The Sun Shading Expo boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing unique expertise to
illuminate the world of sun shading solutions.
LuAnn Nigara (Keynote SpeakeR)
LuAnn Nigara, Inc.
LuAnn Nigara is a leading business expert, keynote speaker, and media personality, known for helping entrepreneurs stop playing small and take decisive action. As the host of the top-rated podcasts A Well-Designed Business® and Window Treatments for Profit—with over 1,000 episodes and 9 million downloads—LuAnn has built an international reputation for delivering no-nonsense business advice.
A seasoned entrepreneur, she has successfully launched three businesses, including LuAnn Nigara Inc., where she provides business education through live events, LuAnn University, and bestselling books. Known as the go-to speaker for business owners ready to get out of their own way and step into profitability, LuAnn delivers engaging, actionable keynotes that inspire and challenge audiences to make bold, smart decisions in their business
David Cross
AERC (Attachments Energy Rating Council)
David is the current President of the AERC. The AERC is an independent, public interest, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide consumers with credible, relevant, and comparable information about window attachments and their performance. AERC’s Energy Improvement rating and certification program, developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been designed to offer independent and accurate information about the energy performance of window attachment products.
As a 30-year industry veteran, David has broad experience in all areas of shading and new product development including automation and fabrics. He is currently the Director of Business Development at Rollease Acmeda.
Anders Hall
Shade Academy | ES-SO (European Solar Shading Organization)
Anders started in the solar shading industry in 1993 as a sales representative for Hunter Douglas. In 2001, he joined Somfy Nordic AB as Project Sales Manager for Commercial Buildings and as of 2014 served as International Business Development Manager at Somfy SA (International).
In parallel, he joined ES-SO (European Solar Shading Organization) as representative for Sweden in 2006 and became Board member and Chairman of the Marketing Committee in 2012. As of Jan 2020 until 2026, is elected President of ES-SO.
ShadeAcademy is a private initiative to offer online sharing of knowledge and experience around Adaptive Daylight Management using Dynamic Solar Shading.
Stephanie Hamilton
Hamilton Creatives
Stephanie Hamilton is the Owner and Creative Director of Hamilton Creatives, a boutique marketing agency serving interior designers, window treatment professionals, and others in the home design industry. With over 15 years of marketing expertise, Stephanie is passionate about helping businesses tell their story in a way that attracts their ideal clients. Since founding Hamilton Creatives in 2014, she has led a full-service team offering strategic support across branding, website development, social media, email marketing, videography, and brand strategy. Based in Savannah, Georgia, Stephanie works with clients nationwide to help them grow with purpose and impact.
Will Hanke
Window Treatment Marketing Pros
Will Hanke has two passions: supporting our US veterans and helping window treatment and awning businesses tell their story online – providing them with increased exposure, more customers, and higher revenues. For over twenty-seven years he has helped mom & pops, startups, and multi-million dollar companies with their digital marketing strategies.
Will hosts monthly online training events and has spoken at conferences across the US on a wide variety of topics from analytics to lead generation through his company, Window Treatment Marketing Pros. Will teaches and helps these business owners learn more about SEO and make better decisions with their marketing dollars. He also has a free private Facebook group called Window Treatment & Awning Marketing Secrets.
He is an avid business & marketing blogger and has published several industry books including Triple Your Window Treatment and Awning Leads and 10 Quick Wins: Winning Fast Online for Window Treatment Companies.
Jessica Harling
Behind the Design
Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design trade organizations. Behind the Design nurtures top talent through recruiting, onsite and online training, and consults with leadership in streamlining processes that increase productivity and impact the company’s bottom line.
Dustin Hayes
Hermosa Digital
Dustin Hayes is the founder of Hermosa Digital. A passionate brand builder, speaker, and marketing futurist, Dustin has earned a reputation developing disruptive marketing strategies for Fortune 500 brands and technology startups. A creative at heart, Dustin began his career building content for top media and broadcast networks including MTV, CBS, and HBO. Today, he works alongside business leaders to provide new perspective and direction, helping brands realize and surpass their goals.
Andrea Liebross
Andrea Liebross Coaching, LLc
Andrea Liebross is a business coach, author of She Thinks Big®, dynamic speaker, and host of the She Thinks Big® podcast. She equips leaders worldwide to think bigger, lead with clarity and confidence, and turn uncertainty into opportunity. Known for her bold insights and practical tools, Andrea leaves audiences energized and ready to act.
