NALFA members and partners came together for NALFA’s Spring Meeting in Phoenix with a clear purpose: to align on priorities and move the work forward.  

This gathering marked our strongest and most engaged group to date, with broad representation from across the industry. Across every session, participation was active and intentional, with members bringing real insight to the table and contributing to conversations focused on strengthening standards, improving consistency, and addressing the realities seen in the field. The conversations were about ensuring laminate flooring continues to perform, compete, and lead in today’s market. 

That focus carried through both committee work and main stage discussions. Jared Mathusek of Empire Today offered a field-driven perspective on installation challenges, including labor shortages and gaps between documentation and jobsite conditions. His message was simple: alignment across the industry is critical to delivering consistent performance. Beth Ziesenis of Your Nerdy Best Friend focused on useful tools and strategies to better utilize artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and communication across teams. 

At the center of the meeting was the work happening within NALFA’s committees. The Technical, Underlayment, Moulding, and Marketing groups continued advancing key standards, refining testing approaches, and strengthening how laminate is positioned in the market.  

Underlayment Committee Recap:  

The Underlayment Committee, led by Deanna Summers of MP Global Products and Mickey Davis of Pak-Lite, advanced updates to LF-03, with key items moving to the Technical Committee for further review. Discussions focused on refining member tools, aligning certification messaging, and improving how underlayment performance is communicated. This work continues to build toward a more unified and clearly defined approach to underlayment standards. 

Technical Committee Recap: 
 
Led by Anthony Drevet of Shaw Industries Group, the Technical Committee continued refining LF-01 and evaluating test methods to ensure consistency and real-world relevance. Key discussions included advancements in scratch and wear testing, expanded product validation, and future standard updates. This work remains central to maintaining the strength and credibility of NALFA’s certification program. 

Moulding Committee Recap:  

The Moulding Committee, led by Katherine Baxter of Mohawk Industries, continued progressing LF-04 and shaping the role of moulding within the broader laminate system. Conversations focused on stair components, increasing industry awareness, and early data development efforts. LF-04 will continue through Technical Committee review as this work advances. 
 

Marketing Committee Recap: 

Led by Heather Knutson of CALI Floors and Danielle Lancianese of Shaw Industries Group, the Marketing Committee focused on strengthening NALFA’s messaging, growing membership, and increasing industry visibility. Highlights included updates to key tools, clearer positioning around laminate’s value and performance, and defined priorities for 2026. The group aligned around messaging that it's entering the new era of laminate, that has a stronger, more unified voice moving forward. 

That work, across every committee, reflects the expertise in the room and the shared commitment to working together to move the industry forward. 

“The strength of this association comes from the expertise around the table and the willingness to work together to move the industry forward. When we align around standards, messaging, and shared priorities, we’re strengthening the entire category,” said NALFA President Tom Wright. That approach was clear throughout the meeting and continues to shape the work ahead. 

Thank you to all the NALFA members and partners who joined us in Phoenix for our 2026 Spring Meeting. Our work continues in Savannah this October 13-15, where we will build on this momentum and further align on the priorities defining the future of laminate flooring.