Hands-On Workshop at CFI Convention

Kansas City, Mo.—While the number 13 may be considered unlucky, it is not to the members of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) who will gather in Arlington, Tex. next month for the group’s 13th annual convention and education event.

Taking place at the Wyndham Arlington DFW Airport South in the Arlington/Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex from Aug. 9 to 12, the four-day event once again promises attendees the chance to learn about the latest installation techniques and equipment as well as other pertinent issues surrounding the industry in general and installation in specific.

Jim Walker, CFI’s CEO/executive director, said the installation group will be doing more than celebrating 14 years of membership, in which more than 15,000 mechanics have been trained and certified.

“This is a convention like no other,” he said. “It offers installation professionals, dealers, manufacturers and inspectors the latest in installation techniques and tools. The sharing of ideas and information by the manufacturers offers an advantage for even the finest representatives in the trades.”

“The presentations by the CFI associate members is a part of the convention no one should miss,” added Andrew Aufiero, CFI’s president. “The information they bring on the latest innovative ideas is invaluable. Plus, there are few places where the flooring installer as well as any one else involved in the industry can gain as much information in such a short time.”

He noted the presentations are always a highlight of the convention “because each associate has the opportunity to present new ideas and products to every member in a small session gathering.” In other words, every person attending gets quality face-to-face time with the associate member to not only see what is new, but to ask questions, see a product demonstration and, in some cases, even try the new equipment out.

While the associate presentations are always a convention highlight, CFI’s event is packed with one learning opportunity after another, and they are not just for installers.

Proof of that is how the event gets under way, with the annual Leadership Conference on Thursday, Aug. 10. The one-day motivational meeting is once again sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA) and brings together leaders in their respected fields. The concept was originally started to help develop and nurture the future leaders of CFI, but has grown to be much more than that, as dealers, distributors and mill people take part as well.

Walker noted, “The CFI Convention is open to the industry. CFI membership is not a requirement. It is a place to learn and to network with others, while promoting the installation skills of the individual installer. The numbers grow each year as the value of education continues to play a major role in the professional installation business.”

On Friday and Saturday, the educational opportunities truly abound with seminars on such topics as installation—including hands-on demonstrations—tools and business management.

“It is important that installers who represent our firm are in attendance,” said Gary Bedrosian, manager of The Kuske Co. in Escondido, Calif. “Each year installers who represent our firm are afforded the opportunity to attend because of the importance of this to the overall growth of our business.

“We strive to provide our clients with the finest installations performed in the best manner using the finest products,” he added. “All the necessary information is available at a CFI convention.”

For more on CFI and attending its convention, call 816/231-4646.