Flooring Installation Association of North America (FIANA) and Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) have teamed up to provide their members with a convention in New Orleans Sept. 4 to 6. FIANA events are scheduled at the Hyatt Regency and the Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome is the location for CFI.

“The FIANA members look forward to welcoming the CFI group. The manufacturers and distributors view it as a mutual assistance and a unique twist,” said Doug Ray, president of FIANA.

FIANA members commence with their welcome reception on Thursday, Sept. 4. On Friday, Sept. 5, they will attend their general membership meeting at 9 a.m., followed by two speakers: Bob Lysok about “Workforce 2020 – Preparing Today for the Workforce Challenges of Tomorrow.”  Rick Farrell will speak about “Selling Has Nothing To Do With Selling.” The 20th annual trade show is scheduled for distributors and manufacturers from 1:00-6:00pm. USG will offer a plant tour in the early afternoon. The trade show cocktail hour will conclude the day’s events. On Saturday Sept. 6, after breakfast, the trade show continues until noon.

“The CFI members will have an opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ trade show to view new products and tools which is always on the top of every installer’s list.  CFI has a long standing relationship with FIANA and appreciates being a part of their event,” said Jim Walker, CEO of CFI.

The CFI Certification Team will meet on Thursday to review the year’s events and plan for the future. Friday begins with the opening session of the 21st annual CFI Convention at 7:30 a.m. followed by seminars and hands-on workshops. CFI members will join FIANA on the USG plant tour and return to the Holiday Inn for continuation of educational events in the afternoon. On Saturday, the members will visit the FIANA trade show and conclude the CFI Convention with a luncheon meeting. 

“We appreciate the distributors allowing our members to attend the trade show. It will benefit all of us in our various positions in the industry by learning more about products and tools. This partnership brings a new view to the CFI Convention which our members will greatly enjoy, ” said Robert Varden, executive director of CFI.

Reservations can be made at fiana.org for FIANA members and at CFIinstallers.com for CFI members. The FIANA unique convention is open to distributor and manufacturer members. The CFI Convention is open to all in the flooring industry. Information specific to each event is on the organization’s website.