Education Sessions + UZIN UTZ Plant Tour

Welcome to the 2025 Spring Mid-Year Meeting

Keynote Presentation - 'Thinking Strategically 101'  TU, April 1, 8:30 - 9:30 AM * Magnolia 1 - 4

Presented by Marco Ludwig, President, UZIN UTZ North America

FCICA is excited to share recently named UZIN UTZ North America President, Marco Ludwig, will be the opening keynote speaker at the Spring Mid-Year Meeting.

From 2014 to 2021, Marco served as Managing Director and Member of the Board at Schluter Systems USA where he oversaw the strategic repositioning of the Schluter brand, focusing on expanding the product range in construction chemicals and underfloor heating systems.  Marco holds a Certificate of Business Excellence from Columbia Business School and completed his Master in Economics and Finance at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from the Julius-Maximilian's University in Würzburg.

How To Handle a Claim - From a Contractor Perspective - Monday, March 31, 3 - 4 PM * Magnolia 1 - 4

Presented by Don Styka, Director of Field Services, Tarkett

Claims can be costly, frustrating and time consuming.  In this session we will review the claims handling process and identify efficiencies that can lead to determinations and the ability to provide a quicker resolution for the customer.

Don Styka has worked in the flooring industry for over 45 years and is currently the Director of Field Services for Tarkett where he has been for 25 years. Prior to Tarkett, Don started as an installer, then later moved to floor covering distribution. He is active in organizations that provide education, training and advancement opportunities to installation professionals including serving on the FCICA Board or Directors, Education, Membership and the CIM Committees. Outside of FCICA, Don is an active member, certification holder and contributor to many other floorcovering organizations including INSTALL, CFI, NFCA, IUPAT, ICRI and more.

Stand Out:  The Power of Branding and Marketing for Flooring Contractors - Tuesday, April 1, 9:30 - 10:30 AM  * Magnolia 1 - 4

Presented by Marissa Luznar, Corporate Communications for Diverzify and Founder & CEO of Riss Marketing

This education session is sponsored by a generous contribution from Totalworx.

In an industry where the final product often looks the same, how do you make sure customers choose you? This session will explore how flooring contractors can differentiate their brand, strengthen relationships with existing customers and attract new business. From enhancing customer experience to leveraging smart marketing strategies, learn how to position yourself as a trusted partner—not just another contractor.

Discover why branding matters, how to make a lasting impression and which strategies drive real results. Whether it’s optimizing client touchpoints, showcasing your expertise, or staying top of mind through digital marketing, this session will provide actionable insights to help you stand out, win more work and build a business that customers return to time and time again.

Marissa Luznar is the Founder & CEO of Riss Marketing, a strategic B2B marketing firm that helps contractors, professional service firms and manufacturers build strong brands, increase visibility and drive business growth. With nearly 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, she has worked with organizations of all sizes to develop clear messaging, effective business development strategies, and impactful client engagement initiatives. She has spent much of her career working with construction, real estate and manufacturing companies, helping them navigate complex marketing challenges and establish a competitive presence in their industries. Known for her no-nonsense, results-driven approach, Marissa helps businesses refine their marketing strategies, communicate their value effectively and turn relationships into revenue.

ASTM F710 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring – What Every Flooring Contractor Must Know

Presented by Greg Mercurio, President, Independent Floor Testing and Inspection (IFTI), Inc

Tuesday, April 1, 1:30 - 2:30 PM * Magnolia 1 - 4

This education session is sponsored by a generous contribution from Divergent Adhesives 

ASTM F710 is the most referenced specification document in the flooring industry. In this presentation we will do a deep dive into the key points of the standard ensuring that you are setup for a successful flooring installation. Topics tackled in this presentation include concrete slab design, jobsite conditions, floor flatness, concrete moisture and product specifications.

Greg Mercurio entered the flooring industry, unknowingly, during college when he majored in Concrete Industry Management. Greg started his career at IFTI, first as a technical writer, right after college. Since then, Greg has served numerous roles in the company over the past 15 years including Director of Operations, Principle Consultant, Chief Operating Officer and now President of IFTI. Independent Floor Testing and Inspection (IFTI), Inc., was founded in 1997. At the time, there was little awareness around moisture related flooring failures. Over the past 25 years, IFTI has become the largest independent moisture testing company in the world. IFTI's goal is to educate the flooring community on the importance of independent concrete slab moisture testing so installers never have to deal with the consequences of moisture-related floor failures again.

