The International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI), through its partnership with Surfaces has a large presence at The International Surface Event 2014 for flooring installation training. In addition to the CFI Laminate/Wood and Ceramic Installation Training and Certification Workshops occurring on the lower level of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Booth B3687 on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 and Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, the following seminars and demonstrations will also take place.

Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 – MOO8 11:10 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. Surfaces Seminar

Jim Walker, CEO of the International Certified Flooring Installers Association and Tim Provence, chairman of the CFI Certification Committee and western division manager for Armstrong Industries present solutions to avoid and solve seaming problems in the seminar, “Installation Failures and Solutions; Preventing Seam Installation Failures in Carpet and Resilient Flooring.”

Walker demonstrates carpet seaming in various types of carpet. During the presentation, problems that can occur and required solutions to achieve customer satisfaction will be on display. With the addition of new backings, new materials and difficult patterns, seaming becomes a major issue. When the results that customers expect are achieved, the stage is set for increased and continued sales. Understanding the methods for the successful seaming of carpet is critical.

Provence addresses the common concerns with the installation of resilient flooring. Through demonstration, the training covers a vast array of difficult situations and offers methods to assist in achieving customer satisfaction. Professional seaming of resilient products eliminates an abundance of problems. Learn how to satisfy the customer with resilient flooring installation.

Monday, Jan, 27, 2014 – MO17 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Surfaces Seminar

Robert Varden, CFI executive director presents, “Identifying and Installing Today’s Carpets. Are you wondering why suddenly even your best installers are having problems with their carpet installations? Are you suddenly seeing material that looks very different than it has in the past? The reality is that the materials your installers are working with today are changing at a rapid pace. This seminar, presented by Varden will educate you on the latest products that you and your installers need to know about before you end up eating the job simply because you didn't use the proper seaming tape, seam sealer or even tackstrip.

To attend the above seminars, register today at www.Surfaces.com. An exhibits with education registration is required to attend the above seminar. Register by Nov. 29 and receive complimentary education registration with the cost of Exhibits-Only registration.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at Booth B3687 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Jim Walker, Robert Varden and Ed Braile make the installation of patterned carpet something that is achievable by following the CFI Proven Methods of Installation. This is presented in the same area where the CFI Training and Certification Workshops are conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Carpet may not always arrive in the correct width, correct length, correct pattern tolerance or pattern count, but often when the carpet installer is aware of available techniques, the installation can continue to the customer’s satisfaction.” said Jim Walker. “The ability to communicate with the manufacturer to achieve a situation that is acceptable for everyone is critical to the success of working with patterned carpets. Knowledge of the vocabulary, terms and proven methods make the difference. Dealers have the opportunity to discover techniques that can be shared with the installation teams that represent their companies.”

As they demonstrate the installation of patterned carpet, the audience will view these skills on a large screen. This demonstration is open to everyone at no cost, but seating is limited.

Immediately following at 12:30  p.m – 1:45 p.m., Tim Provence demonstrates proven methods to seam resilient products. Provence is the chairman of the CFI Certification Committee and the western division manager for Armstrong Industries with an extensive background in resilient installation and problem solving. This program will highlight in detail solutions to problems that occur when installing resilient flooring. Heat seam welding will also be included. CFI Team Members Bob Gillespie and Tony Buckhardt accompany Provence as their skills are displayed on a large monitor for viewing by the entire audience. This demonstration is free and registration is not required. Few trainers are as qualified to assist with installation problems and resolutions as Provence.

Jan. 28-29, 2014 CFI Training and Certification

CFI offers the opportunity to earn certification in wood, laminate and ceramic at Surfaces 2014. The CFI Team of Instructors presents two courses which run simultaneously on the lower level (Bayside) in Booth B3687.

The Ceramic and Wood/Laminate Installation Training and Certifications will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will feature some of the industry’s top installation trainers. During the two-day courses, the importance of pride and professionalism is shared, as well as the value of customer satisfaction.

To apply for certification, the installer must submit proof of two-years of active installation experience. Installers can register at www.Surfaces.com. Click on the “Education Program” register tab at the top of the page and follow the instructions. The event is limited to 20, so register early. Be one of only 20 who will participate in another historic Surfaces event!

All tools and installation materials will be provided by CFI and sponsors of the certification training program and lunch will be provided both days. The cost of the program is $495 and includes Exhibits Only or Exhibits with Education registration. For more information about the CFI Installation Training and Certification, contact Whitney Robinson at wrobinson@CFIinstallers.com or call (816) 231.4646. For additional educational opportunities being offered at Surfaces 2014, please visit www.Surfaces.com.