The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is planning to “Raise the Bar” at its Wood Flooring Expo, scheduled for April 16 – 18, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. This is the first time the Expo has been held in New Orleans, and the NWFA team is busy planning a variety of fun events for attendees and exhibitors alike.
The Expo will start with the Big Easy Kickoff where NWFA leadership will provide timely industry updates, showcase the NWFA Wood Floor of the Year awards, and recognize other industry standouts for their volunteerism and leadership. Following these presentations, the celebration will continue with the Jazz It Up Reception showcasing a lively New Orleans atmosphere with local entertainment and food.
As in past years, nearly 250 companies will be on the trade show floor to share the industry’s latest products and services with an international audience of about 3,000. Multiple exhibitor product demonstrations will be held throughout show hours, with NWFA Regional Instructors demonstrating specific hands-on techniques as well.
For you and your staff, the Expo offers a variety of educational opportunities for professionals looking to grow and expand their industry knowledge and expertise. Attendees can focus their learning on technical skills, growing your business, understanding how our industry’s products are made, and jobsite demonstrations. All education sessions are presented by industry experts giving you the information and knowledge you need to stay competitive and adapt quickly to changing market conditions and trends.
If you are new to the industry, and do not know where to start, the New Members Reception will provide an opportunity to meet with NWFA leadership, committee members, and staff to learn how NWFA can best meet your professional needs. And women trying to navigate in this male-dominated industry will want to attend the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) Breakfast where NWFA will bring together women from across the supply chain to make connections, support each other, and share achievements and challenges.
NWFA once again will host local high school and technical college students to learn about career opportunities in the wood flooring industry. Students will take part in industry panel discussions, participate in hands-on learning, and tour the trade show floor to see what our industry is all about while meeting potential employers.
Manufacturers will have an opportunity to meet with distributors from a variety of regional markets to promote their products and expand their product reach during the Manufacturer & Distributor Reception, co-hosted by the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD). This event provides a private place, off the show floor, to build new business relationships and expand existing ones as well.
Those just starting their careers are invited to attend the Emerging Leaders Reception. Here, bright minds under the age of 40 can meet face-to-face and build their professional network in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Because the NWFA wants everyone to have fun off the show floor as well, it will be offering a New Orleans Ghost Tour. Expert guides will share information about the most haunted city in America, highlighting some of the places where paranormal activity is a daily event. From the LaLaurie Mansion to numerous locations throughout the French Quarter, prepare to be both terrified and thrilled by eerie presences still lying in wait around every corner.
For Hardwood purchasers and suppliers, the NWFA Expo offers a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the largest gathering of wood flooring professionals anywhere, all under one roof, all within a few days, and all across the supply chain. It is one of the most-efficient and cost-effective ways to increase your industry contacts, so make plans today to exhibit and showcase your products, or to attend and meet a highly targeted hardwood audience. Registration is open, and hotel rooms are filling fast. Learn more at www.nwfaexpo.org.
The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 14 Research Park Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304, and can be contacted at 800-422-4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.
