The CFI Convention: Better Together

CFI 2022 10.jpg — The Elliptical Star Custom inset class at the CFI Convention was lead by Tarkett's Dick Schmidt and Don Styka. Students in CFI's Goodwill partnership program attended the class. Photo: FCI.

CFI 2022 8.jpg — Women in Floorcovering roundtable discussion at the CFI Convention was joined by industry veteran Cynthia Aufiero, CFI Master Installer #680, who shared her flooring story. Other industry greats, both male and female, contributed to the conversation centered on recruitment efforts. Photo: FCI.

CFI 2022 3.jpg — Corey Dickerson and Danny Sherman demoed some of the latest Wolff Tool products, answered tough questions and enjoyed a few laughs with the audience at this year's CFI Convention. Photo: FCI.

CFI 2022 9.jpg — Industry veteran P.J. Arthur led the hand sewing session at this year's CFI Convention. It was a full class and included some of the Southeast Regional Installation Competition competitors. Marquis Wright, owner Mr.Wright Flooring, Inc., and John Steier, owner, Steier Flooring, made appearances. Photo: FCI.

CFI 2022 4.jpg — Brothers Tony and Michael Buckhardt led the carpet stair installation session a the CFI Convention where attendees go the opportunity to learn some tips and tricks to enhance their skills. Photo: FCI.

CFI 2022 5.jpg — Brothers Tony and Michael Buckhardt led the carpet stair installation session a the CFI Convention where attendees go the opportunity to learn some tips and tricks to enhance their skills. Photo: FCI.

CFI 2022 2.jpg — The 29th Annual CFI Convention & Expo took place in Orlando, Florida, this week. Show organizers invited attendees to participate in a social media campaign #IamCFI. Photo: CFI.

CFI 2022 6.jpg — Jen Zurn, co-owner, Precision Surfaces, and Crystal Sims, crew lead, Preferred Flooring, hosted the Women in Floorcovering roundtable discussion at the CFI Convention. Photo: FCI.

Flooring installers, retailers and distributors from all over the country gathered at this year’s International Certified Installers (CFI) Convention in Orlando, Florida, to compete in the Southeast Regional Installation competition, participate in education sessions, demo new products and connect with others in the industry. If you attend flooring shows and events, you have most likely noticed that each one has a certain feeling or connection that keeps attendees coming back…or not. I would categorize the vibe of the convention as an “eager willingness”—a willingness to support the next generation of flooring installers by any means necessary.

During the installation competition, competitors installed either wood flooring or carpet based on a specific set of instructions, and the installations were judged based on how closely each competitor followed these instructions. Some were returning competitors, and some were newcomers. While the installers worked diligently to make the cutoff time, industry greats, event sponsors and family and friends were there to support the competitors.

Further supporting the attendees through education were installation vets like Jim Walker who established CFI; P.J. Arthur, CEO and founder, Natural Fiber Installation Certification; Roland Thompson, owner, Thompson Flooring, Installation & Consultant Services; Danny Sherman, southeastern sales rep., Wolff Tools; Rod Von Busch, vice president operations, C.D.I. Floors; and the list goes on.

While The International Surface Event (TISE) is one of the major sponsors, financial and product support for the competition was provided by Mohawk and Performance Accessories for the wood and carpet categories. Roberts provided all the tools needed, and Taylor Adhesives supplied the adhesive products. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) and International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) showed their support as well.

In the opening session, Scott Humphrey, CEO, WFCA, acknowledged that the organization is going through a transition period. It is no secret that the industry is changing. As a result, the organizations are shifting gears to accommodate that change, but if you stop and consider the number of organizations, manufacturers, industry veterans and the suppliers present at this one event, the “transition period” seems to be a welcome and necessary change. I think we all can support that.

This article was originally posted on www.fcimag.com.