I must say, like many we spoke to, I was a little apprehensive going into this year’s Surfaces. With many businesses struggling we all wondered what the market would be like. Well, much to the delight of just about everyone, Surfaces ’08 was, like many of the 14 previous ones I attended, a great energy boost.

Sure there were fewer people overall, sure many companies decided to piggyback on Surfaces and take people off the show floor, but the fact is, those who participated went home happy and energized to reshape their businesses and position themselves for when business turns around. Beyond that, Surfaces again provided the platform for the industry to come together for old friends to reunite, to strengthen existing bonds and for the chance to forge new relationships. This is one of the things I enjoy most about Surfaces—seeing all the people and getting to know as many new faces as possible.

For example, I was able to spend some quality time with Michael Mariutto and the folks from Mediterranea. With key relationships with some of the most progressive factories in the U.S. Italy, Turkey and Argentina, they are a secret waiting to explode.

With so much to see and do in such a small amount of time it is hard to actually sit and talk with people. Most of the time it’s a quick hello as I cross their path en route to another appointment. Nonetheless, it is still good to see old friends, face-to-face, no matter how brief. A good example was my two-minute chat with industry vet Jack Stanley and his lovely wife Kathleen of Stanley Inc. I don’t think I have ever since them without a genuine smile. Speaking of smiles, Pete Ciganovich and the crew from Lamipro were all aglow with the reception they were getting, and deservedly so considering Pete’s quality reputation in the industry.

The one person I’m glad that I did get some time with was Sonna Calandrino, one of the industry’s classiest and brightest people. After a year literally on her back, it was wonderful to see her up and about. Her knowledge of the industry and marketing talents are too great to be kept lying down.

Sometimes the encounters are so quick there’s barely enough time to shake hands. Though I did manage to get a great cigar from Bill Cogdall of Contract Furnishings Mart in Oregon. But, because of my schedule I ended up enjoying it after hours instead of the two of us smoking away with a drink or two.

There’s always next year.