FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EDUCATION
These workshops will be held in the Palace Rooms by the entrance to the 2025 Create + Clean Expo. Please obtain your Expo badge in advance of your workshop at the Registration area.
The Reinvention Blueprint
Modern Marketing through Social Media
February 12, 2025 :: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 7 hours
Host and Moderator: Cheryl Sleboda Whited, Muppin Inc.
Instructors:
Michelle Umlauf
Sue O'Very
Cheryl Sleboda Whited
Guest Instructor TBA
Location: Provence 4 & 5 (Versailles Tower)
Reinventing Your Business Through Social Media" is a dynamic, day-long workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners harness the power of social platforms for growth. Led by four industry experts, the workshop covers strategies for building an effective social media presence, understanding analytics, creating engaging content, and leveraging live sales. Participants will gain practical skills to enhance brand visibility, foster customer engagement, and increase conversions. Each expert brings a unique perspective, offering actionable insights and real-world examples. By the end of the day, attendees will be equipped to transform their businesses using social media tools and techniques.
Cost: $125 per person
Sewing Machine Service, Troubleshooting, and Common Adjustments
February 12, 2025 :: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 6 hours
Andi Barney, The Sewing Doc Academy
Location: Provence 1 & 2 (Versailles Tower)
This program will take you through the main focus of sewing machine service including properly and safely removing the covers of a computerized machine, proper cleaning and lubricating procedures, and checking for any issues to prevent the need for repair. Next we’ll move into common sewing machine issues, how to diagnose them, and how to resolve them quickly. Then we’ll tackle adjustments such as feed dog height, needle position/centering, and presser foot height and alignment. We’ll wrap up with suggestions on ways to gently educate your customers to build a long, trusting relationship.
Note: Machines, tool kits, and materials provided, tool kits available for purchase.
Cost: $325 per person
Timing Fundamentals & Adjustments
February 13, 2025 :: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 3 hours
Andi Barney, The Sewing Doc Academy
Location: Provence 1 & 2 (Versailles Tower)
This program will give you a solid understanding of each component of timing: needle bar height and alignment, hook timing, hook/needle clearance, feed timing, and parabola. This session is a combination of learning material and hands-on experience in making each of these adjustments.
Note: Machines, tool kits, and materials provided, tool kits available for purchase.
Cost: $275 per person
PRESHOW PROGRAMS &
WORKSHOPS
SESSIONS
Education sessions are held in the Palace Rooms, and the CVAC Room adjacent to the 2025 Create + Clean Expo entrance and Grand Ballroom. Badges are required to attend all programs and events at the 2025 Create + Clean Expo. Sessions are walk-in to capacity.
fEBRUARY 13, 2025
Meet the HAH 6000 Pro
February 13, 2025 :: 9:00 AM, 45 minutes
Grant Olewiler, Rod Drivstuen, and Chris Slackford, M.D. Manufacturing and Hide-A-Hose
Location: CVAC Room, Bronze 1 & 2
Come get acquainted with the latest Hide a Hose valve - the 6000 Pro - and learn more about this groundbreaking new product. Also, see the newest accessories that coordinate with the 6000 Pro.
Real World AI Uses for Sew/Vac Businesses
February 13, 2025 :: 9:00 AM, 45 minutes
Cheryl Sleboda Whited, Muppin Inc.
Location: Palace 6
Join this exciting class designed to show sewing and vacuum business owners how AI can enhance their operations. Discover how AI-driven tools can personalize customer interactions, forecast demand, and analyze product trends. This hands-on session will provide actionable insights, helping sew/vac businesses harness AI to boost efficiency and stay competitive in today’s market with real world examples from someone using them!
Central Vac Industry Trends & Tips
February 13, 2025 :: 10:00 AM, 45 minutes
Greg Calderone and Eric Vachon, H-P Products Central Vacuums and Trovac Industries
Location: CVAC Room, Bronze 1 & 2
How are today’s overall market and housing conditions affecting the central vacuum industry? What competitive challenges will central vacuum dealers face in the future? Join us as we delve into these topics and more trends that directly affect the central vacuum market and your business! We will share tips to manage these headwinds and how to best position your company for success now and in the future.
Sizzle Sells: The Cool Factor of Retractable Hoses
February 13, 2025 :: 11:00 AM, 45 minutes
Grant Olewiler, Rod Drivstuen, and Chris Slackford, M.D. Manufacturing and Hide-A-Hose
Location: CVAC Room, Bronze 1 & 2
Transform your central vacuum pitch to focus on retractable systems. Let’s discuss all of the avenues available to promote and expand your central vacuum sales. Retract the ordinary and sell the extraordinary!
Effective Websites for the Sewing/Vacuum Industry
February 13, 2025 :: 11:00 AM, 45 minutes
Josh Sutherland, SewVac Media
Location: Palace 3
Come learn the characteristics of an effective website, and how to use that website to grow your business both online and in-store.
The Urge to Serge
February 13, 2025 :: 11:00 AM, 45 minutes
Judy Kessinger, FitNice
Location: Palace 6
Let Judy show you an option for store classes. Your customers will thank you for giving them an opportunity to not only create their own garment but have it personally fitted to their figure. They will leave your store with a pattern, garment and smile. What could be better?
Central Vacuum Product, Installation and Technical Roundtable
February 13, 2025 :: 12:00 PM, 45 minutes
Grant Olewiler, Rod Drivstuen, and Chris Slackford, M.D. Manufacturing and Hide-A-Hose
Location: CVAC Room, Bronze 1 & 2
Are you a “gadget” enthusiast? Do you have innovative approaches to tackling challenges? Are you open to exploring new techniques to improve your business? Most central vacuum (CVAC) professionals are creative entrepreneurs, so when you put twenty of them in a room, you’re bound to hear twenty-five unique opinions.
