Biloxi, Miss.—The Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA) wrapped up its 40th Annual Convention here at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino last month. Flooring industry professionals, commercial flooring contractors, distributors, manufacturers and consultants attended two full days featuring two keynote speakers, a trade show, four education sessions, three product demonstrations, networking opportunities and committee meetings.
The FCICA convention marked the second time the event was held in person since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Show organizers say this year’s attendance was on par with the 2021 event. This year’s conference welcome dozens of member companies in the exhibition hall and more than 150 registered attendees.
Following are some highlights of the conference:
During day one, board chair Pat Kelly of Synergy Flooring welcomed attendees. This was followed by a keynote presentation from David Meberg, president and CEO, Consolidated Carpet, who spoke on current industry challenges, opportunities and future outlook.
The keynote kick-off and opening remarks were followed by back-to-back meetings, an education session, product demonstrations from Laticrete International and Novalis Innovative Flooring. Throughout the day, volunteer committees gathered to implement FCICA’s strategic goals.
Over the course of the event, attendees had the opportunity to network, socialize and work together to address common problems and challenges facing the industry.
The trade show featured 36 members exhibiting their products and services. The showcase concluded with a happy hour followed by the themed dinner, “Let the Good Times Roll,” in the spirit of the event venue, Beau Rivage Resort and Casino.
Day two opened with a keynote presentation from John West, CIM, flooring/project manager of FL Crane and Sons, who spoke about his first-hand experience as a CIM, practical application of his training and how it has benefitted his career and business. All totaled, three education sessions were conducted on Day two, including a product demonstration from Maxxon Corp., as well as demos from FCICA industry partners.
Education session presenters included: Daniel Grant, CIM; Don Styka, CIM; and panelists Ron Nash; Rod Von Busch, CIM; Bobby Diltz, CIM; and Jesse Tranel, CIM.
FCICA’s 2023 convention will take place March 27-29 at the El Conquistador in Tucson, Ariz.