Over the past few years, natural stone and related products such as sealers, cleaners and installation materials have become a regular feature of the show. Included were stone materials from around the world as well as setting materials, sealers, grout, mortar and other products from leading manufacturers.

“The most surprising aspect turned out to be the overall upbeat and positive mood of both attendees and exhibitors,” said Chris Davis, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), the show's sponsor. “Without exception, the reaction to Surfaces was that it was a resounding success - the best ever - and that will carry through the year to the next edition.” Both attendees and exhibitors came away from the show with positive feedback on the event itself and all the new features introduced this year.

In addition to the large number of returning exhibitors, over 200 companies were first-time exhibitors at Surfaces. With so many new companies, attendees were able to see the new lines their current suppliers were showing along with a multitude of new products and services that were never offered before. “With ever-changing consumer demand, it's important for retailers to have the most up-to-date options in their stores,” said Michelle Troop, Senior Show Director for Surfaces.

Topics covered during Surfaces' first-ever “Town Hall” on January 28 included installation and Big Box retailer issues that continue to bring floor covering professionals across the country together for healthy debate. Industry consolidation, consumer awareness/spending and recruiting installers were other subjects covered by the Town Hall panelists - which included a retailer, manufacturer, distributor, installer and residential construction and floor covering industry forecasters - as well as numerous questions from attendees in the audience.

Surfaces is organized by Hanley Wood, LLC, a business-to-business media network serving North America's residential and commercial construction industries. Surfaces 2005 will take place January 26 to 28, 2005 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on Surfaces, visit www.SurfacesExpo.com.