendors, and artisans.
Let’s bring the future of custom window fashions to the heart of the South.
Designers and decorates, save the date to join us! If interested in exhibiting, please contact Exhibitor Sales HERE.
