Academy XP delivers a rich, interactive experience to inspire creativity and connection, featuring keynotes, workshops, and industry-leading expertise. Join us at our upcoming Academy events to take your skills—and your career—to the next level!
Academy XP – experience what makes a business undeniably different.
For dealers and designers who want to be energized and are excited to grow in their business and relationship with Decor family. If you can’t wait for unforgettable experiences and unique opportunities, join us at Academy XP event!
This year Decor Cabinets will be hosting one three-day Academy XP event where Dealers, Designers, and CSRs will come together for an enriching and authentic Decor experience.
Jazmyn and Steve are here to give you further details and what you can expect from these inspirational event.
There’s limited capacity for the event, so don’t hesitate to save your seat.
Choose Your Date
We’ll encourage you in your career and partnership with Decor Cabinets. These events inspire creativity with a broad range of activities and sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with other designers, be the first to know about upcoming product releases, tour our dealer experience showroom, and join us for the Elite Design Awards.
October
2-3
Mark your calendars—Academy XP is back from September 16th to 18th, 2025, for one exclusive three-day event you won’t want to miss! This is Decor Cabinets’ premier industry event, created exclusively for our authorized design centers.
September
16-18
April-May
30-1
October
2-3
Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba
Shauna Mallory-Hill, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba. She has a Ph.D. in Architecture from the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and a Masters of Architecture (M.Arch) from the University of Manitoba. A LEED BD+C Accredited Professional, she has over 25 years of experience in teaching and research in building systems, universal & sustainable design, and building performance evaluation. A significant focus of her research is on how designed environments impact human health and productivity. Dr. Mallory-Hill has presented her building evaluation work across Canada, the USA, and Europe, and published it in journals and books. Her book, Enhancing Building Performance, is co-edited with Chris Watson & Wolfgang Preiser, and published by Wiley-Blackwell
Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba
Jacquie Ripat is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba. She holds the inaugural research chair in Technology for Assisted Living in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba. In her research program, she uses qualitative, participatory, and mixed methods research approaches to understand how people with disabilities, emphasizing those who use assistive technologies or devices, engage within their physical, socio-cultural, and attitudinal contexts. That understanding is used to create, implement and evaluate strategies that promote life, home, and community participation. She credits her collaborative research relationships from various disciplines for greatly strengthening her research program.
NKBA President for the Prairie Provinces Chapter
Nadine Hawkins – Nadine has been in the industry since completing her certification program at the University of Calgary in 2006. As an entrepreneur, she founded Hawkins Interiors, a company specializing in renovations and window coverings, and continued to take on projects throughout her career. Nadine has held sales management roles since 2011, including eight years in business development at Legacy Kitchens. She currently serves as the NKBA President for the Prairie Provinces Chapter.
Account Manager at Hafele Canada
Chris Popel has been immersed in the woodworking and manufacturing industry for 20 years, bringing his expertise to Häfele in 2022. As an account manager, he collaborates with manufacturers, designers, general contractors, and project stakeholders to find solutions and drive creative quality throughout. Chris represented Canada at Interzum 2023 in Germany and KBIS 2024 in Las Vegas. His passion for the industry comes from his upbringing in a family-owned millwork business, where he gained experience in every aspect of the trade, from machine operation to assembly, installation, and management. He brings this hands-on background and years of craftsmanship to Häfele, delivering both expertise and quality hardware to his clients
Business Development & Education Manager
His knowledge base is derived from sources such as the NKBA, NSI (Formerly MIA, Marble Institute of America), ISFA and branded manufacturers of certified engineered stone, solid surfaces, natural stone, porcelain and decorative laminates.
Big Designs - Islands - Seams & Overhangs
Surfacing an island has become more complicated. Clients want bigger and the materials available are limited. Learn the design tolerances for natural stones, engineered mineral, quartz surfaces and porcelain slab products.
Owner/Principal Designer
Holly has always been interested in the world of design and has found herself at home in the industry of interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and believes that a good education, true passion, and hard work are the keys to exciting designs.
Livable Luxury / Designing with function and beauty
Learn how to implement trending elements of design into projects, creating the feeling of luxury for clients. Discover insights on trending colors and finishes, storage materials, and custom features, and why Decor Cabinets are a good fit for creating trending spaces. With an Instagram following of over 62K, she’ll share how connecting with clients online before they meet in person is invaluable to better business.
Sales & Marketing Representative
Lucy is a Sales & Marketing Representative at Blum Canada Ltd and has been with the company for 24 years. She dedicates her time educating manufacturers, designers, architects, students, and end costumers on Blum’s innovative products and functional solutions.
Aging and Living in Place with AgeExplorer
Our needs change over time and when cabinetry is well planned according to the principles of Universal Design, they will be safe and suitable not only for the aging population but for people of all ages. The AgeExplorer suit allows us to know TODAY what our needs may be TOMORROW, simulating age approximately 20-25 older than we are.
Sales & Marketing Representative
Lucy is a Sales & Marketing Representative at Blum Canada Ltd and has been with the company for 24 years. She dedicates her time educating manufacturers, designers, architects, students, and end costumers on Blum’s innovative products and functional solutions.
