What We Learned At This Year's WIA Conference

As the leading organization dedicated to the paperhanging profession, the Wallcovering Installers Association (WIA) is an international organization of wallcovering installers. With the promise to "reach new heights" with our skills, Phillip Jeffries headed to the Rocky Mountains and met with nearly 200 paperhangers throughout three days of panels, demonstrations, and meetings.

What We Learned
One thing is for sure, wallcovering installers are constantly seeking ways to improve their skills and gain knowledge. At the conference, we were impressed with every installer's dedication to superior craftsmanship. The authentic camaraderie and breadth of knowledge shared was inspiring - this is THE place to go to learn, network, and share information as an installer!

Staying in the know is important to PJ so that we design products that can be easily and beautifully installed. We remain committed to providing installers and designers with the information they need for a successful and, of course, beautiful installation.

Commitment To Excellence
From tips to installing scenics to an informative session on hanging natural wallcovering (Amazing job Dennis!), paperhangers love to help each other by sharing tips and stories. Whether it’s how they overcame an obstacle or learned a new trick, this community of paperhangers loves to share success stories with each other. We learned so much attending the WIA conference panels!

Paperhangers Are Skilled Artisans
These highly skilled craftspeople specialize in hanging paper. They are experts at solving problems whether it be the walls, the material, or simply the region’s climate. At times, it is a high-stakes job, and, therefore, skilled paperhangers are the key to a successful installation.

They're also a wealth of information for both designers and homeowners. When a homeowner chooses a wallcovering, the installer may be able to offer insight on how it will look in a room or if she even be used in a room.

Tools Of The Trade
While we love a gorgeous room with perfectly hung wallcovering, we would not be here without acknowledging the fabulous installers out there hanging our wallcoverings with great skill and precision with the amazing products on the market. It truly is a team effort. We’re proud of our relationship with the installer community and look forward to deepening these relationships.

 

A School For Installers
With many paperhangers reaching retirement age, a new school for installers is hoping to train the next generation. For skillsets ranging from beginner to expert, the WIA launched the Wallcovering Installer School, a nonprofit 501C3, and are raising funds. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, click here.

Looking for more information on the art of installation? Check out our new how-to video series, THE HANG, for videos and tips!