Full slate of industry speakers featured
Volume 26/Number 17; January 7/14, 2013
DENVER—Presented by Textile Consultants and LGM Associates, the upcoming Floor Covering Symposium (FCS) will feature a full program of well-known industry professionals.
“What you’ll hear, see and learn at this symposium will set you apart from the competition,” said Larry Cooper, president of Textile Consultants. The event, once again scheduled in conjunction with Surfaces, may not be for everyone, he noted, “as only those who desire to be the most knowledgeable, profitable and successful dealers need attend.” Five percent of the proceeds from the symposium will be donated to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF).
“The most unique concepts, products and flooring materials as well as the latest technical information and opportunities, unavailable anywhere else, will help make you a market leader, increase your profits, keep you out of trouble and let you know where to get answers and help when you need it,” he explained.
If you’re a retailer, installer, distributor, rep, inspector or an affiliate or associate of the floor covering industry, this program is a “must attend,” Cooper noted. “In addition, and as a bonus, all FCS attendees registered for both days will receive a 3% discount from some of our manufacturer participants, good only on purchases made during Surfaces, who are involved in the Symposium program.”
Registration takes place in the Palm A Ballroom of Mandalay Bay starting on Jan. 28 at 8 a.m. Some of the highlights of the FCS program are:
9:15 a.m.: Matthew Spieler, senior executive editor of Floor Covering News, will present “State of the Floor Covering Industry.”
9:45 a.m.: Former mill executive Anthony Minite will present a session on “High-End Carpet.”
11:15 a.m.: “Hard Surface Flooring: Sheet Vinyl, Vinyl Tile, Wood and Ceramic Flooring” will be presented by Keith Campbell, CEO, Mannington, who will talk about some of the latest offerings in each category and their unique technologies.
2:30 p.m.: Ralph Boe, president of Beaulieu America, will lead a discussion on “Polyester Carpet,” one of the hottest selling products in the industry.
4 p.m.: Centiva’s Erin Dempsey will discuss “Luxury Vinyl Tile,” at which you can learn why you should include this product in your offerings.
Day two, Jan. 29, is Technology Day, and will feature “Going Green and Sustainable—the recycling of carpet, its importance and the future of it,” presented by Bob Peoples of CARE. Peoples will give an overview on carpet recycling and the industry’s sustainability efforts.
10 a.m.: Pam Bowe, executive director, Floor Covering Business to Business Association, will talk about “Your Business Through Electronic Media,” a discussion on how/why retailers must learn to use technology to connect with shoppers and provide instant information and rapid fulfillment.
11a.m.: Howard Brodsky, CEO of CCA Global, will offer a presentation on “Buying Groups.” Hear why they’re so relevant, the benefits and services they offer, and how they can make your business flourish during a challenging economy.
Noon: A separate luncheon event is scheduled featuring keynote speaker and Mohawk president Tom Lape titled, “More Sizzle or More Steak? How to satisfy more customers and earn greater profits.” Those attending will learn about what is arguably the industry’s most significant fiber introduction since nylon.
Following a 2 p.m. discussion on “Legal Issues in the Floor Covering Industry” by attorney/former FCNews columnist Martin Silver, at 2:30 p.m. John McGrath of INSTALL will talk about how the group’s program works and why, the implication of installation training, as well as the new S600 Carpet Installation Standard and how it will affect your business.
3 p.m.: Bill Harrell, vice president of technical, Allied Construction Technologies, will talk about “Concrete Issues.” Learn about concrete, the conditions affecting it and the flooring installed over it.
For more information, call 303.469.6749.