The International Surface Event, a combination of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, Surfaces and Tile Expo, brought together stone and stone working technology, as well as tile and tile-setting products, along with carpet, wood and linoleum — all of it featured on one floor this year, compared to the two-floor design from previous years. The annual event was held from January 19 to 22, 2016 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

With over 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, the show included 750 exhibitors and was part of the Design and Construction Week, which featured five different shows in Las Vegas that had over 125,000 attendees. From the moment the doors opened, there was an obvious energy on the show floor. Crowded aisles and busy booths were both positive indicators of the level of the show’s success. Most exhibitors agreed this was the best year for TISE that they can remember.

Highlights of TISE 2016 included the Product Marketplace, Installation Showcase and The Cage sponsored by the Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA). Additionally, TISE Living Magazine was new this year. It converted the Trends Hub into a sleek modern “living magazine” where attendees had the experience of taking a 3D walk through a magazine experience — featuring the forecasted trends and colors for interiors for 2016 and 2017, product samples, and interactive social media and trends sessions.

Moreover, the Ignite education program was specifically developed for 2016, allowing participants to learn best practices and the latest technology to help increase their bottom line and network with industry leaders and get answers to the challenges that face their business. The program was carefully crafted to include courses to assist industry professionals in navigating and targeting key growth areas for their business. With over 80 hours of standard industry education and 88 hours of on-floor education, training and demos, attendees had the opportunity to learn from more than 100 speakers, panelists and industry professionals. This added up to over 247 obtainable continuing education credits.

“By developing seminars that identify the key issues facing the floor covering, stone and tile industry with a focus on helping to improve production, performance and the bottom line, The International Surface Event is a vital component to growing a profitable business in today’s market,” said Amie Gilmore, director of The International Surface Event. “Partnering with industry experts to thoughtfully craft and design a custom experience, Ignite is proudly designed by and with industry professionals specifically for industry professionals.”

Additional attractions during TISE 2016 included live demonstrations, the “Stone Pavilion Block Party” hosted by the Natural Stone Council (NSC), the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and the Building Stone Institute (BSI), as well as the Stone Worldannual Fabricator of the Year award. The Marble Institute of America and the Building Stone Institute also officially joined together during the event with a signing between its two presidents, Dan Rhea of the MIA and Rob Barnes of the BSI, to become MIA + BSI.

TISE 2016 also presented the Best Of Awards, sponsored by Stone World and its sister publications, Contemporary Stone & Tile Design, TILE Magazine, Floor Trends and Floor Covering Installer. On the stone side, Continental DIA Diamond Products won in the Technology category and Integra Adhesives won for Innovation.