Dallas—Even though the leaves are still on the trees and the turkey is six weeks from being put in the oven, doesn’t mean it is too early to start thinking about Surfaces 2006 as attendee registration is now open. Set for Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the industry’s largest all-encompassing trade show already has the makings to be the largest is its 17-year history.

Michelle Troop, senior show director, said more than 93% of the convention center’s show floor is already sold, with the final pieces expected to be filled in prior to the opening bell. “It’s the most exhibitors signed up than ever before at this time. “This means,” she added, “attendees can expect to see more than 1,000 companies exhibiting the latest floor covering products and services in every industry category.

“Surfaces will once again be the only event that gives retailers, builders, architects, designers, distributors and installers from around the world all the answers they need for business success,” Troop continued. “As a floor covering professional setting your sights on growing your business and profits in 2006, it’s important to make Surfaces part of your strategic business plan.”

Based on registration inquiries as well as hotel room reservations in Vegas for this time period, interest is high among potential attendees as well. For example, Hanley Wood Exhibitions, which owns Surfaces, noted that rooms are being reserved at a 20% faster rate than last year’s show which had recorded the fasted to date, not to mention the initial registrations that have come in.

“The industry seems to be more excited about Surfaces than ever,” Troop said. “It seems that everyone is not only ready for Surfaces, but making their plans early.” She explained being prepared early is one of the best things a person attending the show can do based on how much will be taking place during the four-day event.

“Beyond the thousands of new products that will be shown, Surfaces will continue to offer the best education in the industry with its 2006 Conference Program. This year will feature more hot topics, fresh ideas, critical business information and new speakers.”

As in previous years, the Conference Program gets under way on Jan. 31, the day before the exhibit hall opens, with a series of three-hour workshops that will go in-depth on a particular subject and, depending on the class, include hands-on demonstrations.

Over the next three days while the show floor is open, the Conference Program will feature 41 90-minute seminars covering “topics that are important to a flooring pro fessional,” noted Troop. Sessions are grouped into six tracks for easy reference—business, marketing, sales, design, installation and window coverings.

The hour-and-a-half classes will take place from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, as well as from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. Mannington Mills is once again the sponsor of the Conference Program.

Floor Covering News will once again play an active part in the educational offering as four of its columnists—Warren Tyler (“Salesmanship”), Lew Migliore, (“Claims File”), Kelly Kramer (“Retail Education”) and Scott Perron (“Retailer2Retailer”)—will share their years of industry knowledge with participants during separate courses over the four-day period.

In fact, Tyler and Migliore are each teaching a three-hour workshop as well as a 90-minute seminar. Beyond the exhibits and educational offerings, Troop said “Surfaces will be introducing some exciting new programs for the 2006 event,” adding as the show gets closer more information will be released.

She noted it is easy to register for the market. By going to www.surfaces.com, visitors can do everything needed to get ready—from registering for the show’s exhibits and signing up for any of the educational courses to finding a hotel room and even making travel arrangements, including reserving a rental car.

In fact, when it comes to airfare and rental car, the Web site has discounts for both. You can also call toll-free at 800/547-3477 or direct at 972/536-6400 to register or if you have a question. Hanley Wood is offering a special deal for people who register by Dec. 30. Not only will you get free admission to the exhi bit halls, a discount will be offered on the Conference Program.