We are always telling you why CMG is unique and what makes us distinct from other color forecasting services. One of the key differences is that CMG’s Color Forecasts are the result of hundreds of color experts who contribute annually to the forecasting process. These global color professionals come together in Workshops during the year to forecast color trends and directions. They share their passion, insight, and expertise. Each Workshop is expertly guided by a Facilitator who directs the Workshop ensuring that every voice is heard, every contribution is considered, and the Workshop goal is accomplished – to identify the top 16 colors that best represent the direction that color will take. Being a volunteer Facilitator is hard work and requires dedication, commitment, and time. The contribution from our volunteer Facilitators, and membership generally, is also what makes CMG unique.
So we invited some of this year’s ChromaZone® Workshop Facilitators to tell you why they volunteer, and how this benefits them and their business.
Peggy Van Allen, Colorfuel, Cary IL
Peggy Van Allen is the Owner of Colorfuel based in Cary, IL. She has been a CMG member since 1996, and in addition to Facilitating CMG’s Chicago ChromaZone, is also the current volunteer Secretary.
• Why do you volunteer to be a Facilitator?
Being a facilitator keeps me engaged in all aspects of a Workshop. Also, I feel it is so important that every member’s voice be heard and I want to help give each participant that opportunity. Group settings can be challenging for some people and in the past when I felt more hesitant I really appreciated those members who prodded and pulled me into a conversation. Some people have a gift and passion for what they are bringing to a conversation and others may have that passion but are not as eloquent or confident. As facilitators we want to enable everyone equally in telling their stories. Volunteering has allowed me to really understand what makes CMG unique and valuable. I see people who are like-minded in their understanding and passion for color. It is a sharing group and members come to meetings looking for connections. Volunteering has shown me that it simply cannot work without volunteers. While it does take time and effort, you see the direct results of those efforts and you are given a voice to express what you think will be most beneficial as CMG continues to evolve.
I feel it is so important that every member’s voice be heard and I want to help give each participant that opportunity.
Sandy Sampson, Simple Modern Style, Camarillo CA
Sandy Sampson is the Owner of Simple Modern Style which focuses on color consulting, graphic design and surface pattern design. Sandy’s role as designer provides an opportunity to utilize color and design across multiple industries. Sandy Facilitates CMG’s Workshops on the West Coast, and will manage this year’s Workshop in Pasadena. She is also a volunteer on CMG’s Color Forecasting Committee.
- Why did you volunteer to be a Facilitator?
Being a facilitator allows me to learn more about the color stories and colors that make up the final Forecast. Each color-forecasting workshop provides a wealth of information. As a facilitator I work directly with the participants and their homework presentations to gain a solid understanding of the color stories, drivers, and applications of each color. This color background prepares me for immediate application to my products/projects upon returning to the studio.
As a facilitator I work directly with the participants and their homework presentations to gain a solid understanding of the color stories, drivers, and applications of each color.
Judith van Vliet, Clariant ColorWorks, Merate Italy
Judith van Vliet is a Designer with Clariant ColorWorks Europe. She works with brands such a L’oreal, Danone, Ford, Guzzini & Philips to define CMF for their products. As well as Facilitating at Workshops and CMG’s European Conference, Judith is also CMG’s volunteer Vice President for Communications and Public Relations.
- Why do you volunteer to be a Facilitator?
Being a Facilitator simply means transforming my passion for color & CMG in something tangible. It means working with talented people who are equally passionate about the organization. Being a volunteer member on CMG’s Executive Committee also gives me global visibility both for CMG and for my company – and I get to work with the people that I love to work with, sharing the same ideas and passions.
Being a volunteer member on CMG’s Executive Committee also gives me global visibility both for CMG and for my company.
Mark Woodman, mark woodman color + design, Laurel MD
Mark Woodman is the President and Owner of mark woodman color + design. He is a Past President, former Board Member, and the Committee Chair for CMG’s Color Alert® program. He is a regular Facilitator at CMG’s Workshop in Toronto.
- Why do you volunteer to be a Facilitator?
It is the center of the action of a workshop. The information is coming directly towards you and it is the best way to absorb the wealth of knowledge and inspiration, and then compose it back for the membership. Being a Facilitator means being a Guide, Mentor, Role Model. It gives the opportunity to show the best we have as an organization and to bring out the best in participants. affirms my thoughts on direction, provides an international lens through which to observe color in various markets, and underscores my professional credibility.
It is the center of the action of a workshop. The information is coming directly towards you and it is the best way to absorb the wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Lora Di Fabio, American Biltrite, Montreal Canada
Lora Di Fabio is the Design & Development Manager for the Flooring Division of American Biltrite. She manages color trends in both commercial and residential interior design applications. She is also the Facilitator for the Montreal ChromaZone.
- Why do you volunteer to be a facilitator?
CMG is very informative and sets the direction for colour especially when it comes to contract design. It allows us to have an ear to the ground when it comes to what designers in North America will be specifying in the future. Knowing where colour is heading also allows us to plan for new product development and when to revamp our collections. Being a Facilitator means you are in the heart of the color forecasting process and you experience a feeling of contribution and giving back to the Group.
It’s not too late to register for a ChromaZone Color Forecasting Workshop!
