2026 Synergy Unveils Education, Expo, and Event Lineup

Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), the Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA) and Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services (FCITS) have announced new program details for the 2026 Synergy Convention & Expo, taking place Nov.10-12 at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Now in its fourth year as a joint industry event, Synergy brings flooring professionals together for education, technical training, product discovery, networking and collaboration.

Three-Day Program at a Glance

Tuesday, Nov. 10: Education sessions, separately registered training programs, The Huddle live podcast and a welcome reception hosted by Mohawk/Performance Accessories.
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Opening keynote, CFI, FCICA and FCITS industry updates, technical education, product demonstrations, the Synergy Expo and dinner.
Thursday, Nov. 12: Closing keynote, concurrent education and hands-on sessions, the annual awards luncheon and closing reception.

Education Addresses Job Site and Business Challenges

Synergy 2026 will combine technical education, business insight and hands-on learning for installers, contractors and other flooring professionals. Featured sessions include:

Click and Learn: A Masterclass in Unilin Click Systems
Carpeted Stairs: From Terminology to Technique
Healthcare Flooring: What Every Contractor Needs to Know
Woven Double Stick: Setting the Installation Up for Success
Are We Building a Workforce or Borrowing One?
Dealing with Today’s Substrate Challenges: Type 1L Concrete, Densifiers and Porosity

Additional sessions will address wet-set adhesive applications, substrate challenges, floor preparation, safety, succession planning and proprietary information protection. Attendees can also view six live product demonstrations, hear industry updates from CFI, FCICA and FCITS, attend an FCITS roundtable and learn directly from manufacturers and technical experts.

Additional training opportunities offered in conjunction with Synergy include FCICA’s 2 Days to CIM program and an FCITS Carpet Tiles & Repairs course, each requiring separate registration.

Expo Showcases Flooring Products and Solutions

The Synergy Expo will connect attendees with more than 30 manufacturers and service providers showcasing flooring products, materials, tools, technologies and business solutions. The complete and continually updated exhibitor list is available at Synergy Exhibitors.

Awards and Additional Activities

The annual Synergy Awards Luncheon will take place Thursday, Nov. 12, featuring honors presented by CFI, FCICA and FCITS. This year’s program will also include the inaugural Jim Walker Installer of the Year Award, presented jointly by Floor Focus and CFI to recognize outstanding skill, professionalism and achievement in flooring installation.

Other convention activities include the NFIC Hand-Sewing Game and a silent auction supporting CFI, FCICA and FCITS.

An optional golf tournament will be held Monday, Nov. 9, at Nob North Golf Course in Cohutta, Georgia.

Registration and Hotel Information

Early-bird event registration is available through Sept. 16. Discounted rates are available for qualifying CFI, FCICA, FCITS and WFCA members, as well as CFI installers and Certified Installation Managers. One-day registration is also available for Wednesday and Thursday. FCITS members should complete their registration through the FCITS website.

The Chattanooga Marriott Downtown is offering Synergy attendees a group rate of $169 per night. Reservations at the group rate must be made by Oct. 6 and are subject to availability.

For the complete schedule, session descriptions, exhibitor list, registration and hotel information, visit 2026 Synergy .

CFI, FCICA and FCITS recognize Mohawk/Performance Accessories, MAPEI Corporation, Bostik, TRAXX Corporation and TEC Specialty Products for their support of Synergy 2026.

Organizations interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities may contact John McHale at 816-231-4646 or CJ Church at 630-673-3702.

Follow CFI, FCICA and FCITS on social media for the latest Synergy 2026 news and updates.

About the Synergy Convention & Expo

The Synergy Convention & Expo is the premier collaborative event for the flooring industry, bringing together professionals from across installation, contracting, inspection, education, manufacturing, distribution, and technology. Representing the combined efforts of CFI, FCICA, FCITS, Synergy is dedicated to advancing the industry through education, connection, and innovation. The multi-day event offers targeted training, certifications, emerging technologies, leadership development, and peer-to-peer networking — all designed to strengthen and elevate the flooring community.

About CFI (Certified Flooring Installers)

The International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI), a division of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), is the industry’s leading organization for professional flooring installation training and certification. Since 1993, CFI has certified thousands of installers worldwide across all major flooring categories — including carpet, hardwood, resilient, laminate, and ceramic. CFI’s comprehensive programs cover installation, estimating, inspection, patterned and woven carpet, and product knowledge. Through a national network of experienced trainers, CFI is dedicated to raising installation standards, supporting career growth, and delivering skilled craftsmanship for dealers and manufacturers across the flooring industry. Learn more at cfiinstallers.org.

About FCICA (Flooring Contractors Association)

The Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA) is the resource for premier commercial flooring contractors. FCICA provides leadership, education, and support to advance the success of its members, including training and certification through the Certified Installation Manager (CIM) Program. FCICA connects contractors, manufacturers, and industry partners through educational events, networking, and workforce development initiatives. Visit fcica.com for more information.

About FCITS (Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services)

Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services (FCITS), a division of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), is the industry’s leading provider of flooring inspection education, certification, and technical support. Established in 1988, FCITS has trained over 2,000 inspectors worldwide and is recognized for its in-depth curriculum and hands-on training programs in carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate, and more. FCITS equips flooring professionals with the expertise to assess product performance, resolve claims, and uphold quality standards across the industry. Learn more at fcits.org.