Article Number : 3922 |
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| Date | 11/26/2008 8:52:56 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3922 |
| Abstract | By Matthew Spieler ANAHEIM, CALIF.—From product innovations and services to top-of-the-line educational and training sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities Surfaces has always had numerous reasons why it is important to attend the industry’s only all encompassing national trade show... |
| Article | By Matthew Spieler ANAHEIM, CALIF.—From product innovations and services to top-of-the-line educational and training sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities Surfaces has always had numerous reasons why it is important to attend the industry’s only all encompassing national trade show. But thanks to the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), attendees now have 50,000 more reasons to head to Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Feb. 2 to 5. Specifically, 50 attendees will have the chance to win $1,000 each simply by registering at WFCA’s Surfaces booth, which for the first time, will be open to all show attendees as opposed to just members. The giveaway and granting free access to its show booth are part of the kick-off to WFCA’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Chris Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO, said Surfaces, of which the organization is the official sponsor, “offers the perfect platform” to launch its celebration as well as expand awareness about the various member benefits the association provides. To be eligible for one of the 50 $1,000 prizes, attendees need to go to WFCA’s booth which will once again be located against the back wall of the main exhibit hall next to the Installation Showcase demonstration area. Attendees can enter multiple times but can only win once. And, you must be present at the time your name is called in order to win. Davis said two drawings will be held each day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—and will dovetail the installation seminars. “Because we are all about education and training, we don’t want to compete against these very important learning opportunities.” There will be announcements over the convention center’s public address system to indicate when the drawings will take place. WFCA is celebrating its Golden anniversary grand style beyond just giving away $50,000. Its Surfaces booth, for example, at 7,800 square feet, is 56% larger than normal. And in true birthday fashion, cake and refreshments will be served continuously. “The booth is totally different than in the past,” he explained. “It’s much more open and interactive.” The space will feature themed kiosks touting the many reasons as to why WFCA membership provides a return on investment like none other. These include such things as an award-winning certification program for salespeople, owners and managers; trade scholarships that in and of themselves give more than the cost of membership; expert-driven issue analysis, and exclusive access to industry-leading research on market conditions. Davis pointed to the trade scholarship program as one of the biggest direct benefits a retailer gets from WFCA. Not only does it allow the member the opportunity to further educate his staff, the program gives back more than was paid to join. It costs $250 for a retailer to join WFCA directly, though Davis noted there are opportunities around the country to get a reduced rate. For example, by joining an affiliate—such as your local floor covering association— or an affinity group— such as the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association. When it comes to the trade scholarships, members are eligible to earn up to $500 a year. All WFCA requires is to submit the educational offering you are interested in one to two months in advance for processing. “We have a very broad criteria as to what types of education are eligible,” Davis said. “It could be for sales or installation education, or even back office training such as a computer class.” The 50-year old industry group also keeps legislative advocates on retainer in the nation’s capital; runs a member-dedicated Web site, offering exclusive research on consumer behavior and other topics, and promotes a highly trafficked public Web site that educates consumers about floor covering and drives online traffic into retail member locations across the country. Copies of the new WFCA and Meredith Corp. consumer magazine, Better Homes & Gardens Beautiful Flooring will be available at the booth along with information about this unique special interest publication. Visitors will also be able to learn about the extensive consumer ad campaign—now in its second year—WFCA is doing with the Meredith family of publications; details on the association’s exclusive insurance program for members only, and inside news on the many benefits of working with WFCA partner Creating Your Space—a company that designs and builds custom online retail Web sites for members. “Market conditions are such that companies are actively looking for ways to strengthen their bottom line and bolster their businesses,” Davis said, “and we have just the solution for them.” In addition to the consumer publication, copies of the WFCA’s officially sanctioned 50th Anniverary publication from FCNews will be available at the booth (Editor’s note: they will also be at FCNews’ two booths as well as the publication bins upon entering the convention center). Visitors to the booth will also be able to pick up ballots to vote in the 13th annual FCNews/WFCA Award of Excellence competition. “Through many successful initiatives and dedicated and driven executives both inside and outside the association,” Davis noted, “WFCA has created tremendous momentum both within our industry and in the consumer market. We will continue that momentum throughout 2009 with our upcoming 50th anniversary.” For more information on the $50,000 giveaway or about the WFCA, call 800.624.6880. |