The 18th anniversary celebration CFI Convention is scheduled in Kansas City, Missouri August 11-13, 2011. This year the CFI Convention will be one of the greatest in years. With excitement and new ideas to tackle the economic conditions that all face, Kansas City is the place to be. There’s no place that offers the number of educational events that cover all flooring surfaces and business aspects of installation. The latest information is available from CFI associate members as they contribute to the essential knowledge of the workroom owners, flooring installers, dealers, inspectors, manufacturers and distributors. CFI is all about education.

On Thursday evening at 6:00, the WFCA-sponsored Leadership Conference kicks off the CFI Convention with the return of Dennis Brown, “Mr. Attitude is Everything!” In 2006, Dennis received rave reviews when he presented one of the most motivational conferences ever held for CFI. He is returning by demand and what could be more exciting than this type of motivation during the difficult times that are present in the flooring industry? Don’t miss the excitement! The World Floor Covering Association opens the doors annually to the CFI Convention with speakers that not only motivate, but offer an abundance of opportunities to enhance the daily life of those in attendance.

“The Leadership Conference sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association under the direction of Christopher Davis begins on Thursday evening this year at 6:00,” said Roy Davison, Past President. “This event is the grand beginning of an educational-packed three days. WFCA is always at the forefront of delivering to the industry the opportunity to be involved because of the scholarship fund. This makes it possible for many to attend not only the CFI Convention, but numerous educational events throughout the year. CFI’s partnership with WFCA has been a huge impact on the Convention as well as the training programs. This year has seen a major increase in training in all surfaces returning to the early days of CFI and the massive training schedule that we encountered. From all indications, 2011 and 2012 are going to be some of the busiest years for training programs that we have seen.”

Bernie Madden, President of Madden-McFarland Interiors Ltd of Leawood, KS, “I would not miss the CFI Convention. As a designer, we have the opportunity to view the manner in which is installation is done correctly. We return home with the opportunity to offer our clients more and become the firm that others emulate because we do it right. Without the CFI Convention, installation information is lacking. The installers and flooring contractors that attend are the cream of the crop. They not only dress and act the role of quality, but provide the clients with the flooring experience that we expect. Our company installs flooring throughout this nation and we can be assured that it is always installed to our expectations. This convention is a must for dealers who are truly concerned about their clientele.”

“It is our responsibility to fill three days of the CFI Convention with education, the latest manufacturer products and technology, fun and camaraderie. It is a big task, but with the exceptional CFI staff, each year keeps getting better. Those who attend arrive knowing they will return home with a wealth of knowledge and remember the event and the information they receive until next year. This is the 18th Convention and it just keeps getting better. During the annual Certification Team Meeting, we will be discussing the numerous requests for training and programs for the coming year. Training events have been revised and new ones added. During the convention, this is also the time for the Team to work together to plan for 2012,” said Jim Walker, CEO.

Robert Varden, President, “The CFI associates have sponsored a special gift this year for the attendees. After 17 jackets, something new has been added that will receive an overwhelming response from the installers. The handouts, the knowledge and the amount of education that we all receive make us better at what we do. Not only that, we all share with thousands more that do not attend by chapter meetings and educational events in our own area. We are the best salesmen for any product. For those who are still deciding if they should attend, let me tell you, you can’t afford to miss this event.”

CONVENTION #18 EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
“The seminars and workshops begin with the CFI Associate presentations presented in a small group format to every attendee. It is the associate’s opportunity to “sell” their products and provide the information and technology that create the finest installations. Not only do the associates provide the CFI Installer Gift, the seminars and workshops, but also the Friday Night Associate Fun Night. This is a time of camaraderie, the great competitive spirit and an opportunity for one of the Convention sponsors to win a two-page advertisement of their products. It is not only a great evening of fun, but a time for our members to express their appreciation to those who make the CFI Convention possible,” said Tony Buckhardt, CFI Secretary.

The workshops and seminars include:

• The Next Step for a Business Owner, Dave Garden of Installation Services, Inc.
• Spray Adhesives that Work the Best with Flooring, Dick Schmidt of Johnsonite
• Laminate Installation, Anthony Palandro of NALFA
• Specialty Resilient Products Installation, Joe Cea of Congoleum
• Ceramic Techniques that Really Work, Roy Davison and Roy Lewis
• Latest Methods for Testing Concrete, Ray Knapp of Taylor Tools
• What’s New in Wood Flooring? Tony Pastrana, Rick Herr, Tim Provence of Armstrong
• Review of Carpet Backings and Installation Techniques, Robert Varden
• Dressing and Grinding Concrete Joints and Cracks, Jamie Sisk, Husqvarna, Alan Ellis
• Focus Workshop, Rita Bockrath of DuoFast

For the 7th year, L. Fishman will donate $1,000.00 to assist CFI Chapters in promoting installation excellence through the L. Fishman Chapter Achievement Award. Chapters are required to provide training event to reach installers and associates to improve the quality of flooring installation through education. We are pleased to be a part of making a difference,” said Bob Wagner, President of L. Fishman. “We support CFI in its endeavors and through the Pat Fell Chapter Achievement Award; we pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding employee and encourage his dream of education and knowledge through the local chapters.”

Past President Bob Gillespie, “It’s impossible to miss the CFI Convention in the greatest of times, but it cannot be missed during this difficult economic atmosphere. There is something for everyone. It’s a jam packed three days of education. We invite the entire flooring community to join us in August. Additional information for attendees is online at www.CFIinstallers.com.”

CFI CONVENTION in KANSAS CITY – the founding home of CFI
The Kansas City Airport Expo Convention Center and attached Holiday Inn Airport Hotel are
close to the Kansas City International Airport. The facilities are located within miles of many family fun attractions. Complimentary airport shuttle service is provided and for those who drive, parking is free. Reservations can be made by calling (816) 801-8400 for the reduced $89.00 CFI rate.

WFCA MEMBERSHIP is a MUST
The World Floor Covering Association is the largest sponsor of CFI training and education. Throughout the year, CFI is afforded an abundance of opportunities to provide flooring installation training because of WFCA’s investment in education. While making the travel arrangements, hotel reservations and planning for the vacation time, don’t forget to join the WFCA. Don’t miss the valuable information that helps your business to operate smoothly and profitable. WFCA holds the key to opportunities that are rewards of membership. Joining the WFCA also provides you with a $500.00 scholarship for education, because all CFI training fees are 100% covered by your investment. Join through CFI and receive $500.00 in return; another exciting opportunity for CFI members and guests. Contact the CFI office for assistance at (816) 231.4646 or read more details at www.CFIinstallers.com.