Celebrating its 40^th anniversary, the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) plans to “Go the Distance” for this year’s Expo, taking place April 15-17 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with more than 200 exhibitors showcasing new wood flooring products, tools and equipment and the latest in flooring innovation.

The NWFA’s 40^th Anniversary Reception will honor the NWFA members and showcase their growth over the years, according to Anita Howard, COO, with a look back at who attended every Expo, legacy members who were there at the NWFA’s inception, members who attended the most trainings, those with the most training under their belts, those who presented the most continuing education for architects and designers, members with the most NWFA University online training and those who took home the most wins for the Wood Floor of the Year Award. 

“NWFA is a member-focused association, so we want to put our members front and center for the past 40 and the coming 40,” she said.  

What is the NWFA’s biggest contribution to the flooring industry? 

Stephanie Owen, interim CEO. Photo: NWFA.

“I find it incredibly inspiring that, despite the evolution of the wood flooring industry over the past 40 years, NWFA’s foundation has remained strong. Built on education, networking, and collaboration, these core principles continue to be our greatest assets today.”

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Anita Howard, COO. Photo: NWFA.

“I think most folks in the industry would mention our standards and training, both hands-on and online, but for me, I’ve always been impressed by how NWFA brings together the entire wood flooring supply chain. Most associations focus on one member type – manufacturers, distributors, retailers, installers, inspectors, etc. – but NWFA membership includes all these member types and they all work together to advance the industry as a whole. It’s pretty impressive to see competitors working together and putting their personal agendas aside to accomplish something that benefits an entire industry, not just their own business.” 

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Brett Miller, V.P. Technical Standards & Membership. Photo: NWFA.

“I am a little biased, but I feel that the biggest contribution NWFA has given to the wood flooring industry is the training and certifications that are built from our technical standards. Everything else NWFA does is simply complimentary to this core.”  

On April 15, the Expo kicks off with a pre-expo symposium made up of three two-hour tracks led by 10 wood flooring industry veterans where attendees can learn more about wood species identification, the causes of wood floor finish failures, and moisture testing prior to wood flooring installation.   

Wood Species Identification: Dr. Frank Owens, professor, Mississippi State University (MSU), Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, will be teaching all of the attendees how to properly use a jeweler’s magnifying lens to identify different wood species. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for a much more comprehensive wood identification course taught through MSU upon completion of this course.   

Science Behind Finish Failures: This one will include a group of chemists from three prominent wood floor finish manufacturers who will be presenting on some of the more common floor finish failures and their causes. This is an interactive panelist set-up. They will be discussing many of the common finishes, including factory finishes, natural oils, and urethanes. Guests include Glenn Svensson with Bona, Micah Petersen with Loba Wakol, and Ethan Erickson with Arboritec.   

Moisture Testing Subfloors: A group of moisture meter manufacturers will openly discuss the theory and practicality of the different moisture tests for both wood subfloors and concrete substrates. This is an interactive panelist set-up. The conversations will most likely revolve around accuracy, jobsite variables, new technology, and discrepancies in test methods. Guests include Grete Heimerdinger from Lignomat, Andrew Rynhart from Tramex, Tom Laurenzi from Delmhorst, and Jason Spangler from Wagner. 

Later the same day, the “Go the Distance” opening session will provide attendees with an industry update and honor the winners of the NWFA Wood Floor of the Year Awards. The NWFA’s 40^th Anniversary Reception to follow.  

April 16 offers three education tracks: designing atypical/curved parquetry, how to venture into the world of insurance claims to boost your bottom line, and low-profile, quick-to-install solid hardwood sports flooring.  

The Mastermind Morning - WIFI Breakfast & Roundtable Discussions session runs concurrently to the education tracks. The Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) organization is hosting the exclusive breakfast event “designed to empower and connect women in the floor covering industry.” Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with others on these topics: Technology & AI, Business Acumen, Growing in Place, the Balancing Act, and Staying in Front of Trends.

Libby Johnston, publisher & VP of media for NWFA Hardwood Floors Magazine, will facilitate alongside Amy Rush-Imber, WIFI vice chair and publisher & editor in chief of Floor Covering Weekly. Table hosts include: Brenda Cashion, Compliance Manager, UCX; Julie Russell, (past chair of NWFA) Director - Floor Finish Division, Gemini Industries; Elizabeth Baldwin, Environmental Compliance Officer, Metropolitan Hardwood Floors; Rachel Bilchak, Marketing and Events Manager, Palo Duro Hardwoods/Lägler; Jessica Hickman Fresch, Marketing and Sales Director, Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring; and Renee Tester, Director of Marketing, Kährs Americas.  

Among the education sessions available on April 17, there is a special offering that seeks to educate wood installation professionals on the arts of Shou Sugi Ban and Gold Leaf. According to Brett Miller, “Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient Japanese technique of preserving wood. It involves burning the wood to a point where it becomes water-, bug-, and fire-resistant. The aesthetic is very unique also. Gold-leaf is a technique that dates back to ancient Egyptian and Roman times known as the art of gilding. Our Regional Instructors will be using these materials to create some very unique flooring features that the attendees will hopefully leave with inspiration to replicate on some of their higher-end projects.” 

April 17 will also offer sessions on advancements in production technology for the domestic manufacturing of hardwood flooring; attracting high-end customers by implementing premium solutions and finishes; scaling your business without burnout; how to foster a productive work environment; and the benefits of using reclaimed lumber.  

For the full show schedule, click here.