CFI is presenting the annual educational program at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN.

“CFI will be celebrating 19 years of proudly serving the industry,” said Robert Varden, President. “As always, numerous educational programs are planned to keep our members and friends updated on the latest trends, flooring installation techniques and problem solving ideas. The CFI Convention is open to all in the industry. Convention 19 promises to offer more and exciting ideas to keep installation in the forefront of the industry.”

“The entire CFI Convention is focused on education, new products, tools, proper use of existing products and the opportunity to discuss solutions to difficult situations that occur in the flooring industry,” said Bob Gillespie, Past President. “CFI makes it easy for the manufacturer to meet one-on-one with the users of their products. This is always considered a highlight of the convention because of the vast wealth of knowledge that is so readily available. These contacts are used throughout the year by the installation professionals, dealers, inspectors and others in the industry. It is exciting to know that as of this release, there are already 56 First Timers attending. The CFI Convention should be right on the top of everyone’s list of things to do in 2012.”

Jennifer Hughes, Conference Manager for SURFACES will share the highlights of Surfaces 2013 with new ideas and promotions. Surfaces 2013 is held on January 29-31 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. It is an industry event that has something for everyone. Allan deWit, Technical Services Manager for Belgotex Carpet presents the excitement in South Africa for the first graduates of the Belgotex Carpet Installation Institute in which CFI was instrumental in the founding.

The seminar sessions include:

• Social Media – Tips That Work
• Concrete Moisture Testing – Why Relative Humidity?
• Spray Adhesives – New Innovations
• Working Smart in the Installation Business
• Trouble Shooting Tips for Wood and Laminate
• New Innovative Ideas for Installation
• Leaner, Greener, Larger, Lighter; Thin Tile Systems
• Heat Welding Hands-on Workshop - each session limited to 10 installers – registration required.
• Carpet Backings – What You Don’t Know Will Hurt!
• Installation Tips for LVT Flooring Installation – New Tips!
• TOOLS! TOOLS! TOOLS! An Antique Collection!


“Chris Davis, former President of the World Floor Covering Association will be honored on Thursday afternoon by Tom Jennings of the WFCA and the CFI members. The first “CHRIS DAVIS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” will be given in memory of the achievements that Davis contributed to the flooring industry. The honoree must stand out as an industry representative in any field who has made achievements that include the promotion of quality flooring installation. The first recipient meets every qualification and mirrors the examples set forth by Chris Davis,” said Jim Walker, CEO.

“On Thursday evening, the highly coveted, 15th Charles R. Gress Award recipients will be honored in memory of #355 from Cumberland, Ohio who believed and demonstrated by his actions that the art of flooring installation was a valuable tool for the industry. To receive the highest award available for a flooring installer, the honorees have gone above and beyond a commitment to professional flooring installation excellence. The recipients are willing to share with others to increase industry awareness of the value and importance of CFI Certified Flooring Installers. CFI would not be where it is today without the contributions of these fine Installers who believed, “If it is to me, it is up to me,” and did something about it, joining 87 others who have preceded them by receiving the prestigious Gress Award,” said Vice-President, Alan Ellis.”

The educational events on Friday are followed by the CFI Associate Fun Night. This is always a very competitive event that focuses on the manufacturers who are the backbone of the organization. The Saturday program continues with educational sessions and the opportunity to network with industry members.

 Visit the CFI Website to view the program and specific highlights of the Convention. Registration is also available at www.CFIinstallers.com or by calling the national CFI Office at (816) 231.4646.