Las Vegas—Mother Earth was smiling during Surfaces 2007, as the industry showed why it is a major force in helping to create a better environment for future generations while still developing products to meet style and performance demands from consumers. Along with touting sustainable, recyclable and natural products there was also a variety of innovations at Surfaces, giving dealers and their sales and installation staffs a better chance at earning more money.

The abundance of Earth friendly products and other novelties, along with 300 new participating companies, kept attendees busy at the Sands Expo & Convention Center during the four-day event. And, when you throw in the numerous educational offerings provided by Hanley Wood, Surfaces owner, as well as many of the exhibitors, most people left the 18th edition of Surfaces with a sense of accomplishment. This, despite show director, Dana Teague’s, notation that preliminary numbers indicate total attendance to be off approximately 5%.

From soft and hard surface goods containing recycled content to methods designed to reduce or eliminate resources, today’s products are the tip of the iceberg in bringing sustainability to the industry. One of the main reasons is the LEED Green Building Rating System by USGBC. Originally for use only in the commercial setting the program is moving to the residential side—the LEED for Homes rating system will publicly launch in the summer.

Along with helping the environment, exhibitors were showcasing services, systems and devices to make the job of selling and installing easier and more profitable.