SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - Closing out Closets Conference & Expo 2024 is a powerhouse keynote panel discussion titled "Crafting Your Identity, Shaping Your Success – Your Personal Brand, Your Unique Story." Scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19th, this session aims to provide attendees with invaluable insights into the art of personal branding and crafting a success story.

The session will break down into four key components: Crafting Your Identity, Shaping Your Success, Your Personal Brand and Your Unique Story. 

"Crafting Your Identity" centers on intentionally and thoughtfully creating your self-image and reputation, emphasizing that individuals have control over how they present themselves to the world. Understanding the nuances of identity crafting becomes crucial in a society where perception often shapes reality.

The second component, "Shaping Your Success," delves into the connection between projected identity and achievements, underscoring the idea that actions and the intentional projection of your identity play a pivotal role in determining success, both personal and professional. 

"Your Personal Brand," the third component, covers the concept of a personal brand – how the unique mix of skills, values, and personality traits distinguishes an individual from others. In an era where personal branding can make or break opportunities, this part of the discussion is set to be particularly enlightening, emphasizing how to understand and actively manage perceptions.

The final component, "Your Unique Story," underscores the individuality of each person's narrative. Everyone possesses a distinctive story involving their experiences, journey, and personal development. Sharing this story can enhance connections and create a lasting impression. The panel will explore how embracing and expressing your unique story can contribute to a more authentic personal brand.

Carlissa Montoya, owner and designer at CM Closet Design LLC and EncoreGarage San Antonio and President-Elect of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP), will lead the discussion. Montoya brings a multifaceted perspective to the conversation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between personal branding and success, particularly in the closet and design industry.

Joining Montoya are panelists Domenic Marcolongo, owner and designer of Las Vegas Closet Design; Cindy Melgoza, owner and closet organizer at Glamornized; and Andrea Litsch, designer at Closet Envy Dallas. With diverse backgrounds in closet design, organization, and entrepreneurship, these panelists are set will offer a well-rounded discussion on the nuances of personal branding and success crafting.

Melgoza is a professional closet organizer known for her unique approach to leveraging platforms like Instagram to build connections. Her story is a testament to the power of strategic personal branding and the potential for success even without prior ties to the industry.

Marcolongo, based in Las Vegas, brings a wealth of experience from working in a dealer program and now as an independent contractor with a contractor's license. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of personal branding in the design industry, showcasing the transition from a structured program to an independent venture and the influence of personal brand identity on business success.

Litsch previously worked for California Closets in Florida. Her unique story involves embracing personal branding, transitioning from one state to another while establishing herself as a closet expert. Her experience highlights the adaptability and impact of personal branding across different regions.

Each panelist will share insights into how they crafted their identities, leveraging deliberate strategies to stand out in the industry.

To learn about personal branding, register now for the Closets Conference & Expo.

About the Closets Conference & Expo and Wood Pro Expo Illinois
The annual Closets Conference & Expo (CCE) is the only national event for all closet and home storage professionals. The 2024 edition is co-located with Wood Pro Expo Illinois (WPE), a regional marketplace for woodworking professionals. The events are organized by Closets & Organized Storage and FDMC magazines respectively. Each is a distinct media brand of Woodworking Network. The twin-bill event is scheduled for April 17-19, 2024, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

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CCE and WPE each kick off with a separate full-day conference on April 17, co-sponsored by the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals and Cabinet Makers Association respectively. The two-day co-located expo, April 18-19, features woodworking machinery, supplies, and components. Additional educational programming is offered on each day of the expo. Tours of local manufacturing plants and the popular Top Shelf Design Awards networking reception are also key features of the event. View current program schedule.

For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, contact Laurel Didier, exhibit sales. For all other inquiries, contact Kim Lebel, show manager. 

More Woodworking Network events   
Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré (SIBO), Oct. 24-26, 2024, Centrexpo Cogeco, Drummondville, Quebec.

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 12-14, 2025, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ontario.