Join this engaging roundtable discussion to share your expertise, exchange ideas, and learn best practices from your peers. Topics will span a wide range of areas, including marketing, CRM systems, sales, installation, tools, service, follow-up strategies, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals and elevate your approach to central vacuum systems!
Stealth Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business
February 13, 2025 :: 12:00 PM, 45 minutes
Georganne Bender, Kizer & Bender
Location: Palace 6
What makes your store stand out from the competition, compelling customers to drive past others just to shop with you? Join Georganne Bender for an insightful session packed with actionable strategies to keep your customers close. You’ll learn how to build a guest culture that reflects your brand’s unique identity, why aligning with your customers' definition of exceptional service is essential, simple yet powerful tactics to exceed customer expectations, plus subtle yet effective marketing techniques that work behind the scenes to strengthen your business and leave a lasting impression.
Maximizing Revenue with Inventory and Cash Flow Management
February 13, 2025 :: 1:00 PM, 45 minutes
Jacob Curtis, CPA
Location: Palace 3
Learn how to use Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning to streamline inventory, boost sales, and minimize waste. This session covers the OTB formula, practical examples, and actionable steps to forecast needs, manage seasonality, and balance cash flow. Perfect for independent retailers, you'll leave equipped to make data-driven purchasing decisions for sustainable growth and profitability.
fEBRUARY 14, 2025
The Benefits of Cleaning with E-Cloth:
Learn How to Be Successful Selling This Innovative and Cutting-Edge Product
February 14, 2025 :: 9:00 AM, 45 minutes
Brigitte Laurence, E-Cloth
Location: Palace 3
You don't want to miss this session. Learn the ins and outs on how to best sell E-Cloth and feel good about offering this product to your customers.
Evaluating Your Return on Advertising Spend
February 14, 2025 :: 10:00 AM, 45 minutes
Jacob Curtis, CPA
Location:Palace 3
We’ll explore the critical metrics every retail and e-commerce business needs to track to ensure advertising dollars are well-spent. Learn how to calculate and evaluate Return on Advertising Spend (ROAS), Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) to make data-driven decisions that maximize profitability. Discover actionable strategies for improving ad performance, optimizing campaigns, and balancing acquisition costs with long-term customer value. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or e-commerce professional, this presentation equips you with the tools to analyze, refine, and grow your advertising efforts for sustainable success.
Simple Video Production for the Busy Shop Owner
February 14, 2025 :: 10:00 AM, 45 minutes
Cheryl Sleboda Whited, Muppin Inc.
Location: Palace 6
This hands-on class tailored for shop owners who want to create engaging videos without a major time commitment. Learn simple techniques for shooting, editing, and posting videos that highlight your products, share tutorials, and connect with customers. This class covers affordable tools, time-saving tips, and easy editing methods, empowering you to produce professional-looking content quickly. Boost your store’s online presence and engage your community with effective, accessible video content!
Chameleon® – Adapting Beyond Retractable
February 14, 2025 :: 11:00 AM, 45 minutes
Greg Calderone, H-P Products Central Vacuums
Location: CVAC Room, Bronze 1 & 2
Chameleon® retractable valves have adapted again with a new intermediate lock and convenient switch location. Get an in-depth look at the changes and how easy it is to upgrade existing valves. Learn more about the adaptability of the Chameleon system and how it can be a solution for any home regardless of size or budget.
Using Paid Social Media Ads to Grow Your Business
February 14, 2025 :: 11:00 AM, 45 minutes
Josh Sutherland, SewVac Media
Location: Palace 3
Come learn how to create ads that drive revenue!
Starting and Building Your Machine Service Business:
Q & A with Sewing Doc Academy
February 14, 2025 :: 11:00 AM, 45 minutes
Andi Barney, Sewing Doc Academy
Location: Palace 6
Join Andi Barney in a session to unlock the possibilities of a business or career in sewing machine service and restoration, including retirement income, small home business, employment with a dealer service shop, opening a brick & mortar shop, and more!
5 Easy Ideas to Set Your Sales Floor to Sell
February 14, 2025 :: 12:00 PM, 45 minutes
Georganne Bender, Kizer & Bender
Location: Palace 6
Shopping today is all about the experience. People can buy what you sell in any number of places, so your sales floor must be artfully set and ready to entice them to make a purchase. This requires careful consideration of what to merchandise where, plus constant reinvention so that shoppers are thrilled each time they visit. During this presentation we’ll look at five key areas to help you increase your “shelf esteem” and refresh your entire sales floor!
Secrets of Running a Successful Sew & Vac Business
February 14, 2025 :: 1:00 PM, 45 minutes
Howard J. Anderson, Stony Brook Sew & Vac
Location: Palace 3
Everyone wants to make more money with less effort … Don’t you? After over 40 years in the business and running as many as seven stores at once the secrets will be revealed on how you can put systems in place that will enable even the most unknowledgeable staff to get the most money from your customers and lead to more profit in your Sew & Vac business.
Lady Legs Pants Fitting
February 14, 2025 :: 1:00 PM, 45 minutes
Judy Kessinger, FitNice
Location: Palace 6
Let Judy show you an option for store classes. Your customers will thank you for giving them an opportunity to not only create their own garment but have it personally fitted to their figure. They will leave your store with a pattern, garment and smile. What could be better?