Aging and Living in Place with AgeExplorer
Our needs change over time and when cabinetry is well planned according to the principles of Universal Design, they will be safe and suitable not only for the aging population but for people of all ages. The AgeExplorer suit allows us to know TODAY what our needs may be TOMORROW, simulating age approximately 20-25 older than we are.
Designer at MainBuilt Custom Homes and Minnesota Cabinets
LeAnn Weber has been a designer at MainBuilt Custom Homes and Minnesota Cabinets for 8 years, and in cabinetry design for 16 years. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design from the University of Northern Iowa and shortly after started her design career at a residential construction company. Both experiences cemented her love for creating personalized designs that tell a story of custom collaboration. LeAnn believes her biggest strength is listening to her clients, ensuring they receive a timeless, beautiful, and comfortable home.
Designer at Legacy Kitchens
Ameilya studied interior design at Yorkville University for four years. Her entry into the industry began with a focus on healthcare applications and settings with Heritage, which curated a unique perspective on space’s function, human integration, and human ergonomics. With 15 years of experience in sales/design/millwork, she provides excellent client experience working in the Okanagan Valley, with Legacy Kitchens boutique showroom, highlighting a client’s unique personal wants and needs in every project step.
Principal Designer at Lindsay Schultz Kitchens + Cabinetry Ltd.
Lindsay has been exclusively working in the kitchen & bath industry for almost 20 years. She brings her previous background in marketing, accounting, and customer service to Lindsay Schultz Kitchens, a boutique kitchen and bath company based in Midland Ontario. As Principal Designer Lindsay leads all her projects with dedication and high levels of creativity. Having been in business for just over 13 years, she is most proud of the design team that has been working alongside her each day.
Designer at Cherry Hill Custom Homes
Tahani has a background in architecture with over 20 years of experience in house additions and renovations in the Washington, DC Metro Area. Her design process takes a holistic approach, integrating architectural principles into kitchens, bathrooms, and other interior spaces. She aims to create thoughtful and cohesive environments that resonate with the house’s exterior architecture, making the entire home feel unified. For the past three years, she has focused on designing interiors for new custom homes.
Owner/Principal Designer at Towne & Countree
Tara is the owner and principal of a thriving full-service cabinetry and renovation company in Edmonton. Though she came to entrepreneurship relatively recently, she has a strong history of leadership. Tara’s passion for processes and problem solving supports her employees to deliver excellent customer service. She is also an active Rotarian and a volunteer in the local communities.
Vice President of Marketing and Design at CKF
Sadie holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is the current President for the Nebraska/Kansas NKBA Chapter as well as the Finance Director for the Nebraska/Iowa ASID Chapter.
Designer at Casey's
As an expert of over 20 years in the interior design field, Benjamin has spoken at multiple industry shows and has been featured in publications such as, Style at Home, Globe and Mail, and Grand Magazine. He’s judged various design and product competitions throughout North America and continues to remain a top advocate for the hottest trends in the kitchen, bath and interior design spaces. With a focus on psychological design, Benjamin uses his experience to create happy, healthy and most importantly safe spaces that appeal to all five of the senses.
Designer at The Wright Kitchen
Nicole Jenkins is a kitchen designer at The Wright Kitchen in Burlington, Ontario with 12 years of kitchen and bath design experience. Her attention to detail and ability to listen creates a feeling of trust and confidence with each client. Despite a project’s unique requirements or budget constraints – she believes there’s always a solution. Though Nicole would describe her own tastes as California Casual – she appreciates working with all different style preferences to create a space tailored to each client.
The Elite Design Awards is a home design competition open exclusively to designers within the Decor dealer network. The awards presentation event will be held in October 2024 at Academy XP!
There’s limited capacity for the Fall event, so don’t hesitate to save your seat. Register now to secure your spot!
Network with top designers in the industry
Engage in team-building activities with CSRs and DDs
Embark on insightful
plant tours
Explore local activities
in a vibrant setting
Expand your knowledge through educational sessions
Network with top designers in the industry
Engage in team-building activities with CSRs and DDs
Embark on insightful
plant tours
Explore local activities
in a vibrant setting
Expand your knowledge through educational sessions
Travel Days
Effortlessly start and end your Academy XP journey with convenient travel arrangements. On Tuesday October 1, simply arrive at Winnipeg Airport (YWG) between 1pm and 7pm, and Decor will be ready to welcome you. Enjoy a hassle-free transfer from the airport to our Winnipeg Showroom, where you will get to explore the showroom and have a light snack, followed by a comfortable charter bus ride to your hotel in Morden/Winkler.
As the event concludes on Friday October 4, our Charter Bus will depart to the Winnipeg Airport for a 10am arrival. Allowing you to book flights scheduled for 12pm or later. Experience seamless travel logistics, leaving you free to focus on maximizing your Academy XP experience.
Flight Information, Accommodations and Transportation
Once you’ve completed the registration process, anticipate receiving a follow-up form to provide essential details such as flight information and dietary restrictions.
