Chicago, IL, Aug 27—The National Association of Floor Covering Distributors has formed a new trade show, the International Flooring Exposition (IFE) that will run concurrently with the International Tile and Stone Exposition (ITSE) under the Coverings trademark. The new event will be held for the first time on May 6 to 9 of next year at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

“The board of our association strongly supports this new event,” said NAFCD president Hoy Lanning. “It’s in our members’ best interest, as well as the industry’s, to retain a strong measure of control and equity in an industry event such as IFE. As a symbol of our commitment to inclusion, we have reserved seats on the show board and plan to provide equity for other flooring associations.”

Arden Kelly, NAFCD vice president said, “The eastern portion of the U.S. represents over 60% of the flooring market. For some time now our east coast members have been missing an annual event where our members could meet in an easily accessible site with their suppliers and customers. These retailers need to be able to meet face to face with representatives of manufacturers on a regular basis without traveling great distances. An annual trade event in the eastern section of the country fills this void.”

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