AI: What is It and How to Use It to Enhance Your Business - Tuesday, April 1, 3:45 - 4:45 PM * Magnolia 1 - 4

Presented by Tom Ellis, Vice President of Marketing and Operations, Spec-ID

AI is rapidly entering the commercial construction industry but remains significantly underutilized, particularly in applications like ChatGPT. AI-driven technology enhances efficiency by automating tasks such as take-off and estimating software and product recognition. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT provide valuable support for businesses by summarizing complex contracts, generating job descriptions, refining emails for clarity, enhancing website content, and even assisting in corporate branding through video creation. Additionally, AI simplifies sales charts in CRM software and can source critical information, making it a versatile asset across all businesses. This paragraph was written with AI software.

Technology is no longer an option in the flooring and tiling business. Know when, what, and how to incorporate technology in your business processes and workflows to help deliver predictable outcomes. Now there is Artificial Intelligence (AI). What is it and how can we use it in our business today in preparation for the what is to come.

Tom Ellis is an accomplished marketing professional with 35 years of experience in the global commercial construction industry with executive responsibility as VP Business development Tandus Flooring, VP Marketing Tarkett, Executive VP Marketing | R&D Armstrong Flooring, President CEFP Foundation, and Board Member Architectural Intelligence. A recognized industry thought leader, he has led domestic and international forums for architects, designers, and specialty contractors.  He currently serves as a Marketing and Operations Executive at Spec-ID.

UZIN UTZ Waco Production Plant Tour

Take a pre-onsite visit video tour!

UZIN UTZ will host Mid-Year Meeting attendees for a tour at their newly built Waco Production Plant, a 125,000 sq. foot facility where they produce self-leveling compounds, patches, thin sets and grouts. The Waco Plant also serves as the UZIN UTZ North America training center for all brands and the central location for R&D.

Based in Aurora, CO, UZIN UTZ North America, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Uzin-Utz AG, Ulm, Germany. The company was founded in 1911 and is a vertically integrated manufacturer of product systems designed for the preparation, installation, finishing and care of all types of floorcoverings. UZIN UTZ North America, Inc. offers its products under the Uzin (moisture mitigation, primers, leveling compounds and adhesives), Pallmann (Hardwood Complete^™: subfloor preparation, adhesives, sanding, surface treatment & floor care) and Wolff (floor strippers, grinders and installation tools) brand names.

2025 Spring Mid-Year Meeting Product Demos  

Product Demo presentation from the KOSTER USA team.

KOSTER MRU is a high-strength, self-leveling underlayment with high resistance to chemical and mechanical stress. It is a highly moisture resistant product and is an applicable leveling underlayment for use over uneven or coarse concrete and cementitious materials. Due to its high chemical resistance, it can be used to protect against light and medium corrosion and serves as a slowly reacting sacrificial layer in areas of high chemical stress, such as agricultural, industrial, workshop, production facilities, commercial and private use buildings. The KOSTER MRU can be installed over slabs with an RH of 100%

MAPEI CORP will be demonstrating its new products recently introduced and designed with the commercial flooring contractor in mind.  Products that will be demonstrated are Planiseal MAX High-Performance, One-Component, Textured, Moisture Vapor Barrier and Primer; Ultraplan HFL High-Flow, Fast-Setting, Self-Leveling Underlayment; Ultrabond ECO 307 Hard-Setting Adhesive for Resilient Flooring; and Planiprep RMP Moisture-Resistant, Fast-Drying, Ramping Compound.   The attendee will see all these products in action and learn how they can speed up the installation process and solve problems in the field. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how MAPEI can be of service to the commercial flooring contractor.

Product Demo presentation from the TEC Specialty Products team.

The TEC Team will introduce Liquidam EZ™ Moisture Vapor Barrier - an innovative one-part moisture vapor barrier that offers an easier alternative over traditional epoxy-based remedies. It is colored blue for visual assurance of coverage during the application process. It can be applied to concrete as little as 48 hours old with an MVER less than or equal to 25 lbs. per 1,000 ft² per 24 hours (0.12 kg/m2 per 24 hours), or a maximum relative humidity of 100%. It is a water-based moisture mitigation product that can help you complete your project on time.  Product demo attendees will learn about the products new features including the "roller-only" installation method for vapor barrier application omitting the required trowel for first coat step and the single coat option for 95% RH vapor retarder performance.

