Pre-Expo Symposium

Tuesday, April 21 | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

Symposium attendees will attend all three symposium sessions. Attendees will be divided into three groups that rotate to each session, ensuring a small group environment that encourages participation.

Instructor: Jon Namba

Accurate, well-documented data is the foundation of every credible inspection report. This session is designed to help hardwood flooring inspectors strengthen their data collection process to ensure their findings and conclusions are accurate and defensible. Participants will learn best practices for gathering and documenting evidence in the field, including how to take supporting photographs and recordings, conduct thorough interviews with involved parties, and obtain relevant claim history. This session also covers how to select the correct testing procedures and achieve accurate and repeatable test results that support the final conclusions.

Instructor: Cathy Duncan, EZ Report Writing

Learn how to turn inspection data into clear, factual reports that stand up to technical and legal scrutiny. This session walks participants through the two foundations of effective report writing: audience and purpose. Learn about audience-focused writing, eliminating opinion-based language, proper report structure, and separating observations from conclusions. This session helps inspectors reduce liability and produce professional, defensible reports.

Instructors: Barbara Dunn & Billy Simmons

Learn how to protect yourself legally during the inspection process and what to expect when serving as an expert witness. Through real case studies, this interactive session discusses applying the Inspector Code of Conduct as a professional safeguard, avoiding common legal pitfalls, and building long-term credibility in claims and litigation. Inspectors will gain a clearer understanding of their legal exposure and responsibilities as technical professionals.

Additional registration required. Pre-Expo Symposium includes lunch. Each participant will receive six CCU credits. For more information on registering for the Pre-Expo Symposium, please visit our Rates and Registration page.

NWFA Certified Sales Advisor Session

Tuesday, April 21 | 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This course provides instruction about different types of wood and their technical attributes as flooring products, how to sell wood against “wood-look” floor coverings, and the benefits of real wood flooring. Also includes minimizing claims and call-backs, guiding the customer to the right species and floor type for their lifestyle, understanding appropriate installation methods and finishes for each project, and developing stronger customer relationships and loyalty throughout the selling process. Participants will have the opportunity to take the written exam for the Sales Advisor Certification at the end of the course.

Additional registration required. Each participant will receive eight CCU credits. For more information on registering for the NWFA Certified Sales Advisor Session, please visit our Rates and Registration page.

Success & Successsion

Tuesday, April 21 | 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Preparing your company for succession is essential, whether you plan to transition in the near future or years down the road. This session will guide wood flooring business owners—contractors, distributors, and suppliers—through the key steps of succession planning. Attendees will learn how to make their companies more valuable, sellable, and easier to manage, while gaining insights into transition planning frameworks and tools to measure personal readiness to exit. Topics include why business transitions are vital, common reasons for not transitioning, eight factors that drive company value, and actionable steps to create and implement a successful transition plan.

Doug Howard is the President and Senior Consultant at GrowthTeam Strategies, with over 30 years of experience helping business owners navigate growth and prepare for long-term success. Through training, webinars, writing, facilitated meetings, and one-on-one consulting, Doug has built a reputation for delivering complex business strategies in a relatable and engaging way. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business, Doug also previously owned a consulting company for 17 years with offices in Alabama, Arizona, Virginia, and Maryland. His diverse background includes serving as a Carroll County Commissioner for eight years and working as the Director of Miller.

Additional registration required. For more information on registering for Success and Succession Planning, please visit our Rates and Registration page.