The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) will be hosting its 18th annual convention, Aug. 11-13, in Kansas City, Mo. The event kicks off 6 p.m. Aug. 11 with the World Floor Covering Association-sponsored Leadership Conference. Dennis Brown will present “Attitude is Everything," a motivational presentation geared toward the industry.

“WFCA is always at the forefront of delivering to the industry the opportunity to be involved because of the scholarship fund,” said Roy Davison, CFI past president. “This makes it possible for many to attend not only the CFI convention, but numerous educational events throughout the year ... 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, Kans., added, “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.”

Jim Walker, CFI ceo, said he is excited about the upcoming convention. “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.”

According to Robert Varden, CFI 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 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,” noted Tony Buckhardt, CFI secretary. “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.”

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; andFocus Workshop,Rita Bockrath of DuoFast.

For the seventh year, L. Fishman will donate $1,000 to assist CFI chapters in promoting installation excellence through the L. Fishman Chapter Achievement Award. “We are pleased to be a part of making a difference,” said Bob Wagner, [resident 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.”

CFI Past President Bob Gillespie noted, “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.”

For more information, visitwww.CFIinstallers.com.