Join us for Academy XP, a premier event for cabinet designers, taking place from

September 11th to September 15th, 2023.

Get ready for three action-packed days from Tuesday to Thursday, featuring Allstars Throwdown, Dovetails Tours, and Disrupt, followed by an unforgettable finale –
the Elite Design Awards Social.

You'll have the unique opportunity to

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 Breakdown

Forge Lasting Bonds, Ignite Innovation: ACADEMY XP Unleashes Three Days of Connection, Inspiration, Learning, Networking, and Celebration.

DAY ONE

Allstars Throwdown – Challenge Day

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping spectacle at the Allstars Throwdown 2023! Brace yourself as designers, CSRs, and DDs collide in an electrifying competition, pushing their boundaries to new heights. Don’t miss the captivating clash of minds as industry leaders showcase their unparalleled talent and innovation.

DAY ONE

Allstars Throwdown – Challenge Day

DAY TWO

Dovetail Tours – Decor Plant Tours and Choice of Activity

Indulge in a day of exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Decor Cabinets, unraveling the secrets of the captivating world of cabinetry. As evening sets in, customize your experience with a variety of enticing activities: groove to live music at Rendezvous during their vibrant open mic night, unwind with bowling and camaraderie at VB Entertainment, savor local flavors at Dead Horse Cider’s charming Taproom, showcase your dancing at Flavors of Mexico’s Salsa Night , or simply enjoy a relaxing evening in the comfort of your hotel room. The choice is yours to make your Academy XP journey truly unforgettable.

DAY TWO

Dovetail Tours – Decor Plant Tours and Choice of Activity

DAY THREE

Disrupt & Elite Design Awards Social – Educational Sessions and Awards Event

Disrupt: Explore cutting-edge trends and innovations that are shaping the future of cabinet design, through engaging presentations and interactive sessions.

Elite Design Awards Social: Conclude the week with a glamorous Southern Manitoba Social event, celebrating the most exceptional cabinet designs and recognizing the industry’s brightest stars.

DAY THREE

Disrupt & Elite Design Awards Social – Educational Sessions and Awards Event

Disrupt: Explore cutting-edge trends and innovations that are shaping the future of cabinet design, through engaging presentations and interactive sessions.

Elite Design Awards Social: Conclude the week with a glamorous Southern Manitoba Social event, celebrating the most exceptional cabinet designs and recognizing the industry’s brightest stars.

Learn.

Do.

Work.

Earn.

Grow.

Develop.

SPEAKERS

Exciting Speaker Lineup: Prepare for Inspiring Insights at Academy XP 2023!

We’re thrilled to announce that Academy XP 2023 will feature an exceptional lineup of industry experts and leaders who will share 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.

GET TO KNOW OUR SPEAKERS

Nicole Gomes

Her award-winning fried chicken eatery Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver—which is co-owned by her sister Francine Gomes—remains as busy as ever after seven years in business in Calgary with a second location opening soon. As of late, Nicole Gomes has been focused on something a little more global which has taken her all around the globe, from Vancouver to Paris and even to a naval base in Sydney. Nicole will share her “Recipe for Success, “ on building her brand and everything she has learned along her journey.

Nicole is also in the process of adopting a child from Vietnam. The chef spoke openly about the process on the show and after recent episodes aired, she has had hundreds of people reach out via social media to share their own adoption stories. Nicole’s hope that by sharing her story that it would resonate with people watching and it sure did!

Nicole credits her goal-oriented single mother who was a successful business woman for being who she is today. Nicole has donated her time; cooking and baking to many charitable events. Outside the kitchen, Nicole enjoys singing jazz, traveling, swimming and loves doing anything outside.

Michael Karl

Michael Karl is a professional speaker, mentalist, and communications expert. He 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 has coached former contestants for Miss America in interviewing skills and even fooled a secret service polygraph test. His captivating talents have been featured on the hit show ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us.’ With a unique blend of entertainment and practical wisdom, Michael Karl inspires audiences, equipping them with the tools to unleash their full potential in personal and professional realms.

Carl Bundy

Carl Bundy, Director of Color & Design for Axalta’s Building Products Division, 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 for furniture, flooring, cabinets, and exterior siding. His career spans a range of product development roles in the wood industry while traveling extensively throughout the US, Asia, and other locations. His experience with industry leaders includes Lexington Furniture Co. (later Lexington Home Brands), Drexel Heritage, Caracole, and Vanguard Furniture.

