The Flooring Contractors Association's (FCICA) Commercial Flooring Tradeshow and its annual convention brought together the brightest and most dedicated individuals in the commercial flooring industry including contractors, manufacturers, distributors and consultants to learn, network and discuss initiatives for the floor covering industry.

Convention kicked off with the Successors Planning Committee meeting and the inaugural Successors happy hour event. Successors are commercial flooring professionals age 40 and under advocating involvement in FCICA, education and networking resources.

Board and committee meetings were held and provided an opportunity for great discussions and actionable items the association can pursue in the coming year.

“Our members are extremely passionate about creating opportunities and providing solutions for the flooring industry,” said Kim Oderkirk, executive vice president.

David Moeller, president of Inside Edge Commercial Interior Services led an energized and thought-provoking keynote speech during Opening Session. Opening Session was followed by the business meeting where several board members with terms ending at the end of the 2015-2016 membership year were thanked for their service to the association, including: Sonny Callaham, chairman of industry relations; Brent Fike, vice chairman of associates, technology chairman and executive board member; Jim Judd, membership chairman and Jason Spangler, member benefits chairman.

The Commercial Flooring Tradeshow hosted 48 commercial flooring manufacturer exhibitors. The show offered attendees an opportunity to learn about a vast number of products and connect with technical representatives and sales representatives.

“The tradeshow floor was all abuzz and I received great feedback from both exhibitors and attendees about the quality of the tradeshow," said Sarah Bays, membership coordinator.

During the four-day Back to the Basics Convention, FCICA hosted four educational sessions that provided insight into how to win business from competitors, commercial carpet, claim resolutions and using recycling as part of a business model; plus a panel discussion on underlayments and two rotating roundtable sessions.

“With the addition of three roundtable discussions to our great line-up of presenters at this year’s FCICA Convention; our attendees were able to not only get relevant, timely information, but were also able to discuss key issues and work together in finding solutions,” said Kelly Fuller, director of education. 

The Back to Basics-themed convention also provided attendees and their guests with several networking opportunities during meet and greets, dinner receptions and fun outings to St. Augustine and on-site activities.

FCICA’s Mid-Year will take place in Las Vegas, Oct. 4 through 6.

For more information, visit fcica.com.