The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)'s 18th Annual Education Conference and Wood Flooring Expo exceeded growth expectations for 2003. This year's convention, which was held April 9 to 12 at the America's Center in St. Louis, boasted 525 exhibitors, the largest number in the history of the show.

More than 300 companies were represented, as more than 2,800 wood flooring professionals from all over the world attended the event.

"This year's event was a tremendous success," says Ed Korczak, NWFA Executive Director. "Despite the sluggish economy and the fear of travel due to the ongoing war, our attendance was strong. Our exhibitors noted that those attending the show were a more motivated audience, and that they were able to spend more time with potential customers. As the only trade show dedicated exclusively to the wood flooring industry, that's what we like to hear."

This year's event featured more than 19 educational sessions and speakers, including Mike Ditka, former NFL player, coach and commentator. Topics included team building, sales, customer service, the Internet and a variety of technical discussions. Next year's event will be held in Charlotte, N.C., April 14 to 17, 2004.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a non-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 members world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, Mo. 63005, and can be contacted at 1-800-422-4556, or on-line at nwfa.org.