| New Convention
Format and Layout Increase Networking Opportunities for Flooring
America Members and Vendors
Manchester, NH (March 4, 2004) – Flooring America instituted
major changes to the format and design of its 2004 spring convention
in Houston, Texas, in order to provide more choices for members
to improve their businesses.
Scheduling of events, layout of the trade show floor, and
more optional activities were all tailored in response to feedback
from attendees of previous conventions. “Our members wanted
more opportunities to learn and more discretionary time to network
with each other here in Houston,” said Steve Knight, Vice
President of Operations. “I think our new format will
provide time for members to exchange ideas, as well as a time
for them to meet with the many vendors gathered here.”General
sessions conducted at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel were
shortened in comparison to previous conventions to permit members
to attend more instructional courses and demonstrations. Trade
show booths in the adjoining George R. Brown Convention Center
were arranged in an innovative radial
pattern with Flooring America’s core display forming the
hub.“We conducted a survey to determine what members and
the many vendors who display here would like changed in the
exhibit hall environment,” said Knight. “Accessibility
to each other was the overwhelming response. Our new layout
optimizes interaction through a circular layout instead of a
rectangular grid. Visibility is improved, and there are no “dead
end” positions, which used to frustrate exhibitors assigned
to these spaces.”
There were more networking opportunities on Friday night, as
members were encouraged to enjoy each other’s company
while “Feastin’ in Houston,” an evening of
dining at the many restaurants in Houston’s downtown.
Saturday night’s awards ceremony and closing party featured
a concert by the legendary rock group Three Dog Night.
More than 600 members registered to attend the bi-annual event.
There were also 400 representatives expected from such major
flooring manufacturers as Armstrong, Mannington, Shaw, Mohawk,
Beaulieu, and Wilsonart, who displayed their latest products.
Flooring America’s next convention will be held in Memphis,
Tennessee, on August 25-28.
About Flooring America
Flooring America, with a sales volume of $1.4 billion, consists
of more than 500 member-owned floor covering stores throughout
the United States and Canada. Flooring America provides members
with exclusive brands and warranty programs, comprehensive multi-media
advertising programs, complete showroom merchandising packages,
plus training in management and sales. It operates as a division
of CCA Global Partners, the world's largest flooring group.
For information on becoming a member of Flooring America, contact
Tom Heffner, National Membership Director, at 800-466-6984,
ext. 1501.
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