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 celebrated media personality, keynote speaker and seasoned entrepreneur. Recognized as the “go-to” keynote speaker for leaders and entrepreneurs to launch their life and get out of their own way, she always delivers a dynamic presentation. In her third business launch, LuAnn Nigara Inc., she provides business resources for entrepreneurs through live events and LuAnn University. LuAnn has published three books, is a sought-after columnist and has captured international attention for her weekly podcasts “Window Treatments for Profit” and “A Well-Designed Business®” which has more than 750 episodes and 5 million downloads.
David Cross
AERC (Attachments Energy Rating Council)
As a 30-year industry veteran, David has broad experience in all areas of shading and in new product development. Early in his career he worked for the textile company, Burlington Industries, where he developed and co-authored patents for new finishes for vertical blinds. David is currently the Director of Business Development at Rollease Acmeda. At Rollease Acmeda he has been central to the launch of numerous hardware systems and has been heavily involved in their successful launch into Automation. He also oversaw RA’s involvement in the Baltimore Gas and Electric pilot project that showed 13%+ electricity savings with AERC rated Automated shades.
David has been on the AERC Board since 2019 and was elected President in March 2024.
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 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.
Shade Academy is a private initiative to develop a platform online for the useful sharing of knowledge and experience around Adaptive Daylight Management. Aiming to create the expert of tomorrow.
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.
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.
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.
Roger Magalhaes
Trading Up Consulting
Roger Magalhaes is the founder of Trading Up Consulting, which provides installation training for window fashion professionals. Magalhaes has more than 18 years of experience as a professional window treatment installer in the Boston area. He is also the installation instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTrack program and holds numerous certifications from various leading product lines and proprietary installation techniques. Roger Magalhaes has been a member of WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) since 2006, and currently, he holds the position as national president.
O’D McKewan
WindowCoveringWorld.com
O’D is a self taught master of window coverings. With his background in construction, mechanics and sales he quickly mastered all the product knowledge available to him.
By studying the manufacturers’ reference guides and using that knowledge along with his vast knowledge of sales strategies and customer relationship techniques he has become the most profitable salesperson in his company. Now almost two decades later, O’D is an Industry expert in all areas of window coverings and specializes in motorization and custom installations. He maintains an extremely high profitability on all of his jobs large and small due to his client’s confidence level in his abilities.
O’D has been a course instructor and coach for over 20 years and has the unique ability to explain difficult and complex subjects in simple and understandable terms with just the right amount comic relief. He continues to consistently research the industry’s products and trends to stay ahead of his competition and provide accurate and relevant information for his seminar and class attendees. He is a firm believer that applied knowledge is power and the key to his success.
Outside of work, O’D volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, coaches baseball, soccer, does robotics and enjoys spending time on his boat. He resides in San Diego, California with his wife of almost 20 years and their two children.
Vin Nigara
Excinting 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.
Ralph Vasami
WCMA (Window Covering Manufacturers Association)
Ralph Vasami, Esq., serves as the Executive Director for WCMA – Window Covering Manufacturers Association. With over 20 years of industry experience, he has consistently excelled in guiding trade associations. His involvement extends to spearheading efforts to modify and advance National Building Codes. Ralph was a trailblazer in the vinyl window and door industry, holding the position of Chairman at the Vinyl Window & Door Institute. Additionally, he 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. He stays up to date with the latest technical standards through constant participation in several standards and technical committees (BVT – Doors and Gates, ITRS/IVRSA – Roller Shutters, Awnings, Venetian Blinds).