Special Events

 

Pre-Expo Educational Opportunities

Ignite Your Passion in 2026 by attending our exclusive pre-Expo sessions.

Dive into the latest developments of the NWFA's certification program and gain valuable insights into the unique properties of atypical wood flooring products from a panel of industry professionals, or learn about the importance of coordinating business succession plans.

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Pre-Expo Symposium

Tuesday, April 21 from 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.

Data Collection: Building Defensible Inspection Reports

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.

Report Writing: Understanding Audience and Purpose

Instructor: Cathy Duncan, EZ Report Writing

Learn how to turn inspection data into clear, factual reports that stand up to technical and legal scrutiny.

Legal Considerations: Ethics and Litigation Readiness

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.

Additional registration required. Pre-Expo Symposium includes lunch. Each participant will receive six (6) CCU credits. For more information, visit our Rates and Registration page.

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Success & Succession

Tuesday, April 21 from 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.

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.

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NWFA Certified Sales Advisor Session

April 15 | 8:30 – 3:30 pm

This course provides instruction about different types of wood and their technical attributes as flooring products.

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Ignite Your Passion Opening Session

April 21 | 4:30 – 5:45 pm

Join the NWFA for our lively Opening Session, where we'll provide you with an industry update.

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Spark Reception

April 21 | 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Continue the celebration after the Opening Session at Spark Reception.

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Mastermind Morning: Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI)

April 22 | 9:00 – 10:30 am

Join us for WIFI’s Mastermind Morning. Breakfast included.

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It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Happy Hour

April 22 | 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Grab a drink and network with hardwood floor industry peers.

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Distributor & Manufacturer Reception

April 22 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Build valuable new business relationships and expand your product reach.

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Emerging Leaders Reception

April 22 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Join us for the 9th annual NWFA Emerging Leaders Reception.

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Grand Finale Celebration

April 23 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm

The Grand Finale Celebration caps off another successful NWFA Expo.