Mason and Coburn stated, "There has been a strong undercurrent developing that many executives wanted a marketplace that was not so overwhelming, that provided a more appropriate return on investment, and that is held in a cosmopolitan city that has more to offer. PanAmerican Stone and Tile Expo reflects those needs."

"[The Miami Beach Convention Center] is a great facility, large enough to accommodate the vast majority of exhibitors, but not so large as to overwhelm both exhibitors and visitors. We don't want the PanAmerican Stone and Tile Expo to become a battleground of egos, where companies feel pressure to build larger and more expensive exhibits.

"The day has come for a change," Mason said. "I did not expect it to happen this way, but it has, and Michael, I and our staff -- including Team One Inc. -- want to continue to work for the stone and tile industries."

Coburn stated, "We felt that we really needed to follow the established business model of American trade shows. The PanAmerican Stone and Tile Expo will run for three days. This saves our exhibitors a substantial amount of time and money, yet produces just as many sales and leads."

The expo will focus strong attendance on wholesalers, distributors and fabricators from North America. A very important emphasis will also be placed on attracting and delivering clients from Central and South America, including the Caribbean Basin. TSI feels that these visitors will prefer Miami as a marketplace to visit. Keeping with the needs of exhibitors, the PanAmerican Stone and Tile Expo will build strong alliances with the southern design and architectural community, whose activities are centered in the Miami area. Coburn stated, "The professional design community will return to attending the PanAmerican Stone and Tile Expo in very strong numbers. Southern Florida and particularly Miami is the design capital for the entire region."

Skip Mason concluded by saying, "The industries will be able to work with long established friends who have proven their ability to create a world class event and do so while respecting an exhibitor's budget. Many of the key personnel at TSI and Team One will continue to ensure each participants success. We look forward to working with the stone and tile industries on what is sure to become the 'next generation' of trade and marketing events."

For further information, contact Trade Show International by telephone at 561.776.7771; by fax at 561.776.0313; by e-mail at info@tradeshowintl.com.