The opening day of Surfaces 2001 extended the show’s emphasis on education through a variety of seminars that focused on the myriad challenges associated with operating a successful and healthy business in today's market. The following are thumbnail descriptions of Wednesday morning’s sessions.

Correctly Inspecting a Carpet Installation provided installers with a heads up on what to expect when encountering a job that was performed improperly.

Jonathan Trivers offered floor covering retailers, distributors and manufacturers a clear view of the industry at the final point of sale in his Marketwise presentation.

The business track of the morning’s educational program offered two in-depth seminar choices. The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA) hosted a panel discussion entitled, Flooring Installation: How to Start an In-House Training Program. Topics included everything from choosing the right in-house training program to implementation and follow-through. Meanwhile, during his Carpet Maintenance -- The Missing Link presentation, Tom Hill shed some light on this important and often neglected link in the carpet value chain.

Addressing the design aspect of business challenges was Carol Lawkins ASID with her Evolution of Solid Surfaces With Color & Consumer Trends seminar. Attendees learned how to improve sales and improve their bottom lines as Lawkins provided a peek into the color forecasting crystal ball.

Well-known industry speaker Warren Tyler lent his advice to the masses with Improving the Efficiency of Your Sales Staff. The session answered the questions “What separates million-dollar salespeople from others?” and “What would one super-salesperson do for your store?”

Check back later today and see what the afternoon seminars had to offer.

-- NFT staff compiled this report.