News

May 2025 Members Meeting (Sydney) – Wrap-Up

May 16, 2024

A Full House at The Lakes Golf Club

The WSAA Members Meeting, held on Friday, 16 May 2025, brought together more than 80 members from across Australia for an engaging morning of insights, learning, and connection at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.

Set against the stunning lakeside backdrop, the event delivered a carefully curated mix of case studies, expert discussions, and thought leadership, reinforcing WSAA’s commitment to supporting growth, innovation, and collaboration across the window shading industry.

Case Study: Smart Shading in Action

One of the event’s highlights was a fascinating case study presentation from Mathew Mulder of Horiso and Oliver Turner of Climate Ready Engineering, who showcased their remarkable 2,500-blind automated shading project at Metro Martin Place.

The presentation demonstrated how advanced control systems, data-driven engineering, and precise specification can work together to deliver sustainable outcomes and exceptional occupant comfort — offering members a real-world look at the power of smart shading technology in large-scale commercial environments.

Panel Discussion: The Future of Australian Manufacturing

Timed perfectly ahead of Australian Made Week, WSAA hosted a lively panel discussion on The Importance and Future of Local Manufacturing.

The session brought together a dynamic panel of industry leaders, including:

  • Evan Montero (DIY Blinds)
  • Samantha Sullivan (Lakeview Blinds, Awnings & Shutters)
  • Jules Di Bartolomeo (Verosol Australia)
  • Ben Lazzaro (Australian Made Campaign)

The discussion explored how Australian-made products continue to deliver innovation, reliability, and sustainability advantages — as well as how businesses can better leverage the “Australian Made” brand to build consumer confidence.

Masterclass: Winning Sales Through Value and Trust

The event concluded with an inspiring sales strategy session led by Kate Lalak from The Engine Room, who delivered a masterclass on Leading with Value, Deepening Trust, and Driving Sustainable Growth.

Kate’s presentation challenged members to rethink how they position their businesses, offering practical frameworks to build stronger relationships and long-term customer loyalty in a competitive market.

Strengthening Member Connection

Beyond the formal sessions, the Sydney Members Meeting offered invaluable networking opportunities — allowing attendees to connect with peers, share updates, and discuss emerging trends in design, automation, and energy performance.

Events like this reflect WSAA’s ongoing mission to provide members with actionable insights and foster collaboration across all sectors of the window shading industry.