Feb. 14, 2024 - Automated outdoor roller shades are an excellent opportunity for custom integrators and shade retailers looking to add value to projects and generate more revenue. As with most opportunities this one does come with a challenge: learning how to sell and install outdoor shades.

Draper At Home is hitting the road this year to present a series of training events focused on outdoor shades. The Draper At Home Outdoor Shade Roadshow events will consist of 2 training days. Day 1 will be a full day of hands-on training focused on selling and installing outdoor ZIP shade products. The emphasis will be on dealing with common conditions found on existing construction installations and how to adapt accordingly for outstanding results:

• Review of ZIP-compatible outdoor fabric selections.
• Field measuring techniques for outdoor shades.
• Evaluating site conditions and typical “unusual” mounting conditions.
• Solving for out-of-level and out-of-plumb conditions.
• Adapting to uneven or irregular mounting surfaces.
• Coordinating power supply connections and working with available control solutions.

Day 2 will focus on new construction, with a particular emphasis on recessed pocket and side channel conditions. This includes a review of the geometry required for designing recessed pockets and how these details are developed to adapt to specific project requirements. Other topics covered will include:

• Selecting headbox style and the mounting implications.
• Reviewing available motors / controls / wiring coordination.
• Demonstrating optimum field measuring techniques and planning for out-of-plumb conditions.

Each day will also include a hands-on installation lab. By the end of the event, attendees will have gained the knowledge and insight to be completely comfortable selling and installing these high-value, industry leading shading solutions.

Times and dates for roadshow events are:

• Atlanta – April 18 & 19, 7:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Chicago – May 16 & 17, 7:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Seattle – July 11 & 12, 7:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Denver – August 8 & 9, 7:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Dallas – September 24 & 25, 7:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Phoenix – November 14 & 15, 7:30 A.M.-5 P.M.

The cost of these roadshow events is $200 per day. However, the full cost will be completely offset by a rebate coupon available at the end of each event. In addition, every attendee will be entered into a raffle to win a complete set of Draper At Home sample kits (valued at over $1,000). Plus, if you register early, you will receive a second entry into the sample kit raffle and get 10% off all exterior shade orders for 12 months following the event!

To get an agenda, learn more, and find out how to register, please reach out to our Director of Business Development – Outdoor Living Solutions Steve Edwards.