Stan Pauls

Stan is the CEO of Decor Cabinets and has been with the company for 33 years.

Anyone who knows Stan knows that he exemplifies a people first mindset. His influence on the company and our relationships has been key to our success. In 2020 Stan was awarded the HR award of Distinction from the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association for being a visionary when it comes to wood manufacturing and growing a successful company. He has been instrumental in Decor’s mission to give back to those in need, supporting a variety of organizations locally and across the world.

DESIGN ROUND TABLE

STEVE FRIESEN - HOST

Steve Friesen is a seasoned business development manager at Decor Cabinets, bringing over 16 years of invaluable experience to the company.

With a remarkable talent for communication, Steve excels in building strong connections with dealers, fostering successful partnerships, and driving business growth. Steve has also been an entrepreneur, having built two businesses in the Pembina Valley. In addition to his professional endeavors, Steve has a passion for travel and cooking. His charismatic personality has also allowed him to cross paths with some notable figures, having had the pleasure of meeting Gene Simmons and Mr. T.

CANDACE RUDD

Candace Rudd is an NKBA Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and is the leader at Two30Nine.

With over 18 years of experience helping clients create spaces they love; she enjoys working with new designers to help them grow and become successful in the industry. Candace always has her eye on the latest design news and seeks out continuing education opportunities through industry engagement and has earned NKBA specialty badges in Sales & Marketing, Floorplans and Cabinetry.

ABBIE JOAN

Abbie Sladick is the founder and creative soul of Abbie Joan Fine Living.

Her vision in creating this Naples, Florida-based firm was to organically grow a company that merged by design vision and construction expertise while making clients feel comfortable, supported, and confident in the project ahead. Her background in construction management, project design, and hospitality gave her a unique set of tools in her toolbox to bring together a winning team with of craftsmen, project managers, and customer support staff.

DERRICK WHITAKER

Derrick Whitaker is the owner of Derrick Whitaker Design.

James Derrick Whitaker has been a force in Kentucky’s design industry since he graduated in 1994 from EKU with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Art. Derrick’s talent was immediately noticed by the top Kitchen and Bath design firm in Lexington where he began as an intern. He remained at the firm for 26 years creating an enviable following of loyal clients. In 2020 Derrick founded D. Whitaker Designs and he has never looked back.

Derricks’s popularity derives from his incredible intuition and knack for creating the connection between his client, their lifestyle, and the vision for their home. As one client has said: “Derrick’s design for our house literally reached out, grabbed us by our hearts, and didn’t let go. We love coming home and being at home”. His appreciation for historical and/or modern, deeply layered yet comfortable and functional spaces is his impeccable. Derrick and his husband Ted are the proud fathers of 6 amazing kids.

MAXIM GOTSUTSOV

Maxim Gotsutsov is a founding partner of Germanhaus Furniture and German Interiors.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Vancouver, Maxim follows his passion for cooking and competition in the kitchen design world. Perennial winner of the NKBA kitchen awards as well as Global Kitchen Design awards, Maxim enjoys promoting the European lifestyle in Canada through eco-conscious choices of elite European design.

KNOW MORE Close

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Questions?

If you have any question, please contact us

BOOK YOUR SPOT

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to elevate your cabinet design expertise and be part of a vibrant community of industry professionals. Secure your spot at Academy XP 2023 today!

Academy xp Details

Travel Days

Effortlessly start and end your Academy XP journey with convenient travel arrangements. On Monday, 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, followed by a comfortable charter bus ride to your hotel in Morden/Winkler.

As the event concludes on Friday, our Charter Bus will depart to the Winnipeg Showroom for a 10am arrival. Take comfort, Decor will shuttle you from there directly to the airport, allowing you to book flights scheduled for 11am 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 at three local hotels, with a cost of $155 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.

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 Days

As the event concludes on Friday, our Charter Bus will depart to the Winnipeg Showroom for a 10am arrival. Take comfort, Decor will shuttle you from there directly to the airport, allowing you to book flights scheduled for 1pm 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.

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.

You'll have the unique opportunity to

ACADEMY XP Breakdown

SPEAKERS

Nicole Gomes

Michael Karl

Carl Bundy

Stan Pauls

STEVE FRIESEN - HOST

CANDACE RUDD

ABBIE JOAN

DERRICK WHITAKER

MAXIM GOTSUTSOV

Amanda Lee

Adam Cheise

Mike Stuart

Questions?

If you have any question, please contact us

BOOK YOUR SPOT

Academy xp Details

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