The NWFA’s “Education Vacation,” concluded with a bang as attendees were treated to up-close looks at some of the finest installation craftsmanship in the industry.

In addition to the trade show, the convention’s closing highlights included an overview of the NWFA’s Advanced School -- which outlined specialized techniques such as working with flooring medallions, insets and mixed-media installations -- and the annual Floor of the Year Awards Banquet.

The results of this year’s awards balloting were as follows: Artisan Hardwood Floors of Austin, Texas, won in the Experts Division; Chicago-based Birger Juell Ltd. was winner in the Masters Division. The Member’s Choice Award in the Expert Division also went to Artisan Hardwood Floors and the Member’s Choice Award in the Masters Division was conferred upon San Francisco-based Renaissance Floor In-Lays.

Other winners, and their categories, were: Legendary Hardwood Floors, Terre Haute, Ind., unfinished craftsmanship and design; The Becht Corp., Tewksbury, Mass., best prefinished design; Extreme Flooring, North Brunswick, N.J., best design in a commercial application; Renaissance Floor In-Lays, best use of wood technology; Strobel Hardwood Floors, Jefferson City, Mo., best limited species design; and Mission Hardwood Floor Co., Scottsdale, Ariz., showroom and personal floors.

NFT will feature a complete Floor of the Year Awards story, along with photos of the many stunning entries, in our September issue. So, keep your eyes open for that.

All told, 2,485 wood floor professionals journeyed to Palm Springs this year to participate in the wide range of seminars, peruse the product offerings showcased in 409 exhibit booths and partake in some of the various resort amenities available throughout the local area.

Next year’s NWFA Convention is scheduled for April 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.