Demonstrate your products at the 2025 Spring Mid-Year Meeting!

Five (5) time slots - 30 minutes in length - will be set aside for demonstrations during the event. Demo spaces will include a table, projector/screen, protected flooring and electricity. Materials must be carried in and out by hand; no lifting equipment such as forklifts will be available. Product demonstrator to provide all equipment needed for the product demonstration as well as follow all OSHA safety guidelines.

Participating company agrees to pay $1,500 for the product demonstration plus attendee registration(s) and must be a member of FCICA or CFI in good-standing.

*Demonstrators who participated at the 2024 Spring Mid-Year Meeting are not eligible unless we do not receive at least (5) completed product demonstration lottery forms.

Auction

Thank you to our auction donors ARDEX America, Beno J Gundlach, Custom Building Supply, Federated Insurance, MAPEI Corporation, MAXXON, Protect-All Flooring,  Quantify North America, TEC Specialty Products and Wagner Meters.

AUCTION ITEMS

ARDEX FEATHER FINISH® Self-Drying, Cement-Based Finishing Underlayment, 1 pallet (208 bags) - Donated by ARDEX Americas

Provides a smooth surface over a variety of substrates prior to the installation of today’s demanding floor coverings. Install floor coverings in as little as 15 minutes. Superior coverage – up to 300 sq. ft. per bag. Easy to mix with water only. Applies to a true featheredge. Retail value $4,300. Learn more about this ARDEX product:  https://fcicaflooringcontractorsassociation.growthzoneapp.com/api/files/download/27368629/?open=true

ARDEX-FEATHER-FINISH-Product Overview

ARDEX-FEATHER-FINISH-Technical-Data

Strapless Ultra Flex Knee Pads in Black - Donated by Beno J Gundlach

Strapless Ultra Flex Knee Pads give you the support and comfort of wearing a knee brace and a knee pad at the same time. They fit comfortably around your leg and prevent strap burns, even on bare legs.

Strapless Ultra Flex Knee Pads - Pink Camo

Strapless Ultra Flex Knee Pads give you the support and comfort of wearing a knee brace and a knee pad at the same time. They fit comfortably around your leg and prevent strap burns, even on bare legs.

Carpet Tile PSA, Vinyl PSA, Wall Base Adhesive - Donated by Custom Building Products

Carpet Tile PSA - Easy to Roll Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Carpet tile PSA pressure sensitive adhesive is a quick flash, high tack solution for carpet tile. This product can be troweled or rolled and can be used in permanent or releasable applications. Carpet Tile PSA is tinted in CUSTOM’s signature orange color and dries so that layout lines are visible. This low odor, low VOC product is ideal for occupied environments. https://fcicaflooringcontractorsassociation.growthzoneapp.com/api/files/download/27903007/?open=true

Vinyl PSA Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, 1 pallet / 48 Count - Advanced pressure sensitive adhesive ideally suited for most LVP/LVT and carpet tile applications. This unique formulation can be used in permanent or releasable applications. The high moisture resistant adhesive has low VOC’s and is Floor Score and Green Label Plus certified. see more details @ https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/products/vinyl-psa-pressure-sensitive-adhesive-2

Wall Base Adhesives - 5 cases / Twelve 30 oz. Tubes per case – Includes shipping / Wall Base adhesive is an impact resistant non-staining vinyl, rubber and carpet wall base adhesive with exceptional tack and early strength. Wet strength holds base in position on outside and inside corner applications. High flexibility for impact resistance in commercial and institutional applications. Also used for installing vertical application of carpet and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic panels).
https://fcicaflooringcontractorsassociation.growthzoneapp.com/api/files/download/27903077/?open=true

2 Yeti Ramblers, a Mesa XL Solo Stove Bundle and a Throw Blanket  - Donated by Federated Insurance

Sample Set of New MAPEI Installation Products - Donated by MAPEI Corporation 

Every contractor present at the Spring Mid-Year Meeting who signs up to pay $250 will receive a pallet containing one (1) Pail of Planiseal MAX, Ultrabond ECO 307 and Ultrabond ECO 987 and two (2) bags each of Planiprep RMP and Ultraplan HFL - Retail value $1,000.

Learn more about these MAPEI products.