For your comfort, accommodations will be arranged by Decor at two local hotels, with a cost of $165 CAD per night. You have the option to utilize DPP funds if available or conveniently receive an invoice from Decor. Be confident, transportation will be seamlessly provided throughout the event via our reliable charter bus service.
After the event submit the flight information to get it covered for DPP.
What’s Covered and What’s Not
Enjoy a stress-free week with all-inclusive provisions for chartered bus transportation, delectable food options, and exciting event activities.
Please note that while we take care of these aspects, you are responsible for covering your own flights, hotel accommodations (as mentioned above), meals during travel to and from Winnipeg Airport (YWG), as well as any additional beverages beyond the provided allowance. If DPP funds are available, you have the option to utilize them for flight and hotel arrangements. Rest assured, we’ve taken care of the essentials to ensure a seamless and memorable Academy XP experience for you.
Travel Details
Effortlessly start and end your Academy XP journey with convenient travel arrangements. On Tuesday October 1, simply arrive at Winnipeg Airport (YWG) between 1pm and 7pm, and Decor will be ready to welcome you. Enjoy a hassle-free transfer from the airport to our Winnipeg Showroom, where you will get to explore the showroom and have a light snack, followed by a comfortable charter bus ride to your hotel in Morden/Winkler.
As the event concludes on Friday October 4, our Charter Bus will depart to the Winnipeg Airport for a 10am arrival. Allowing you to book flights scheduled for 12pm or later. Experience seamless travel logistics, leaving you free to focus on maximizing your Academy XP experience.
Flight Information, Accommodations and Transportation
Once you’ve completed the registration process, anticipate receiving a follow-up form to provide essential details such as flight information and dietary restrictions.
For your comfort, accommodations will be arranged by Decor at two local hotels, with a cost of $165 CAD per night. You have the option to utilize DPP funds if available or conveniently receive an invoice from Decor. Be confident, transportation will be seamlessly provided throughout the event via our reliable charter bus service.
After the event submit the flight information to get it covered for DPP.
What’s Covered and What’s Not
Enjoy a stress-free week with all-inclusive provisions for chartered bus transportation, delectable food options, and exciting event activities.
Please note that while we take care of these aspects, you are responsible for covering your own flights, hotel accommodations (as mentioned above), meals during travel to and from Winnipeg Airport (YWG), as well as any additional beverages beyond the provided allowance. If DPP funds are available, you have the option to utilize them for flight and hotel arrangements. Rest assured, we’ve taken care of the essentials to ensure a seamless and memorable Academy XP experience for you.
Check Our
We have engaging events all year long for you to choose from depending on your interests and availability.
Sign up now to secure your spot!
The Decor Cabinets event calendar is available for 2024. We have many events for you to choose from depending on your interests and availability.
This year we are offering two types of professional development opportunities. You can increase your product knowledge and improve your design skills with Cortrax, from the Decor Academy. In these educational sessions, you’ll learn new skills and complete hands-on training. With smaller class sizes for an intimate learning experience, you’ll leave with a full toolbelt, and all your questions answered.
We’re also continuing our successful Academy XP events, which will encourage you in your career and partnership with Decor Cabinets. These events inspire creativity with a broad range of activities and sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with other designers, be the first to know about upcoming product releases, tour our dealer experience showroom, and join us for the Elite Design Awards social.
november, 2024
The Decor Cabinets Heartwood Distinction recognizes individuals in the Decor Family that are exemplary in demonstrating Decor values. Philanthropic and personal development endeavors are a core part of culture and our people. While we are passionate about making beautiful cabinets, we are equally empowered to make a difference in the world around us.
Missed the fall 2024 event? No worries, we’ll break it down for you. This event included 2 days packed full of inspiration, education, connection, and celebration. There truly was something for everyone, and the attendees were unanimous in their enjoyment of the event.
Disrupt Speaker Lineup: Inspiring Insights from Academy XP 2023
Academy XP 2023 featured an exceptional line-up of industry experts and leaders who shared their invaluable knowledge and insights.
Nicole Gomes
Nicole is an active chef in the Western Canadian food scene and has a robust television resume that includes shows like Top Chef Canada. She is co-owner of the award-winning fried chicken eatery Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver. Nicole will share her “Recipe for Success, “on building her brand and everything she has learned along her journey.
Michael Karl
Michael Karl is known as a master of influence and persuasion, which stems from over 20 years as a professional mentalist. Michael has transformed leadership roles and loyalty within corporations such as MARS, PayPal, Indeed, and Toyota. Michael will share his secrets to powerful influence and communication.
Carl Bundy
Carl Bundy brings more than 30 years of experience to the Axalta Color Studio in High Point, NC, where he leads the development of colors and finishes. His career spans a range of product development roles in the wood industry while traveling extensively throughout the US, Asia, and other locations. Carl will be sharing his design knowledge and industry experience.
If you have any question, please contact us.
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The contents of this website are provided for informational purposes only.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Decor Academy community.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Decor Academy community.
Thank you for registering for Cortrax! Paul Harrington will reach out to you shortly to confirm your spot.
Your form was sent successfully! We are looking forward to seeing you at the Academy XP Event!
HAWA Bout Them Doors
