2026 Mid-Year Meeting Event Schedule

Education Sessions + Sika Corporation Plant Tour

Opening Keynote Address - Tuesday, May 12, 8:30 - 9:30 AM

Presented by Marlene Morin, Senior Director of Floor Covering and Interior Finishing, Sika USA

Marlene Morin, Senior Director of Floor Covering and Interior Finishing, Sika USA, leads the development of the Sika and Schönox brands. Over her 20‑year career, she has held leadership positions in France, Canada, the US and Europe in marketing, business development, quality management and corporate strategy. Marlene has overseen major successful integrations including UGL in the U.S. and Parex Group, globally. Marlene is recognized for her ability to drive growth, align teams and execute complex transformation initiatives.

The Move from PVC to Non-PVC Flooring: What Contractors Need to Know - A Panel Discussion

Panelists Dave Bailey, Shaw Industries, Mike Forcade, Diverzify and Don Styka, Tarkett; Moderated by Jeff Johnson, MAPEI Corporation

The flooring industry is seeing a growing shift toward bio-based and non-PVC materials, driven by sustainability initiatives, environmental concerns, and evolving project specifications. While these products present new opportunities, they also introduce important considerations for commercial flooring contractors related to performance, adhesives, installation methods and project costs. This moderated panel will bring together contractor and manufacturer perspectives to explore why the industry is moving away from PVC products and what it means for installation practices. Panelists will discuss environmental and regulatory drivers, stability and performance considerations, adhesive requirements and potential impacts on installation timelines and margins. Attendees will gain practical insight into common challenges with non-PVC materials, including adhesion issues and sheet flooring considerations, along with strategies contractors can use to manage risk and successfully install these emerging products.

Dave Bailey, Director of Marketing for Healthcare and Senior Living, Shaw Contract, has 24 years in the commercial building products industry. With a background that combines technical, analytical and market-facing experience, Dave brings a practical perspective to his work. He partners with product development, technical and customer-facing teams to help translate complex product attributes into clear, real-world value for customers and partners. His work often focuses on performance, material selection, and application challenges in demanding environments, giving him a grounded perspective on the opportunities and considerations surrounding the move from PVC to non-PVC flooring.

Jeffrey Johnson is the FCIS Business and Marketing Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems product assortment. He has more than 40 years of experience in floor-covering installation product development and marketing. With practical experience in construction and as an adhesive bench chemist, Jeff has a unique perspective on the materials used in the flooring installation industry. As a bench chemist, he formulated water based and reactive type adhesives. In his current position, Jeff drives sales growth, product innovation and education for floor covering installation products involved with the carpet, resilient and wood flooring installation market segments.

Don Styka has worked in the flooring industry for over 46 years and is currently the Director of Field Services for Tarkett where he has been for 26 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 ASTM, INSTALL, CFI, NFCA, IUPAT, ICRI and more.

Contractor Safety Today: Risks, Best Practices and What Every Flooring Contractor Should Know

Presented by Kenneth McBeath, Safety Director, Diverzify

Safety remains one of the most critical responsibilities for commercial flooring contractors. As jobsite environments evolve and compliance expectations increase, contractors must stay informed about emerging risks, updated regulations, and practical procedures that protect both workers and businesses. This session will explore current safety trends affecting the commercial flooring industry, including evolving jobsite hazards, lessons learned from the field, and proven safety practices used by leading contractors. The discussion will also highlight key areas contractors may be overlooking and provide guidance on how to strengthen safety procedures within their organizations.

Kenneth McBeath, Safety Director, Diverzify, leads enterprise-wide safety strategies across Diverzify’s national network of commercial flooring and construction operations. With more than 14 years of experience, he brings a well-rounded background within high-risk industries including oil and gas, manufacturing, DOT-regulated environments and commercial construction. In his current role, Kenneth is responsible for advancing safety culture, improving operational consistency and aligning safety initiatives with business objectives.

From the General Contractor's Perspective: What Makes a Great Flooring Contractor? 

What do general contractors look for in a flooring contractor—and what sets the best apart from the rest? In this session, general contractors will share their perspective on working with flooring subcontractors on commercial projects. Attendees will gain insight into how GCs evaluate contractors during the bidding process, what common mistakes can impact project success and the communication practices that build trust and long-term partnerships. The discussion will also explore how flooring contractors can better support project schedules, navigate coordination challenges and avoid common sources of conflict on the jobsite. The session will help flooring contractors better understand GC expectations and position themselves as trusted, go-to partners.

Sika Plant Tour 

2026 Spring Mid-Year Meeting Product Demos 

LOCK H899 OPTIMUM™ is a high-performance one-component hybrid adhesive, ideal for resilient floor coverings in demanding settings. With LOCK H899 OPTIMUM™, you can install resilient floor wet rooms due to it's resistance to topical water and areas that need to withstand temperature changes to avoid warping. LOCK H899 OPTIMUM™ offers exceptionally strong mechanical resistance, making it ideal for areas with extreme foot traffic and rolling loads like airports, lobbies, and hallways. With cure times in as little as 3 hours, this adhesive is perfect for fast-track installations.

