Keynote Speakers for 2026 Flooring Sustainability Summit Named

Arlington, VA, May 7, 2026-The Flooring Sustainability Summit returns to Washington, D.C. for its third year, July 14 to 16, at The Mayflower Hotel, bringing together leaders from across the flooring industry and built environment to advance dialogue around sustainability, material health and the future of responsible design.

Co-hosted by the Carpet and Rug Institute, North American Laminate Flooring Association, Natural Stone Institute, National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, National Wood Flooring Association, Resilient Floor Covering Institute, and Tile Council of North America, the Summit continues to serve as a key forum for cross-sector collaboration and leadership.

“This year’s Summit reflects the growing urgency for our industry to align around shared sustainability goals,” said summit chair, Bill Griese. 

Opening Keynote-George Bandy

The Summit will open with a keynote from George Bandy, Jr., a sustainability leader with more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations on environmental performance, circular economy strategy and socially responsible solutions that deliver shared value.

Currently serving as chief sustainability officer at Andersen Corporation, Bandy has also held senior sustainability leadership roles at Amazon, Mohawk Industries and Interface. He serves as vice chairman of the board of Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and has received numerous honors, including USGBC Leadership Awards and recognition as a Living Future Hero.

Closing Keynote - Cheryl S. Durst

Closing the Summit is Cheryl Durst, executive vice president and CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Durst is widely known for elevating the role of design as a driver of human experience, business value and societal impact. She serves on the International WELL Building Institute Governance Council and is a trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. A trailblazer in the field, Durst was the first recipient of Interior Design magazine’s Hall of Fame Leadership Award and the first Black woman inducted into its Hall of Fame.