FCI Editorial

In today's fast-paced age of cyber-technology, it's all too easy to overlook the human element of business: people. Cultivating relationships is an important part of any business, and floor covering installation is no exception. E-mail and Web sites are useful tools, but there is no substitute for networking with industry peers in person. This thought came to mind as I was planning my travel schedule for the upcoming year. After attending one major show, Surfaces, held each year in Las Vegas, and preparing for another, Coverings, which is held in Orlando, I feel more than ever that these shows are beneficial not just for distributors and retailers, but for installers as well.

Our industry has several key trade shows, and several other conventions held by the various floor covering associations. These shows allow visitors to keep on the cutting edge of installation products and technology, as well as forming valuable relationships with suppliers, retailers, and others in the floor covering retail and installation market. If you regularly attend these events, you're probably already aware of their benefits, but if you haven't attended before, now is a great time to start. Following are some key events in our industry, and how to get in touch with them for more information.