Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) is in-person, in action and live this week in Orlando, Florida, for its 28th annual convention and expo. With more than 70 first-time attendees, the event is an indication that the flooring installation industry is eager and excited to get back to in-person education, hands-on demonstrations and peer networking. The convention’s intensive agenda promises to deliver on all of the above, offering attendees seven education sessions, round table discussions and the opportunity to reconnect with manufacturer partners on the expo floor.
Though in-person training and certification—the crux of CFI’s offering—were severely limited during the pandemic, the organization used the time to strengthen its relationships and partnerships, while finding new ways to safely continue providing educational resources to the flooring community. “It’s actually pretty unique the relationships we’ve built,” said Robert Varden, CFI’s vice president. “In a time where people weren’t [able to] do too much, we were doing a whole lot.” Varden plans to share more of the organization’s progress and updates as the convention progresses.