American Home Surfaces Group (AHSG), an alliance of more than 400 independent flooring dealers, and the Commercial USA Flooring Alliance, with more than 220 commercial flooring contractors, will host a joint annual meeting April 10-12 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Bruce Weber, president of AHSG and Commercial USA, said the convention, themed "America’s Got Talent," will provide members with top resources on merchandising, business partnerships, digital marketing, and training and development.

At the event, Weber said the group will also unveil its newest division, American Kitchen and Bath Affiliation (AKBA), which introduces a marketing strategy that helps dealers connect with National Kitchen and Bath Association members at a local level. An NKBA executive will give an overview of the opportunities available to AHSG and Commercial USA members.  

“The resurgence of the USA flooring industry was ignited by pent-up demand for kitchens and baths, floors, countertops, backsplashes: R&R, DIY, full-service, new home creations and commercial assisted living,” Weber said. 

This year's convention will also welcome a number of new suppliers to the group: Aladdin, Bostik, Mohawk, Shaw, Taylor Adhesives and Uzin Utz. 

Highlights of the convention will include:

• A keynote address by Scott Humphrey, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association. 
• Major market trends presentation by Brightworth Financial.
• An overview on how to make the commercial flooring business more successful and profitable by Whitney Welch, vice president of Daltile’s commercial division.
• How to capitalize on exterior flooring.
• Discussions concerning the increased merchandising pressures experienced by independent retailers. 
• Highlights on stocking dealers and how suppliers are helping AHSG and Commercial USA members achieve a minimum of six inventory turns. 
• Fire-Up the Webbber Bi-Annual Awards Program Presentation

Weber said the group takes great pride in bringing maximum value to its members, which includes hosting more than 100 product knowledge trainings over the last 36 months and co-investing in sample and merchandising display requirements.

"We now, out of our own pocket, have invested in well over 2,000 displays over our 22-year history. Our suppliers and members love it!" Weber said. 

In addition to the business-boosting agenda, the convention will offer time for networking and relaxation. 

“All of our suppliers are financial partners in making it possible to put these type of convention productions on in a first-class facility,” Weber said. “Unlike our competitors, for every dollar our suppliers contribute, we match, dollar for dollar. By the end of this convention approximately $350,000 will be invoiced to us by the Gaylord and other outside sources.”

To learn more, visit americanhomesurfaces.com and commercialusa.com.