Orlando, Fla.—The Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) and the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA) announced its continued partnership for the second annual joint convention and trade show, “Elevate: Take Your Career to the Next Level.” Scheduled for October 1-3, 2024, at the Rosen Shingle Creek here, this premier event merges the strengths of two industry leaders—offering opportunities for professional growth through educational seminars, networking and cutting-edge product showcases.
Building on the success of last year’s event, which saw participation from installers, contractors and over 50 exhibitors, the 2024 convention aims to surpass expectations. Attendees can look forward to transformative learning experiences through insightful sessions and hands-on workshops. “Everything here is about individuals learning and connecting with others—it’s really about building the individual,” said Steve Abernathy, executive director of CFI and COO of the World Floor Covering Association.
Attendees will engage in sessions that are intended to provide practical strategies and spark innovative ideas. The trade show floor will showcase the latest products and tools from leading suppliers, offering attendees the chance to interact directly and gain practical insights. This hands-on experience ensures participants have the knowledge and resources to excel in their roles and meet industry challenges head-on. Beyond learning, the convention fosters high-energy networking opportunities for professionals to exchange ideas and forge partnerships.
Exhibitors include:
Platinum sponsors:
- Shaw / Totalworx
- Mohawk / Performance Accessories
Keynote speaker sponsors:
- MAPEI Corporation
- Sika Corporation
Other exhibitors:
- Advance Adhesive Technologies
- Ardex Americas
- Beno J Gundlach Company
- Bostik
- Crain Cutter Company
- Crossville
- Divergent Adhesives
- FCEF
- Federated Insurance
- Fortress Stabilization / Crack Stitch
- Go Carerra
- Hank’s Specialties
- HMTX Commercial / Teknoflor
- i4F Patents and Technologies
- IUPAT
- Laticrete
- MAXXON
- Milliken & Company
- Novalis Innovative Flooring
- Orcon
- ProKnee Corporation
- PROFLEX Products, Inc.
- Protect-All Flooring
- QEP
- Quantify North America
- Roberts
- Schönox, HPS North America Inc.
- Sunbelt Rentals Flooring Solutions
- STAUFUSA Adhesives
- Tarkett
- Taylor Tools
- TEC / H.B. Fuller
- Titebond
- TRAXX Corporation
- The Matworks LLC
- Uzin Utz
- Versatrim
- Wagner Meters
- WFCA
- Wolff Tools
Abernathy emphasizes the long-term benefits of attending, noting that it enhances professional visibility and credibility among industry peers. The collaboration between CFI and FCICA is meant to bring flooring installers and commercial contractors together, emphasizing unity and industry growth. The format of this convention offers a personal atmosphere conducive to meaningful interactions and focused discussions. “We’re thrilled to reunite our two groups for another convention, packed with outstanding educational sessions and exceptional industry networking opportunities,” said CJ Church, FCICA executive director.
Networking lies at the heart of this event, providing invaluable opportunities to forge new connections, exchange ideas and collaborate with peers and mentors. The convention’s atmosphere aims to foster a spirit of innovation and camaraderie among attendees.
Key highlights include:
Tuesday, October 1
The convention kicks off with an optional golf tournament at the Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club, followed by registration and a silent auction. In the afternoon, attendees can also participate in an optional tour and educational sessions by CFI, concluding with a welcome reception in the evening.
Wednesday, October 2
The day starts with breakfast, registration, and a silent auction. Events include a keynote address, industry update sessions, various educational sessions, product demonstrations, and networking breaks. Attendees can explore the trade show and enjoy a reception dinner in the evening.
Thursday, October 3
The final day starts with breakfast and registration, followed by a closing industry panel discussion. The schedule includes educational sessions, product demonstrations, and networking breaks. The event concludes with an awards lunch and an evening reception dinner filled with entertainment and celebration.
Sponsorship information
Mohawk and Totalworx are platinum sponsors, with MAPEI Corporation sponsoring the opening keynote speaker and Sika Corporation sponsoring the closing speaker. Golf sponsors include TRAXX, who is supporting four par-three hole-in-one competitions with a top prize of $25,000; Federated Insurance, backing the longest drive; and Synergy Flooring, sponsoring the closest to the pin challenge. Hole sponsors are MAXXON, Novalis and Titebond.
Special giveaway
TISE/Surfaces will be offering a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to The International Surfaces Event in Las Vegas, January 28-30, 2025. This prize includes airfare, hotel accommodations, seminars and expo access. Stop by its booth to register for a chance to win.
Registration is now open to both members and nonmembers. Early bird discounts end August 2. Attendees can choose from full-event or single-day passes. Take advantage of discounted room rates at Rosen Shingle Creek, which are available for a limited time with a secured room block. For more details on registration, accommodation, sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor information and the event schedule, please visit the official convention website.