PlaniPrep Spec Sheet 

UltraPlan HFL Spec Sheet

PlaniSeal Max Spec Sheet

Maxxon® Commercial Skim Fill™ All Purpose Floor Patch - 15 Bags - Donated by Maxxon

Maxxon® Commercial Skim Fill™ is an easy to mix, fast setting, polymer-modified cement patch for correcting interior subfloor imperfections. Its high compressive strength and exceptional bonding properties deliver a smooth, strong surface that’s ready for floor covering in as little as 30 minutes. Packaged in a 20-lb bag.

All Purpose Floor Patch • Polymer-modified cement-based patch for use under all types of floor covering • Exceptional bond and compressive strength (4,000 psi+) • Can be installed over wet slabs (up to 100% RH) • Featheredge up to 1/2", no depth limitation in confined spaces • Fast setting — install flooring in as little as 30 minutes • Self-drying • Zero VOC • Sandable

Application: Smoothing and repairing;  Subfloor: Concrete and wood. Can be used over gypsum with priming. Click -https://maxxon.com/products/skim-fill/ - to learn more about this product.

Protect-All Rapid Weld - Donated by Protect All Flooring

Protect-All Rapid Weld is an innovative installation system for Protect-All^® flooring products. A faster and easier installation alternative to heat welding, Protect-All Rapid Weld utilizes a chemical welding process that significantly reduces the amount of required labor. This process reduces installation time and downtime for customers. This innovative approach to installation delivers a high-quality, waterproof flooring solution designed to support a range of rigorous tasks. It delivers fewer flooring seams and helps to reduce flooring seams by at least 80% compared to traditional 6-inch-square ceramic tiles. Visit https://protect-allflooring.com/protect-all-rapid-weld to learn more.

Infrared Sauna Blanket for Detox, Wellbeing and Recovery - Donated by Quantify North America

The Infrared Sauna Blanket increases the body's thermal energy and promotes a temporary increase in blood flow - so you sweat like you are working out, without working out. A 30-minute session in your portable sauna blanket will burn up to 600 calories— the perfect addition to a muscle recovery regimen after strenuous activity or on your days off from training. Rejuvenate and Detox in the comfort of your home. Infrared Sauna therapy detoxifies the body, relaxes the mind, boosts your mood, promotes glowing skin, and promotes your brain's feel-good chemicals. Learn more about the Infrared Sauna Blanket.

Schönox SL - Rapid-Drying Smoothing and Finishing Compound - 1 PALLET / 192 Bags - Donated by Schönox

Schönox SL Rapid-Drying Smoothing and Finishing Compound - Moisture-Resistant, Cement-Based, Rapid-Drying, Smoothing and Finishing Compound provides a smooth finish on a variety of substrates in interior areas. A true high-performance featheredge up to 1″. Does not require priming, unless over gypsum. Over gypsum, preferably, use Schönox AST with Schönox AP and APF synthetic gypsum self-levelers. Schönox SL provides a smooth finish on various substrates in interior areas and can be installed as a true featheredge. Moisture-resistant, strong, smooth and
fast since day one. Product Specs

TEC LiquiDam EZ (three 5-gallon pails) and TEC Level Set 400 HF (56 bags = 1 pallet) - Donated by TEC Specialty Products

TEC LiquiDam EZ moisture mitigation and - when used together, no primer is needed! Retail value of package is $1,500.

TEC LiquiDam EZ is a proven, high performance moisture vapor barrier that is the only water-based moisture mitigation product that performs like an epoxy. This one-part moisture vapor barrier requires no mixing, can be applied on concrete up to 100% RH and achieves a Perm Rating of 0.10 or less. LiquiDam EZ meets the requirements of ASTM F-3010, requires no primer before the application of surface preparation products and dries in as little as 3-4 hours. Shot blasting may not be required on clean, sound concrete. The product is ready to use and easy to install ­– contractors have confirmed a reduction in labor costs of up to 40%.

TEC Level Set 400 HF is formulated for your fast-track applications.  Our new self-leveling underlayment is pourable or pumpable and provides a smooth surface for finished floor coverings.  Its high flow distance combined with its self-healing properties reduces jobsite labor and saves time.  LS 400 HF is ready for tile in 2-3 hours and moisture sensitive flooring in 15 hours, which allows you to finish jobs faster.

