Hardwood Floors December 2024/January 2025

By Jon Namba

Some of the veteran (older) installers out there may remember the days when here in the United States, NWFA, NOFMA, or even a manufacturer or distributor would host an event, and 75- to 100-plus contractors would show up for the opportunity to network, get some education, and food. It seems the days of the larger attended events are fewer nowadays. Well, that is not the case when it comes to Mexico. Contractors, retailers, distributors, architects, and manufacturers are thirsting for education, and the NWFA/Bostik three-day events are no exception. The first-ever event held in Mexico City back in 2014 had more than 200 attendees who were taught through the NWFA Installation Guidelines about jobsite and subfloor preparation, safety requirements, moisture testing, and glue-down installation methods over the course of four days, and they all left with a wealth of new knowledge. Now, trainings typically are limited to around 100 attendees, and these classes are filled completely, often with a waiting list every time. I’ve had the privilege of being an instructor and teaching in Mexico at each one of these events, and being able to share knowledge and to network with the attendees is a learning experience for me as well. I learn a few more words in Spanish every time I attend and get to see how installations are done outside of the U.S. When you see everyone get involved with the hands-on installation of

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

73