The International Surface Event (TISE) kicks off January 31 and runs through February 2 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. This edition of the show has a full schedule of sessions with an even wider variety of education, focusing on certifications, demonstrations, trainings and products relevant to the flooring installation/contractor community. 

This is a selection of the education sessions and certifications available this year: 

Tuesday, January 31

ICRI Education Session: 8am-12pm

Individuals who wish to gain knowledge on concrete slab moisture-related flooring problems and test methods can register for the Education Session only. This 3-4-hour educational presentation is given by the certification program instructors, nationally known experts in the fields of concrete flooring problems, testing and mitigation. This session is open to anyone.

ICRI Concrete Slab Moisture Testing (CSMT) Program: 8am-6pm

Stand out from the crowd and gain fundamental education or full certification as a concrete slab moisture testing technician through ICRI’s Concrete Slab Moisture Testing (CSMT) Program. In addition to improving your understanding of what slab moisture tests actually measure and what the test results mean, certified individuals provide a higher level of confidence in the test results that are critical in the flooring pre-installation decision-making process or post-failure forensic investigation. 

Schluter Shower Wet Shimming in Shower: 9am-10am

Presentation by Wyatt Dunbar of Schluter Systems.

CFI Carpet Installation Technical Certification: 9am-3pm

This two-day certification program for sales and tech service staff includes expert-led instruction and hands-on demonstration to inform learners of best installation practices and guidelines.

A Practical Guide to Independent Contractors: 10:30am-11:30am

Jeff King, General Counsel for the WFCA, will share his expertise and discuss issues surrounding classification of independent contractors. 

What Manufacturers Won't Tell You About Stone Sealers and Impregnators: 12:20pm-12:50pm

There are hundreds of stone sealers and impregnators available complicating which product to use in a specific application. This session will break down the truth about these products. From Silanes and Siloxanes to fluro aliphatics, we will dive into the real truth of these products and determine where to use them and where you shouldn’t. This presentation is a must attend for anyone in the stone industry from the designer to the applicator.

Thick Bed Installations - Installing: 3:00pm-3:30pm

Are thick bed installations old school or a time proven system every tile industry professional should be proficient with to create long-lasting installations? Join NTCA staff trainers as they explore the history of thick bed tile systems, learn the components, materials, tools and techniques and decide for yourself if thick beds have a place in the construction of modern tile installations.

Wednesday, February 1

NFIC Woven & Tufted Wool Seminar: 8:00am-12:00pm

This seminar is a great entry point to understand the advantages and benefits of wool carpet and will provide you with the tools needed to help educate your customers, train staff, and inform installers on the special techniques needed for working with wool products.

CFI Carpet Installation Technical Certification: 9:00am-3:00pm

This two-day certification program for sales and tech service staff includes expert-led instruction and hands-on demonstration to inform learners of best installation practices and guidelines.

Mosaic Tile - Understanding: 11:30am-12:30pm

Mosaic Tile – Understanding and Installing: Tile is more than a beautiful, durable finish.  It is a craft, an art, a profession, a passion. Artisans, installers, contractors, designers, specifiers, distributors, manufacturers and other industry professionals all recognize and can feel a deep personal satisfaction for the processes of conceptualizing and executing a magnificent tile and tile installations. Attend this session and companion demonstration to learn the process of a true mosaic tile installation from manufacturing of the tile through design and installation. Share in the passion when tile enhances life.

Planning the Flooring Job for Success, Module 1 of the Certified Installation Manager Program: 2:50pm-3:20pm

In this session, attendees will learn key factors and best practices for planning a flooring installation project. Topics will include construction plans and scope of work, job estimates, project scheduling, jobsite communication, and project closeout.

Installation Product Finds: 3:00pm-4:00pm

Installers know Jon Namba, not only from master trainings but also as editorial director of Floor Covering Installer Magazine. Join Jon on his discovery of his favorite installation product and tool finds for 2023.

For the full schedule of education and training, click here.