The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) will hold its 17th annual Convention August 19-21 in Kansas City, Mo.  This year’s convention will offer a wide range of educational seminars covering all aspects of floor covering installation, including carpet, tile, laminate, wood, resilient and business topics. 

The installation workshops will feature: hands-on participation in different flooring surfaces; best business practices; the commercial installation marketplace; finished concrete flooring; laminate workshop; woven workshop; the compatibility of wood with concrete;  National Association of the Self Employed seminar; insurance and bonding information; and, the consequences associated with moisture and alkalinity.

“Nowhere is the impact of the accomplishments of the CFI members as visible as it is at the Convention,” said Jim Walker, CFI ceo.   “It is rewarding to be involved in the achievements of the individual members and the enthusiasm they have for being at the top of their careers.  It’s impossible to attend this event and not witness how flooring installation could be represented to the consumers if everyone shared this enthusiasm and attitude.  The CFI Convention is the place to be for everyone in this industry and especially, for the flooring installers.”

“There is nowhere that a flooring installer can go to be involved in the abundance of seminars and workshops to obtain the latest knowledge and update skills that compares with the CFI Convention,” said Alan Ellis, CFI secretary. “The CFI focus is education and while we always have time for fun, the emphasis of the short time we spend together is to become more equipped for the future of our individual business involvement.  This year, we have the opportunity to be updated on the latest technology and backing systems for carpet led by a panel of manufacturing experts.  This event is a must for anyone involved in the installation of carpet.”  

CFI Convention Schedule

  Thursday


The World Floor Covering Association Leadership Conference kicks off the convention at 5:00 on Thursday evening.  This is a highlight of the convention that focuses on leadership, financial and personal success. 

Members of the CFI Certification Team meet at 3:30 on Thursday afternoon prior to the Leadership Conference.  At 4:15, those attending the convention for the first time are invited to participate in the First Timers’ Meeting to fully understand the excitement and education that awaits them. 

  Friday


Bernie Madden, president of Madden-McFarland Interiors, a high-end design firm in Leawood, KS and also a member of the CFI board of directors, will host the event.  Bernie is well known for the emphasis his company places on quality installation and customer satisfaction, making a perfect fit for those in attendance who conduct their businesses in the same manner. 

New this year will be speakers from the insurance industry to offer assistance on the meaning of fully insured; assist with bonding issues and provide answers to working wisely.  The National Association of the Self-Employed will explain all the benefits available FREE to CFI members that are essential to the growth of a business.  The North American Laminate Flooring Association will be represented to explain the value of a NALFA Certification and the partnership that exists with CFI.  

CFI Associate Seminars


Always a highlight of the CFI Convention, associates who sponsor the jacket present individual seminars that bring the latest in tools, techniques and products.  This is a time to ask questions, learn more about the manufacturers’ offerings and definitely know the latest information.  The seminars are conducted Friday and Saturday in small group sessions.

You don’t want to miss the latest industry news, tools, techniques, supplies, networking with the manufacturers and the most interesting and educational seminars available that include:  

Carpet Backings
Doug Giles and Brian Peeples of ITT and Kenny Miles of Clayton Miller Carpets host the carpet backings seminar with an updated backing chain for each attendee.  Included will be information on the “green” backings.  ITT is the largest manufacturer of carpet backing products.

  Concrete Ideas –Lead Removal
Jamie Sisk of Husqvarna and Alan Ellis will display etched concrete, concrete leveling, lead removal and methods that can be incorporated into business to increase the bottom line. 

  Preparing for the Ever-changing Business Climate
Ben Boatwright and Dave Garden will be offering new ideas for business operation and obtaining success in the marketplace.  They will address the EPA lead ruling, the incorporation of independent installers in some states, problems that always seem to happen and much more.

  Concrete – Solving and Avoiding Problems
Jeff Johnson, Kyle Murphy and Keith Moore of MAPEI will introduce you to ideas that are new to the business, including adhesive for wood floors over concrete.  Problems that are faced daily will be also be addressed.

  New Resilient Products
Tim Provence and Rick Herr of Armstrong will introduce new resilient products and installation methods in the resilient workshop.

  Introduction of New Installation Products
Gary Schwebemeyer and Rita Bockrath of Duo-Fast share ideas for a more successful business operation by the use of up-do-date market entries and the importance of understanding the tools installers work with daily.

  Innovative Tile Solutions
Andy Acker and Steve Sherrod of Schluter Systems will introduce new shower systems and ceramic tile installation methods with solutions that provide the finest results for the customer.

  Woven Carpet
Robert Varden with guest speaker, Rodney Brown, technical services director of Stanton Carpet, will provide demonstrations and product identification information for woven carpet.

  Laminate and Specialty Vinyl Workshop
Joe Cea, technical services director for Congoleum, will demonstrate new vinyl product installation techniques; and Anthony Palandro, installation trainer for the North American Laminate Flooring Association, will present the latest in laminate installation.

The Friday Night Fun Night, sponsored by the CFI associates, as always, will be a highlight of the three days. Teams of CFI members band together, each representing an associate jacket sponsor, in anticipation of securing the two-pages of free advertising for the lucky winner in the CFI Professional. 

Saturday continues with seminars, associate presentations and concludes with the Saturday Celebration Dinner.

To register for the CFI Convention, call (816) 231-4646 or visit www.CFIinstallers.com.