Step into the next evolution of flooring performance with i4F’s CeraGrout and Stair Tread technologies. Discover how i4F CeraGrout delivers a realistic ceramic imitation with integrated grout and low maintenance, redefining the look and feel of tiled surfaces. Explore how i4F’s Stair Tread technologies bring innovation and seamless design integration to stairs—ensuring both performance and visual continuity across flooring projects. We’ll guide you through the unique features and applications of these technologies, sharing practical insights and expert tips to help you elevate your flooring solutions.

Silent Auction is Open! 

Place your early bid on the donated items below via 32 Auctions.

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 2026 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,  May 12, 3:00 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.

RAFFLE 

2 $100 Gift Cards to the Lucky Raffle Winners! - Donated by Fishman Flooring Solutions

AUCTION ITEMS

ARDEX FEATHER FINISH - One Pallet/208 Bags - Donated by ARDEX Americas

ARDEX FEATHER FINISH mixes to a creamy, smooth finish underlayment that eliminates flooring installation problems associated with disbonding, crumbling, mold, mildew and staining. ARDEX FEATHER FINISH may be used as an embossing filler when mixed with ARDEX P 82TM Ultra Prime. Install over: concrete, masonry, wood, terrazzo, and ceramic and quarry tile - as well as properly prepared residues of cutback and other non-water-soluble adhesives on concrete - all without the need for priming or the use of a latex additive AF127 03/15 Key Features:  • Blend of hydraulic and other cements; • Self-drying matrix; • Mixes with water only; • Trowelable;  • Mold and mildew resistant;  • Interior use. Click here for the spec sheet.

Milliken Non-Reactive Standard Carpet Tile Adhesive (9 4-Gallon Pails) W/ Purchase of Cushion-Backed Carpet Tile - Donated by Milliken & Company

Milliken products offer adhesive solutions for any scenario: •Modular carpet, LVT, mixed-media • Normal RH and pH • Extreme RH and no-testing solutions • Trowel-on and Spray options for most applications • No primers, no sealants, limited floor prep required. Learn more about the product features/specs - here and here.

TEC Level Set 400 HF + One 5-Gallon Pail of TEC 56  - Donated by TEC Specialty Products

TEC's 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 extended 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. Click here and here for the spec sheet / product information.

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. Learn more about the CIM Program.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Keynote Sponsor - $7,500

• 5 minute presentation introducing opening keynote
• Company logo on communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage
• Company logo on event website with link to company website

Dinner Sponsor - $5,000

• Company logo on dinner signage and bars at reception
• Company logo on communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage
• Company logo on event website with link to company website

Hotel Key Sponsor - TEC Specialty Products

• Exclusive branded key card sponsor
• Company logo on communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage
• Company logo on event website with link to company website
• Note additional key card cost - approx. cost of key cards $3/ea.

Lanyard Sponsor - $2,500

• Exclusive branded lanyard sponsor
• Company logo on communications
• Company logo on shared onsite signage
• Company logo on event website with link to company website
• Note additional lanyard cost - approx. cost for each lanyard is $2.50

Education Session Sponsor - $750/session

• Company logo on session signage
• Company logo on communications and website
• 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 Tropicana Atlantic City Hotel.

Book by April 13 to be included in the FCICA room block. 

Tropicana Atlantic City Hotel.
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Call-In Booking:      

Room Reservations - (888) 516-2215 (8am-2am EST, 7 days/week)
Group name:  FCICA 2026 Mid-Year Meeting
Group code:  ST05FC6   

***Callers will be asked for the above code or by saying **FCICA 2026 Mid-Year Meet**

Online Booking Link: https://book.passkey.com/go/ST05FC6

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.

Tropicana Atlantic City is a vibrant oceanfront resort situated on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. A variety of attractions, dining experiences and gaming options are at your doorstep - a lively atmosphere for both leisure and entertainment. The resort features multiple towers, each offering well-appointed rooms, contemporary furnishings and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean or city skyline.

Amenities & On-Site Activities

• Casino: The gaming floor provides an exciting selection of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms, catering to those seeking high-energy action.
• Dining: A wide assortment of restaurants and cafés can be found, including casual dining spots, upscale steakhouses, and internationally inspired fare.
• The Quarter: This themed shopping and dining complex offers boutique stores, varied culinary options, and nightlife venues, all beneath a sophisticated Havana-inspired ambiance.
• Entertainment: Live shows, comedy acts, and popular music performances are frequently hosted in the resort’s entertainment venues. An IMAX Theater within The Quarter showcases blockbuster films on a large-scale screen.
• Wellness: A spa and fitness center provide a relaxing retreat, offering an array of treatments and modern exercise facilities.
• Nightlife: Several on-site lounges and clubs, such as Boogie Nights, deliver a high-energy, retro-themed experience or a laid-back setting for socializing.

Nearby Activities & Attractions

The boardwalk location grants immediate access to the beach, perfect for sunbathing and shoreline strolls. Within walking distance, visitors can discover Atlantic City’s signature landmarks, including:

• Steel Pier for amusement rides and classic carnival games
• Boardwalk Hall for concerts and sporting events
• Atlantic City Outlets (The Walk) for discount shopping opportunities