New Leadership Transition for The International Surface Event

SEPTEMBER 2019, DALLAS, TX | The International Surface Event (TISE): SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomac | TileExpo welcomes Dana Hicks as the new Show Director for the event. After 19 years of service to the flooring, stone, and tile industry through events, promotions, sponsorships, and community involvement, TISE says goodbye to Amie (Gilmore) Gonzalez as she transitions the event to Hicks. The change comes as Informa Markets’ need for seasoned, show-leading professionals increases due to growth in large-scale events to the company’s event portfolio.

Hicks has a strong background in the events space with nearly 20+ years dedicated to the trade, previously serving for 10 years in hospitality and events with Marriott International, followed by 17 years in the tradeshow arena ending as the VP of Events for Informa Markets/Virgo where he led a top portfolio event in the food ingredient sector. His recent venture for the past two years was into the world of surface materials, working as a design consultant at Baker Bros in the Phoenix market, focusing on sales and fulfillment of all residential flooring - hardwood, LVP, laminate, tile, carpet and area rugs. Hicks’s background in events, degree in design, and connection and understanding of the flooring industry, made him the perfect choice to continue to steer the TISE event into the leading, industry-supporting event for the flooring, stone, and tile industry.

TISE also wants to take a moment to thank Amie (Gilmore) Gonzalez for her commitment and dedication to the industry. Amie has spent tens of thousands of hours over 19 years planning, working with the team, building networks and friendships, and working/serving industry professionals, all with the purpose of making sure the industry’s goals, needs, and expectations were met by TISE at the highest possible level of excellence. Those that would like to send Amie a message may reach her at amie.gonzalez@informa.com. Amie has now transitioned to a large commercial cleaning and restoration event within the Informa Markets portfolio, allowing her knowledge and skills to be used to nurture and grow her new event beyond its successful current positioning.