Why Trade Day Is the Secret to a Smooth Design Project

The effect Trade Day had on my business, the way this initial onboarding event sets the expectations and tone for the whole project, cannot be overstated. But, take it from me, there are certain dos and don’ts that you need to take into account for it to be a real success.

When done right, Trade Day can be your secret weapon, but when done wrong, it can have far-reaching consequences. I share a lesson I learned the hard way about a time where my lack of organization on Trade Day led to a result that negatively influenced the rest of the project. Learn from my mistakes and listen to this list of Best Practices that will show you how to set up a successful Trade Day, how that will instill confidence in you, your clients, and your trades, and why it is a way to showcase your entire process. You are the leader of this team and so take the opportunity of Trade Day to set your project up for success to reassure everyone that they are safe in your capable, professional hands.

episode highlights

The story of a Trade Day disaster that changed how I run projects
Why Trade Day is more than just logistics—it’s about leadership
5 essential best practices for planning and executing a successful Trade Day
How to coordinate trades without chaos (hint: it starts before you ever show up)
Tools, templates, and systems that help you look like a total pro
How to use Trade Day to build trust, set expectations, and reinforce your process

Episode Resources

Listen to Episode 326 to learn why your project budgets still feel off (and how to fix them)
Save your spot in the next Free Workshop: The Predictability Framework

June 9, 2025

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please read all of the terms and conditions set forth below. The Winter Designer Winter Designer Retreat is offered subject to our standard terms and conditions, set forth below. Upon purchase with Rebecca Hay Designs Inc., you are deemed to be accepting all “Terms and Conditions.”

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All Winter Designer Retreat prices are current at the time of publication and in CAD. To confirm your reservation, you must pay the full amount via the secured form on this website. Payments will be processed by Stripe.

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In the event an attendee cancels prior to December 18, 2022, a refund will be issued, minus a $275CAD administration fee. As of December 19, 2022, the event is 100% non-refundable. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. There is no refund or discount for arriving late or leaving a Winter Designer Retreat early, or for not participating in any scheduled activity.

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We strongly recommend that you purchase flight cancellation insurance to protect yourself from unexpected circumstances that may cause you to cancel your Winter Designer Retreat. Cancellation of any travel plans, airlines, etc. will be completely your responsibility.

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Although it's unlikely, Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. reserves the right to cancel any Winter Designer Retreat at any time for any reason determined at our sole discretion, including too few participants, or if the quality of the Winter Designer Retreat or the safety of the participants is deemed by Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. to be compromised. In such a case, a refund of payments received from Winter Designer Retreat reservations shall constitute a full and final settlement and release of all claims against us. In the event of cancellation, Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. is not responsible for any loss incurred on account of non-refundable or non-transferable air tickets or other unrecoverable travel costs.

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Please ensure that you have all the relevant travel documentation for your Winter Designer Retreat location and that you arrive at the airport on time. Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. is not responsible if you lack the required documentation for your flight or for entry into another country (valid passport for the entire duration of the Winter Designer Retreat and return travel, visa, entry fee, etc.). However, if you are unsure of your requirements and need help, you are welcome to contact us for assistance. Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. cannot accept responsibility for delay or cancellation of any flights, train, buses or other forms of transport.

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Your Winter Designer Retreat will be held at the JW Marriot in Muskoka, and all guests are required to follow their policies.

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Upon check-in, all valuable items may be placed in your room. Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. is not liable for any breakage, loss or theft of personal items. Please limit your valuables, as traveling with such valuables will be your complete responsibility.

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Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. recommends that you obtain cancellation, travel and medical insurance prior to attending any of our Winter Designer Retreats. Prior to participating in any activities or using any facilities, please ensure that you are medically and physically fit and able. If you have any injuries or illnesses, please seek doctor’s advice prior to attending. Rebecca Hay Designs Inc. is not liable for any injuries due to use of our facilities or participation in activities or during travel to and from the Winter Designer Retreat. Any injuries or medical conditions are completely your sole responsibility. By sending a deposit toward your Winter Designer Retreat, you certify that you do not have any physical condition or disability that would create a hazard for you or other participants during the Winter Designer Retreat. In other words, you certify that you are healthy and fit for any activities in which you plan to participate. Furthermore, it is required that you have the proper personal and health insurance to cover your needs while present in the Winter Designer Retreat, in case of any loss of property, illness, injury or death.

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You hereby release and discharge Rebecca Hay Designs Inc., a Canadian company, its shareholders, directors, officers, agents and employees, from and against any and all liability, loss, cost, expense or damage arising, directly or indirectly, from the Winter Designer Retreat, including your participation in the Winter Designer Retreat activities.

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You acknowledge that you have voluntarily applied for a Winter Designer Retreat with Rebecca Hay Designs Inc., a Canadian company. You understand that you may be traveling to a foreign country and that you will participate in various activities. You are prepared to assume the risks associated with this Winter Designer Retreat, including: forces of nature, terrorism, civil unrest, war, accidents, personal injury and similar circumstances. You also assume risks associated with illness, disease, physical exertion and alcohol consumption, knowing that access to suitable medical support may be delayed. Your hereby agree to take full responsibility for your own actions, safety and welfare, including unanticipated events, injury, illness, emotional trauma or death

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