September 4-6, 2014, the CFI Convention welcomes the industry to New Orleans at the Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome. The FIANA Convention, the distributors’ association takes place a few blocks away at the Hyatt Regency Hotel during the same period and opens its doors to the CFI members on Saturday, September 6th. “We are excited about this Convention and look forward to contributing our part to promote education and introduce products to our membership as well as to the CFI members,” said Doug Ray, FIANA President.

“The CFI Certification Team will meet on Thursday evening to review the past year and plan for an exciting year to come,” said Tim Provence, Chairman of the CFI Certification Team. “The 78 Team Members work closely with 300 installers throughout the world to conduct educational events. This meeting provides the opportunity to become updated on all information and be introduced to new ideas and methods of instruction. It is a working meeting and one that we look forward to every year.”

“Our members look forward to their Convention and our day starts early on Friday with the opening session,” said Jim Walker, CEO, “which includes the awarding of the Gress Awards for recognition of unselfish contributions in the promotion of quality flooring installation. This is a coveted award for which the installers donate countless hours. During this time, the award in memory of Chris Davis, Past President of the WFCA that recognizes a person who promotes quality flooring installation, but is not an installer and the 25-event pins for the Certification Team Members will also be awarded.”

“CFI offers intensive educational hands-on workshops and seminars for our members,” said Robert Varden, Executive Director. They include:

· Adhesives for Resilient Flooring presented by Tim Provence and Tony Pastrana of Armstrong, Joe Cea of Congoleum, Dick Schmidt of Tarkett and Scott Parks of Tri-West.

· Moisture Testing for Wood and Concrete and how this Relates to Flooring by Jason Spangler of Wagner Meters.

· Mechanically Fastened and Glue-Down Wood Installation Workshop by Bob Gillespie, Tony Pastrana and Tim Provence

· Water-based Acrylic Spray Adhesives, Saving Time and Money on Resilient Flooring Installations by Donald Hamm, Spray-Lock

· Selling Flooring Installation in Today’s Market by Jim Walker

· Woven and Patterned Carpet Workshop by Robert Varden

· The Installation Business: Are You Making a Profit? by Jane Walker

CFI Associates who sponsored the annual commemorative CFI Jacket will conduct educational seminars explaining their products and the benefit for flooring installation. This is an opportunity for the members to learn about new products, tools and supplies.

FIANA invited the group to tour the USG Plant with their members on Friday afternoon.

Saturday, following the opening session, the group will visit the manufacturers who are displaying at the FIANA Convention. FIANA provides their distributor members with an opportunity to visit with manufacturers to learn about new products. Seminars and workshops are also offered.

The CFI event will conclude with a farewell luncheon.