Tommy Long
Universal Screens
Tommy has been in the exterior window covering world for 23+ years. He has in-depth knowledge and experience of the installation process and products. He has installed products such as: fixed solar screens on windows, stationary screened in porches, Lanai’s (screens over swimming pools), patio covers, storm windows and doors, interior roller shades (motorized and manual), chain operated patio shades, and exterior zipper track shades from various manufacturers. He also has a background in manufacturing and has manufactured: solar screens, interior and exterior roller shades, Maestroshield zipper track shades, and storm windows and doors. He previously owned an installation business specializing in exterior screened porches and zipper track shades. He has been a Somfy Expert Programmer for over 18 years and has a wealth of knowledge in many different aspects of construction. In 2019 Tommy came to work for Universal Screens as an outside sales rep over South Texas and quickly expanded his territory covering 31 states. In 2023 Tommy became the National Training Director here at Universal Screens and created the MotionScreen University Program.
O’D McKewan
Smart Shade Services
O’D McKewan is a master in motorized window coverings and has been a leader in the field for over 20 years. He has experience in manufacturing, sales and installation. He has been a national trainer for motorized window coverings for over a decade. He runs an online training service and travels all over the world working on custom motorization projects including commercial buildings, restaurants, custom homes, yachts and coaches.
Randy Meppelink
Window Products Inc.
Randy is 3rd generation in the window covering industry. The company was founded by his Grandfather after he immigrated from The Netherlands to the USA in the 1950’s. Randy brings years of experience of what it takes to build a successful fabrication company in the shading industry. Randy currently holds two patents on window coverings as well as having worked as an outside engineer on 5 other products well known to the industry. Randy started Window Products in 1991 manufacturing Verticals and Honeycomb shades from the beginning always looking for a better way to fabricate products. This lead of course to Roller Shades and Outdoor shades. Window Products them became a supplier of products to make shades and WP Machines was started as a subsidiary to Window Products and sells all types of equipment needed to modernize your production and make it profitable. Randy brings a unique insight as to what it takes to be a success.
Vin Nigara
Exciting Windows!
Vin is a relentless entrepreneur and business developer—and has been since 1978. With his prior experience as VP of Franchise Sales for two prominent industry companies, he brings unparalleled expertise in operations, systems, and finance to everything he does. A former college baseball coach, his passion for teaching has translated into creating an accessible platform for imparting his extensive business acumen to community members of any level.
Susie Salaz
Hamiltion Creatives
Susie Salaz is Senior Creative Strategist at Hamilton Creatives, a boutique marketing agency serving interior designers, window treatment experts, and luxury home professionals. Since joining the team in January 2024, Susie has collaborated with founder Stephanie Hamilton and clients to develop high-impact marketing strategies tailored to the design industry. An award-winning journalist, published poet, and experienced content writer, Susie brings a storytelling-first approach to brand messaging. She is also the founder of Cloud Top Creative, where she supports purpose-driven brands with editorial strategy and narrative development. Based in Indianapolis, Susie partners with clients nationwide to craft content that resonates and builds lasting connection.
Edward Sedgley
Viewa Pty Ltd.
Ed has degrees in Commerce and Arts from Melbourne University and over 20 years’ experience founding and growing technology and marketing businesses globally. His current company, Viewa, provides 3D, AR and AI visualization software to retailers and manufacturers of goods primarily for the home.
Ed regularly presents at Home Shows and industry trade shows across Australia
Ralph Vasami
WCMA (Window Covering Manufacturers Association)
Ralph Vasami, Esq., serves as the Executive Director for the Window Covering Manufacturers Association. He was a trailblazer in the vinyl window and door industry, holding the position of Chairman at the Vinyl Window & Door Institute. His contributions led to the acceptance of vinyl as a fenestration product within Model Building Codes. Additionally, Ralph played a pivotal role in establishing product testing and standards, alongside developing the current industry certification program.
Olaf Voegele
media4technologies Ltd.
Olaf Voegele has been working in the solar shading industry for 38 years and has passed through several professional stations during this time. He started as technical director of a medium-sized solar shading company with 80 employees. Today Olaf works as technical expert (surveyor) for solar shading and gates throughout Europe. He also works as an editor for the industry magazine GLASWELT and is speaker for trainings and lectures. Olaf stays up to date with the latest technical standards through constant participation in several standards and technical committees (BVT – Doors and Gates | ITRS – Roller Shutters, Awnings, Sun Shading | BVRS – Roller Shutters and Sun Shading).
Michele Williams
Scarlet Thread Consulting
Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals to own the financials of their business. With an eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michele has carved a niche in providing strategic business coaching and financial analytics to help business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
At Scarlet Thread Consulting, Michele utilizes her extensive experience in finance and business management to offer tailored coaching, mentoring, and fractional CFO services. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve financial clarity and operational efficiency, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive their businesses forward.
Through Metrique Solutions, Michele offers a unique blend of technology and consultancy, providing cutting-edge software solutions designed specifically for the owners of small business. Her expertise in financial metrics and data analysis empowers her clients to optimize their pricing strategies and enhance profitability.
Michele’s commitment to excellence and her unwavering support for her clients have established her as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the design community. Her work not only transforms businesses but also inspires creativity and growth, making her an invaluable asset to the industry. She is also the host of the popular podcast, “Profit Is A Choice.”