Surfaces 2005 is expected to have its largest turnout yet -- with the most number of exhibitors and product introductions than any previous exhibi-tion, including natural stone collections. According to show organizers, this floor covering exhibition, which will be held from January 26 to 28 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, is on course to be a record-breaking event.

With just two months left until the show, the exhibit floor is 99% sold out, and booth contracts continue to flood in. The number of companies contracted for the 2005 show is up 13%, and the net square feet occupied has increased more than 7% ahead of this time last year. In addition, many companies already in the show are upgrading to larger booth sizes to ensure maximum exposure to the key buyers who attend the exhibition.

“Interest in the show seems to be reaching an all-time high,” stated Karen Romano, sales manager for Surfaces, which is owned by Hanley-Wood, LLC. “We are doing everything we can just to keep up with the demand for exhibit space in the 2005 show.”

Surfaces 2005 will provide an arena for manufacturers, retailers, builders, architects, designers, distributors and installers from around the world to conduct business and network. With this in mind, attendee registration and housing numbers are running on par or ahead of this time last year, reports Hanley-Wood.

“There's no question that Surfaces is the industry's event,” stated Michelle Troop, senior show director. “Our phones, faxes and Web sites are filled with people registering for the show, booking their hotels, reviewing exhibitor lists, signing up for classes and events and making all their plans to come to Las Vegas for the show. It's looking to be one of the best shows yet.”