Past Gatherings

January 8th, 2025 WIFI Happy Hour @ Floorcoverings International Convention, Cancun, MX- This inaugural event brought together 80 attendees, including franchise leaders, owners, staff, and vendor partners, to introduce WIFI’s mission of supporting women in the flooring industry through education, mentorship, and connection. Jackie Adams, senior director of operations, new franchise development for Floor Coverings International, and Chanel Clifford, vice president of national accounts for CALI, played key roles in highlighting how WIFI empowers women to thrive professionally and personally. The event inspired attendees to connect, grow, and bring new insights back to their local communities. Read the blog here!

December 18th, 2024 Master the Art of Negotiation @ Mohawk Edge Summit, Denver, CO- WIFI hosted an engaging panel on the art of negotiation at Mohawk’s Edge Summit, moderated by WIFI vice chair Amy Rush-Imber. Panelists included Typhannie Harker, CEO of Carpeting by Mike; Laura Bartley, vice president of communications and events at Mohawk Industries; Kaitlin Ahern, director of marketing at America’s Floor Source; and Rachel Stacy, president of S&H Flooring. The discussion covered leveraging product expertise, setting strategic goals, and building trust with customers. Panelists emphasized the importance of knowing your market, listening to customers, and aligning products with brand values. They also shared actionable strategies for achieving sales goals and creating authentic connections. This session empowered attendees with tools to excel in negotiation and strengthen customer relationships! Read the blog here!

October 26th, 2024 Tough Topics with Women of Starnet @ Starnet Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN- WIFI joined Lara Rasette and Nichole Poindexter-Wilson, chairs of Women of Starnet, for a powerful roundtable discussion that tackled some of the toughest topics in business. From navigating workplace challenges to addressing industry-specific issues, the conversation empowered professionals at every level with insights and strategies for success. WIFI board member Tanja Kern also spoke, highlighting WIFI's free programs designed to support women in the flooring industry, from mentoring to professional development. It was a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect, learn, and grow alongside a community of like-minded women shaping the industry’s future!

October 23rd, 2024 Ace the Game: Advanced Business Insights for Women @ NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA- This lunch event featuring Dori Blitzstein, Vice President of Roesel-Heck Company, Inc and GeorgeAnne Blackmon, senior sales executive at Decospan, was a resounding success, with over 80 attendees actively participating and engaging in discussions. This empowering program provided women with valuable insights to boost their confidence in the boardroom, covering essential financial and business concepts, technologies that streamline operations, and emerging trends in the housing market. The event fostered meaningful conversations relevant to the construction and flooring industries, making it a truly enlightening experience for all involved! Read the blog here!

October 2nd, 2024 The Shero Playbook: The BIG Ask for Advancement @ CFI+ FCICA Convention, Orlando, FL- This lively panel discussion brought together a fantastic lineup of industry leaders— Beth Miller, managing editor for Floor Trends & Installation, Leslie Del Pozo, VP of marketing and communications for QEP Co Inc, Jen Zurn, project manager for CFI - Certified Flooring Installers, Kelly Zimmerman, president of Flooring Solutions, Inc., and Allana McInnis, sr. brand specialist at Mohawk Flooring, who shared invaluable insights for women ready to own their professional paths. Attendees dove into practical strategies for negotiating raises, positioning themselves to be a part of decision- making, and advocating for themselves. It was an inspiring space where participants felt empowered to ask the tough questions, learn from seasoned pros, and leave equipped to make bold career moves! Read the key takeaways from the event here!

June 11, 2024 WIFI Breakfast @ Neocon- The Mart, Chicago, Illinois- At the vibrant WIFI breakfast at NeoCon, WIFI board members Whitney LeGate and Brenda Knowles, alongside scholarship recipient Julie Borgognoni, provided an update on upcoming events and emphasized some of WIFI’s programs. They focused on WIFI's mentorship program, scholarships, and impactful Power Hour sessions. Attendees enjoyed networking opportunities and engaging conversations over coffee and breakfast. Thanks to Mannington Commercial for hosting us in their newly designed showroom and providing breakfast! See photos from the event here.

May 17, 2024 Advancing Women in Flooring- Women of Starnet Panel on Amelia Island, FL- Panelists included: Kaddy Hamilton, president, WC Carpenter;  Erin West, national accounts manager – commercial buying groups, AHF; and Kathleen Cloud, president, Higgins Flooring. The group explored topics including speaking up, elevating others, recruitment of women, and personal leadership. WIFI board member Tanja Kern, associate publisher and editorial director of Floor Trends & Installation moderated the session. Read more here!

April 23, 2024 Her Story w/ WIFI at Coverings in Atlanta - speakers included: Emily Holle, Director of Design & Trends at MSI; Crosby Hall, CAO of Louisville Tile Distributors; Amy Rush-Imber, Published and Editor in Cheif at FCW; and Tanja Kern, Editor and Assoc. Publisher at Floor Trends & Installation, who all shared their personal career journey and encouraged attendees to share their stories too! Read more here!

March 5, 2024 - Beyond Balance - a conference for working women and those who support them was held at the Dalton, Ga Convention Center with over 400 attendees. Keynote by author Tera Renze. Event hosted by WIFI and Shaw Industries WiN. Read some of what the speakers shared here!

March 3, 2024 Next Generation of Women Leaders in Flooring Retail at Alliance Convention in Orlando, FL- Seven women shared their challenges, how they are putting their mark on the business and what it takes to lead their team. Dive into the insights offered by the speakers here!

Jan 25, 2024 WIFI Gathering at TISE / Surfaces in Las Vegas - Mohawk Industries hosted the event and WIFI announced their schedule of 2024 programs and the inaugural seven scholarship winners.

Jan 23, 2024 TISE Women’s Leadership Conference, Las Vegas, NV - WIFI hosted the closing panel with five women executives who volunteered who shared their “5 Tips to Level Up”. WIFI’s vice-chair Amy Rush-Imber from Floor Covering Weekly moderated the session! Each gave their top tip, including:

“Raise your hand” by Whitney LeGate from Mannington Commercial,

“Be your authentic and confident self” by Chanel Clifford from CALI Floors,

“Focus on the business and on the people,” by Brenda Knowles from Shaw Floors,

“Relationships are key,” by Kelly Oberschlake from Mohawk Industries and

“Master greatness,” by Dori Blitzstein, Roesel-Heck Company, Incorporated.

Jan 25, 2024 WIFI Gathering was held in the Mohawk Booth at TISE in Las Vegas, NV where WIFI board members shared about the WIFI Mentoring program, Power Hours, and announcement of the WIFI Scholarship winners!

Nov 17, 2023 Workshop at NAFCD: Finding Your Voice - NAFCD’s incoming President, Dori Blitzstein, owner of Roesel Heck, led this education session. Read the recap on the WIFI Blog.

Sept 21, 2023 Workshop: How to Take Care of Yourself & Your Tribe - CFI & FCICA Convention in Orlando, FL- WIFI held its first convention education session at the CFI FCICA 2023 Convention in Orlando, Florida. Discussion topics were on building your own career and on helping those on your team level up, too. Read all about it here!

June 13, 2023 WIFI Donor Event @NeoCon in Chicago - Hosted by Mannington Commercial

April 19, 2023 WIFI Donor Event @Coverings in Orlando - WIFI joined Louisville Tile for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a big check! Thank you to Louisville Tile for making a donation to WIFI!

February 1, 2023 WIFI @ TISE at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas - Hosted by Mohawk Industries - who made a significant donation to WIFI at the event!