PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- The inaugural day of the National Wood Flooring Association’s 16th annual convention was largely one of getting settled in. Wood flooring professionals from across the country converged on this desert resort town throughout the day.

Early arrivals began filtering into the Palm Springs Convention Center to register for the event and pick up show badges first thing in the morning.

Exhibitors labored throughout the day to set up shop and assemble displays in the filled-to-capacity main trade show hall.

What's a tent with out air conditioning? I've lived in apartments with fewer amenities. But seriously, demand for trade show floor square footage was brisk enough to require that additional space be set up under a big top adjacent to the main convention facility to accommodate the needs of all exhibitors.

Day 1 of the NWFA Convention ended with a poolside welcome reception at the Wyndham Resort Hotel.