St. Louis, Missouri—The National Wood Flooring Association’s Wood Flooring Expo is continuing its growth trend. Expo has experienced three consecutive years of 20% to 30% increases in attendance, topping 3,000 attendees in 2014 in Nashville. Pre-event metrics show another promising Expo is on the horizon.
The 2015 Expo, which will take place April 28 to May 1 in St. Louis, hometown of the NWFA, is seeing registration that is 28% higher than this time last year. Booth sales for the trade show have increased 30%. Capacity in NWFA-reserved rooms at the four downtown St. Louis hotels that are contracted for the convention has grown 42% more than at year’s end leading up to the 2014 event.
“We are pretty happy to see the pattern of growth continue,” said Michael Martin, NWFA president & CEO. “It reflects the ongoing economic upswing in the industry, as well as the value wood flooring professionals see in taking this opportunity to come together and exchange ideas, create new business opportunities and keep working together to drive the industry forward.”
The theme in 2015 is “Play it Forward.” The NWFA will celebrate its 30th anniversary during the Expo with its 30th Anniversary Celebration Night at the Ballpark. While also paying homage to the association’s history, the “Play it Forward” vision especially will focus on the future of the industry and the communities of its members.
“Play it Forward” will include industry, local and national community service efforts. These include developing lasting partnerships to help disadvantaged youth through PGA REACH, supported by Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and Angel’s Arms. It also includes joining efforts with the Gary Sinise Foundation to benefit veterans, first responders and their families.