Mold, a growing concern in the industry and hot topic for discussion, will be addressed by a distinguished panel formed by Floor Covering Installer. Additionally, National Floor Trends will moderate two panels covering installation and retail strategies.

Joe Grady, president of Diversified Resources Inc. and a featured columnist in both Floor Covering Installer and National Floor Trends, will moderate "Mold: A Growing Problem in Floor Covering" from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 31. He will be joined by Craig Hamilton, director of research & development of Mapei Corp.; Gray LaFortune, director of the Ceramic Tile Institute of America; and Ray Thompson, manager of field installation, Armstrong World Industries.

Jeff Golden, editorial director and publisher of National Floor Trends, will moderate "Managing Installation: In-House vs. Independents" from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30. He will present along with Dave Stafford, vice president and principal for Commercial Carpets of America (CCA); Scott Bryan, Pacific Decorating Centers, Anaheim, Calif.; and Lee Horwitz, president of A&M CarpetMAX, Fresno, Calif.

Howard Olansky, senior editor for Floor Covering Installer, will present "Capitalizing on the Big Box Retailer," 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 30. Also presenting will be Jeff Cowan, president of House of Carpets One and Georgia Carpet Outlet of Modesto, Calif.; and Ron Leach, president of Rafael Floors in San Rafael, Calif.

Additionally, National Floor Trends will present columnist Janet L. Carter, ASID at "Merchandising and Advertising Go Hand-in-Hand," 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 30. Carter owns her own consulting firm, Carter Lynn, and is author of the book "Showroom Management Manual" and soon-to-be-published "Basic Design for the Showroom."

Complete course descriptions and codes are available online at www.SurfacesExpo.com, and by calling (800) 547-3477 or (972) 536-6400.