Acing the Game: Empowering Women in Flooring at the NAFCD + NBMDA Convention!

By: Maddie Rollins, FCIF & WIFI Communications Coordinator

The NAFCD + NBMDA Convention in New Orleans was an exciting event where women in the flooring industry came together for the session "Ace the Game: Advanced Business Insights for Women." The energy in the room was electric as over 80 participants dove in for the chance to connect, learn, and boost their professional skills!

Sharyn Bernard, Business and Special Projects Editor for Floor Covering Weekly, kicked off the session by highlighting the mission and programs offered by WIFI. She emphasized the importance of empowering women in the flooring sector through education and mentorship.

The session was led by two dynamic leaders: Dori Blitzstein, Vice President of Roesel-Heck who is the current President of NAFCD, and GeorgeAnne Blackmon, Senior Sales Executive at Decospan, who is on the NBMDA steering committee. Both women shared their insights and experiences, encouraging participants to leverage their unique skills and perspectives in the business world.

We then kicked things up a notch with a lively card game! Each table represented a different topic; financial, technology, business acumen, industry, and personal. Honour Delaney, Regional Manager at DSI, tackled financial insights, Emily Vella, Manager of Branded Products at Atlantic Plywood Corporation, shared technology trends, Angela Hollinger, Director of Business Development at Greenwell Resources, discussed business acumen, Betty Walden, Vice President at CFL, focused on industry knowledge, and Melanie Haskell, Vice President of Sales at Dinoflex, along with Rayanne Van Sickle, Director of Marketing at McKillican International, Inc., discussed personal topics. Attendees took turns drawing cards from the center of the table, each one posing a question related to our key topics. The audience eagerly shared their insights and made their best guesses at the answers. Our brilliant table leaders then revealed their expert answers, enriching everyone’s knowledge on the subjects!

Reflecting on the event, Dori Blitzstein shared, "It was incredible! Everyone participated, 80 to 90 people, engaging in honest discussion, and we’ve received amazing feedback since. People are still talking! Leading this educational discussion with WIFI, NAFCD, and NBMDA was such an honor. We lifted each other up with encouragement, shared insights, and trusted one another. I hoped this program would raise everyone’s knowledge a notch, but it was so much more. I believe that the women became empowered by each other and that they were all stronger and more confident in themselves at the close of the program. They inspired me with their knowledge, humor, and kindness toward one another.”

What an exciting experience attendees had at the NAFCD + NBMDA Convention! It was a wonderful opportunity for women in the flooring industry to come together, and they certainly made the most of it. Here’s to more laughter, learning, and fun as we continue to rock the flooring industry together! Who’s ready for round two?

See pictures from the event and stay connected with WIFI on our socials!