VANCOUVER, Wash. - Hundreds of industry professionals sought out the expertise and offerings of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) during the recent Surfaces 2006 tradeshow in Las Vegas.

The IICRC Continuing Education Credits (CECs) program was among the hottest topics of interest for those visiting the IICRC booth. The CEC program seeks to encourage registrants to actively participate in their industry by sharing knowledge with the cleaning and restoration industry. Also high on the list of discussion topics were the IICRC-Approved Carpet and Flooring Inspector, Hard Surface, Rug Cleaning, and Stone and Masonry Cleaning courses.

"Surfaces 2006 was a successful event for the IICRC," said Ruth Travis, Vice President of Marketing. "It's great to see that the IICRC is right on target when we choose to expand course offerings. We look forward to continuing to develop high standards for emerging aspects of the flooring industry."

Show attendees included retailers, manufacturers, architects, distributors, designers, builders and installers. More than 40,000 people attended Surfaces to learn more about the latest techniques, training and products in the floor covering industry. Each year, the show draws an increasing number of visitors, with six percent increase in attendees in 2006 versus 2005. In addition, the event draws more than 1,000 vendors covering 515,000 square feet of exhibit space.

"The IICRC looks forward to participating in Surfaces every year because it allows us to provide company owners and technicians with a greater understanding of the importance of training and education in this industry," said Travis. "We look forward to what 2007 will bring."