Industry leaders and key stakeholders gathered at the 2026 NALFA Spring Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, to exchange ideas, refine technical standards, advance industry standards, and position laminate flooring for continued success in the marketplace.

Springfield, MA – March 23, 2026 – The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) hosted its 2026 Spring Meeting in Phoenix from March 10–12, bringing together industry leaders to advance technical standards and align the category around real-world performance.

The meeting included participation from companies leading the North American laminate flooring industry, including AGT, Arauco North America, CALI Floors, Floor & Decor, Kronospan USA, Mannington Mills, Mohawk Industries, MP Global Products, NC State University, Pak-Lite, SELIT North America, Shaw Industries Group, and TORLYS. Attendees engaged in discussions on standards development, industry advancements, and long-term growth strategies, reinforcing NALFA’s commitment to strengthening laminate flooring’s position in the market.

Opening the meeting, NALFA President Tom Wright, VP Product Management & Innovation at Mohawk Industries, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing both standards and the broader category.

“The strength of this association comes from the expertise around the table and the willingness to work together to move the industry forward,” said Wright. “When we align around standards, messaging, and shared priorities, we’re strengthening the entire category.”

A keynote presentation by Jared Mathusek, VP of Installation Services at Empire Today, brought a field-driven perspective to the discussion, highlighting ongoing challenges, including labor shortages, inconsistent training, and gaps between manufacturer documentation and on-site realities. Beth Ziesenis, “Your Nerdy Best Friend,” also presented, sharing strategies for leveraging technology and AI to improve productivity and communication.

 NALFA’s Board of Directors reviewed progress on key initiatives, including updates to LF-03, NALFA’s Underlayment Certification Standard, and LF-04, its Moulding and Transition Performance Standard, as well as continued investment in standards development and efforts to improve communication around certification and performance. Tyler Snyder of Kronospan was appointed to the Executive Committee as Secretary, and Katherine Baxter of Mohawk Industries was named Chair of the Moulding Committee.

NALFA’s Technical, Underlayment, Mouldings, and Marketing committees met during the event, led by Anthony Drevet of Shaw Industries Group, Deanna Summers of MP Global Products, Mickey Davis of Pak-Lite, Katherine Baxter of Mohawk Industries, Heather Knutson of CALI Floors, and Danielle Lancianese of Shaw Industries Group, respectively. Discussions focused on advancing a more integrated, system-based approach to performance, aligning with ongoing work within LF-03 and LF-04.

The meeting also marked a milestone in NALFA’s growing industry engagement, with SELIT North America serving as the association’s first off-site sponsor, hosting a networking and member connection event

NALFA will continue these discussions at its Fall Meeting, scheduled for October 13–15 in Savannah, Georgia. Members are encouraged to attend and contribute to the ongoing discussions shaping the laminate flooring industry.

For more information on NALFA membership, certification programs, industry standards, and upcoming events, visit www.nalfa.com.

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About NALFA

The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) is the leading authority on laminate flooring standards and certification in North America. Committed to advancing the industry through education, testing, and advocacy, NALFA ensures that laminate products meet the highest performance and sustainability standards.