NWFA Wood Flooring Expo Wraps In Orlando With 40th Anniversary Celebration
The wood flooring industry convened in Orlando, FL, recently for the 2026 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo, marking the 40th time professionals from across the industry have gathered for the annual event. Built around the theme “Ignite Your Passion,” the Expo offered hands-on demonstrations, education sessions, new product introductions, and networking opportunities throughout the week.
NWFA President and CEO Stephanie Owen set the tone during the opening session, highlighting the association’s momentum heading into the year ahead.
“The NWFA is always moving forward,” Owen said. “Whether it’s new educational pathways, AI-powered tools built specifically for members, or fresh initiatives aimed at connecting our industry with architects and designers, we are committed to giving every member the resources and opportunities they need to build a stronger business and a longer career.”
One of the most talked-about moments of the Expo was a floor-level encounter with a truly one-of-a-kind piece of work. A full recreation of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” crafted entirely from wood by Dutch Wood Artist Jakko Woudenberg, was on display at the event. The piece made its way to the United States thanks in large part to an effort led by Lenny Hall of Endurance Floor Company, who organized industry donations to cover international freight and transport costs.
Woudenberg reflected on what the Orlando moment meant to him.
“When I saw ‘The Night Watch’ lying there in Orlando, surrounded by people from our craft, it hit me,” he said. “This piece was never just mine. From the very beginning I have involved as many people as possible, and everyone who contributes in any way, no matter how small, becomes part of it. The way people responded, not just seeing it but truly understanding it, meant everything to me.”
The Expo also served as the stage for the announcement of the 2026 NWFA Service Award honorees and Wood Floor of the Year Award winners. A full breakdown of this year’s recipients is below. More on each honoree will appear in the June/July 2026 issue of Hardwood Floors magazine.
2026 NWFA Service Awards
Community Service Award: Izaiah Barrow (iSandNewYork), Brandon Dudek (Vivid Hardwood Flooring), Larry Haggarty (Huron Flooring Ltd.), Sprigg Lynn (Universal Floors), and Bryan Page (Vintage Floors)
Emerging Leader Award: Oliver R. Barajas, Bridgebay Flooring
Hall of Fame Award: Bob Goldstein (Vermont Natural Coatings), Denny Hickman (Hickman Lumber), Larry Hickman (Hickman Lumber), and Tom McNeil (Bona)
Vanguard Award: Drew Kern (Infinity Claims Management Solutions), Bryan Park (Footprints Floors), and Tommy Sancic (Olde Wood Ltd.)
2026 NWFA Wood Floor of the Year Awards
Best in Circles/Curves/Bent Wood + Members’ Choice: Floor Master Company; Best in Color/Finish and Textured Wood: Cardona Flooring; Best Historic Restoration: Silver Creek Hardwood Floors; Best in Marquetry/Inlays: Renaissance Floor Inlays; Best Parquetry: AG Floor Covering; Best Use of Technology: J.L. Vivash Custom Wood Floors Ltd.; Best Staircase: Urbanik Surfaces; Manufacturer Spotlight: Graf Custom Hardwood
The 2027 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo is scheduled for April 27-29 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Learn more at nwfa.org.