Smart Sensor Value Pack - Donated by Wagner Meters

Smart Sensor Value Pack includes 25 Rapid RH® L6 Smart Sensors and accessories. Keep your Smart Sensor inventory current by ordering now. You don’t want to be “one sensor short” of ASTM F2170 requirements. The Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors are factory calibrated using CMOSens® technology to ensure accurate readings. Each Smart Sensor pack comes with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate and comes in tamper-resistant packaging to ensure perfectly calibrated, genuine Wagner Smart Sensors.
The Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensor (25) Value Pack includes:

• 25 ea. L6 Smart Sensors
• 50 ea. Extensions
• 25 ea. Protective Caps with Rubber Plugs and Butyl Gasket
• 25 ea. Stainless Steel Covers
• Certificate of Calibration
• Floor Map
  

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NC 170 Premium Plus-Floor Leveling Compound, 1 Pallet and UZIN PE 260 Premium Substrate Primer - 

Donated by UZIN UTZ

NC 170 Premium Plus-Floor - Fast drying portland-based self-leveling compound without depth limitation. Excellent flow and working time properties produce level, flat surfaces with good absorbency for all floor coverings and adhesives. UZIN PE 260 Premium Substrate Primer - For more information - https://us.uzin.com/detail/product/25639/uzin-nc-170

UZIN PE 260 Premium Substrate Primer - Fast-drying water-based primer used for priming surfaces before applying UZIN portland or gypsum-based self-leveling compounds. UZIN PE 260 can be used undiluted or diluted depending on surface absorbency. Also for use with UZIN thinset mortar, dispersion, and dry tape. https://us.uzin.com/detail/product/25633/uzin-pe-260

3 Certified Installation Manager Programs - Donated by FCICA

The Certified Installation Manager (CIM) Program sets the industry standard for those involved in the management of commercial flooring projects. The Program provides video training modules led by experts who speak from years of floor covering experience. Paired with assessments, the modules enhance the a flooring professional’s core skill set, experience and knowledge base necessary to successfully manage commercial flooring projects. Individuals who reach this level of expertise will be easily distinguished by the Certified Installation Manager (CIM) designation. Must register 3 candidates within one year of purchase.

Silent Auction and Raffle Item Donation Request

Please consider donating an item(s) to be placed in the silent auction or raffle. If you elect to donate an item, please provide an image to include on the Spring 20205 Mid-Year Meeting website page. Silent auction item(s) and the company donor will be featured on the website for the duration of the event. The auction will close on Tuesday,  April 1, 3:45 PM CT.

Companies donating raffle and/or silent auction items will be responsible for shipping to the winner, if shipping is necessary. Your generous donation helps raise money for the association!

Please CLICK HERE to enter your Silent Auction Donation item. Thank you for supporting FCICA! We are grateful for your contribution.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Keynote Sponsor - $5,000

• 5 minute presentation introducing opening keynote
• Company logo on the website and communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage

Lanyard Sponsor - Totalworx

• Exclusive branded lanyard sponsor (Approx. cost for each lanyard is $2.50; estimated number of attendees is 190. Approx. total cost: $475 + printing)
• Company logo on the website and communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage

Tuesday Dinner Sponsor - Totalworx

• Company logo on dinner signage and bars at reception
• Company logo on the website and communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage

Wednesday Dinner Sponsor - Uzin Utz

• Company logo on dinner signage and bars at reception
• Company logo on the website and communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage

Education Session Sponsor - Divergent Adhesives

Education Session Sponsor - Totalworx

Education Session Sponsor - $750/session

• Company logo on session signage
• Company logo on the website and communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage

Contact Catherine Church, FCICA Executive Director if you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity (630) 672-3702 or catherinec@cmservices.com.

Hotel Accommodations 

Reserve your hotel stay!  FCICA has a discounted group rate available at the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel.

Tuesday, March 11 at 11:59 pm is the block discount cut off date!

Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown
1701 Commerce Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 335-7000

Reservations will be held only if accompanied by a credit card or an advanced deposit. Any guest room reservation must be cancelled more than 72 hours in advance of the arrival date, or a one-night room and tax charge will apply. Check-in time begins at 4:00pm and checkout time is at 11:00 am. Hotel room rates are subject to all applicable state and local taxes. Guest room reservations must be cancelled more than 72 hours in advance of the arrival date, or a one-night room and tax charge will apply.

Hotel Parking

Travel/Getting There

Fort Worth

Howdy! Fort Worth offers a diverse array of experiences from metropolitan chic to a page out of the Old West. Explore Sundance Square entertainment district, the Cultural District and the Stockyards National Historic District.