F
loorTek Expo, the biennial trade show devoted to the floor covering industry, will return
to the NorthWest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton, Ga, Sept. 22-24, 2009. Located in
the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Dalton is known as the Carpet Capital of the World, and
is the headquarters of FloorTek organizer the American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA). Founded in
1979, AFA is a nonprofit association that promotes the industry’s products and services and offers
membership to any company in the floor covering industry or an industry related to floor covering.
“We Speak Floors” is the theme of this year’s show. “That’s much more than a theme to us; it
highlights that we understand the needs and concerns of those who attend our show and that we are
creating an event that will help them to meet the challenges of today,” said AFA Executive Director
Wanda Ellis.
Exhibitors will showcase their latest machinery, equipment, technology and services at
FloorTek Expo 2009.
According to Ellis, FloorTek is the only international flooring manufacturing trade
show dedicated to production and technology, and features the latest machinery, equipment and
materials on the market. Exhibitors include chemical/dyes and contract tufting businesses; and
machinery, equipment and sampling providers; among other companies.
Along with a plethora of exhibits, the show will hold a supplier-led panel discussion titled
“Raw Material Costs Variations over Time Result in Changes in Carpet Fabrication.” Kemp Harr,
publisher of Floor Focus magazine, will be a moderator. Speakers will include Daniel K. Frierson,
chairman and CEO, The Dixie Group Inc.; Alasdair Carmichael, president-Americas, PCI Fibres; and
Thomas L. Rennie, editor, Commercial Carpet Digest, and president and owner, TLR Consulting LLC.
Also scheduled will be the International Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI) Technical
Solutions workshop, offering CFI technical certification; and CFI-NWFA (National Wood Flooring
Association) Sales Counselor Technical workshop, offering CFI-NWFA certification. The workshops
will cover the various types of backings and floor maintenance products on the market; the types of
corrections that can be performed on-site; and new tools for solving problems.
The Best of FloorTek awards will recognize individuals and companies that have demonstrated
an outstanding commitment to the environment, customer service and technology innovation.
AFA is optimistic about this year’s show. “We believe this will be one of the best FloorTek
shows in many years,” Ellis said. “Today’s economy is challenging, but forward-thinking
manufacturers recognize that now is the time to build relationships, highlight innovations and
expertise and, most importantly, sell their products and services.”
For more information about FloorTek Expo 2009, contact AFA +706-278-4101; Wanda Ellis,
ellis@americanfloor.org;
www.americanfloor.org.
July/August 2009
