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 our Decor family. If you can’t wait for unforgettable experiences and unique opportunities, join us at Academy XP.

Join Us in October 2026

This year, Decor Cabinets will be hosting a three-day Academy XP event where Dealers, Designers, and CSRs will come together for an enriching and authentic Decor experience.

There’s limited capacity for the event, so don’t hesitate to save your seat. 

Choose Your Date

Event Dates

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.

April-May

30-1

October

2-3

Academy XP Returns in 2026

Mark your calendars Academy XP is back for one exclusive two-day event you won’t want to miss! This is Decor Cabinets’ premier industry event, created exclusively for our authorized design centers. 

Arrive

oct 5

Event

oct 6 & 7

Depart

Oct 8

What to Expect

The event is a balance between professional development and networking. Some of the activities on the agenda are:

Disrupt Speakers

Pam McNally

Head of Field Marketing and Market Development for Houzz

As part of her remit, she leads our speaking and event collaborations at High Point Market. Previously, she served as SVP of Marketing & Digital at NKBA, where she directed brand strategy, content, member engagement, partnerships, and KBIS—North America’s largest kitchen and bath trade show. 

She has held senior leadership roles at SANDOW Design Group, Niche Media, and Hachette Filipacchi, overseeing digital, editorial, and branded content for major brands.

A frequent speaker on digital strategy, AI, and design trends, Pamela has presented at KBIS, NeoCon, High Point Market, and industry events nationwide, including conferences for Fortune 500 companies.

Corbin Clay

Founder of Ask A Cabinetmaker

Corbin Clay is the founder of Ask A Cabinetmaker, an online platform reaching over 150,000 homeowners and designers actively shopping for cabinetry every month. A custom cabinetmaker and finisher by trade, he founded his own manufacturing business in 2009, won a national entrepreneurship competition with GQ magazine, and scaled to a successful exit in 2019. Today, he translates real-time consumer data sourced directly from the Ask A Cabinetmaker community into actionable insights for kitchen and bath manufacturers, dealers, and designers.

Anthony Rocco

President of The Kitchenworks

Anthony Rocco is President of The Kitchenworks, the Fort Lauderdale design-build firm his family founded in 1989 and still runs today. He has spent nearly two decades in bespoke cabinetry and fine appliances, leading projects for some of the most demanding residential and yacht clients. 

John Azmy

Chief Operating Officer at Towne & Countree Kitchens

John Azmy is the Chief Operating Officer of Towne & Countree Kitchens, Towne Renovations, and REDL Kitchens Edmonton. He brings experience from both the banking and public sectors to the cabinetry and renovation industry, with a focus on operations, technology, internal processes, and supporting his teams as the businesses continue to grow. John enjoys finding practical ways to improve how the businesses operate and looks forward to sharing his experiences while learning from other dealers across the industry.

Steve Bendel

CEO at Decor Cabinets

Driving operational excellence across three prominent companies (Towne Renovations and REDL Edmonton as well) in the home renovation and kitchen remodelling industry. Specialized in transforming work processes, optimizing warehouse logistics, implementing advanced CRM systems, and cultivating strategic supplier relationships. Currently leading efforts to develop long-term plans for business growth and expansions to elevate our industry presence and customer satisfaction.

Elite Design Awards

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 on October 7th, 2026, at Academy XP!

Book Your Spot

The Registration is Closed!

See you on October 5th!

There’s limited capacity for the fall event, so don’t hesitate to save your seat. Register now to secure your spot!

Step 1 of 2

A Unique Opportunity

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

Academy xp Details

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.

Event Calendar 2026

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 2026. 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. 

september, 2026

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. 

Academy XP Breakdown 2024

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. 

Day One

Day Two

Day One

Day Two

Disrupt Speaker Lineup: Inspiring Insights from Academy XP 2023

SPEAKERS 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.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Decor Academy community.

Registration

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Decor Academy community.

Thank you!

Thank you for registering for Cortrax! Paul Harrington will reach out to you shortly to confirm your spot.

Thank you!

Your form was sent successfully! We are looking forward to seeing you at the Academy XP Event!