If you have not yet reviewed the 80-plus seminars, mini-sessions and workshops that comprise the Surfaces educational program, now is the time. Cosponsored by FCNews, the programs are divided among eight tracks focusing on today’s most relevant industry topics, including business, marketing and sales. (The educational tracks relating to stone are sponsored by Stone World.) In addition, on-floor features and special areas will be open throughout the exhibit halls for more hands-on education, product demonstrations and networking opportunities.
Once again, FCNews columnists Lew Migliore and Warren Tyler will be headlining a number of sessions. Migliore will be speaking on Wed., Jan. 25, from noon to 1 p.m. on New Green Floor Covering Backings and Installation Technology (code WE10S). The presentation will cover the latest technology in floor covering backings and installation. In addition, Migliore will discuss aspects impacting business and factors that are driving changes, and how the business owner can adapt to both.
“We’re also doing a two-day Floor Covering Inspectors Symposium program on Mon., Jan. 23, and Tues., Jan. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.,” Migliore said. “Don’t let the title fool you; it is not specifically for flooring inspectors. This event is for anyone in the flooring industry who wants to know more about the products.” Attendees will receive information on the new IICRC S600 Carpet Installation Standard and Reference Guide and the new IICRC S800 Standard and Reference Guide for Carpet Inspection of Textile Floor Covering. Members of WFCA, NICFI, CFI, FCICA, CCA, Starnet or INSTALL will receive a discount.
Warren Tyler will be presenting How to Hire for Success (S MO14A) on Mon., Jan. 23, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. “This is one of the most difficult areas for small businesspeople,” he said. “Mostly we hire on our gut feelings, and it takes two or three months and several thousands of dollars invested in an individual before we find it will never work. There are no foolproof answers, but there are ways to put the odds in your favor.” Tyler says the seminar will cover many guideposts, including what to look for in an employee, questions to ask and what employees want to know. Tyler has offered hiring systems through his books, seminars and consulting practice for more than 25 years. He now works in a hiring program for the nation’s largest retail group.
Tyler will also present The New Promotional Paradigm (S TU04A) on Jan. 24. from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. “The economy, along with the electronic revolution, has changed the face of retail promotion and advertising possibly forever,” he said. “Traditional venues, which were the primary means of promotion as little as five years ago, are no longer as effective. Drastic societal changes have affected the way we interrelate. Now people make friends without ever meeting the person. Some of the older methods that involve networking that have always been effective and are even more effective now.” The session will put these methods into a workable perspective, helping the attendee get out of “survival mode” and into “a success mode.”