LAS VEGAS—In response to the challenging economy, housing slump, credit crunch and drop in consumer confidence and spending, Surfaces 2009 will hold its first-ever general session, “Prevailing Through the Current Crisis: An Industry Wake-Up Call.”
Featuring a panel of industry experts from
Armstrong World Industries,
Beaulieu of America,
Mannington Mills,
Mohawk Industries and
Shaw Industries speaking on how professionals might weather the most volatile economy the nation has faced in decades, show officials said the session is dedicated to addressing issues directly relating to the industry.
“With all the uncertainty facing flooring professionals, it’s important they know what to expect for the future of their businesses,” said Dana Teague, show director. “This is an opportunity to hear from and be heard by influential industry leaders as they share their insights on how to lead the industry through the economic crisis.”
Moderated by Gerri Willis, anchor of CNN’s weekend business program, “Open House,” and personal finance editor for CNN Business News, the opening session’s panelists will include:
Ralph Boe, president and CEO of Beaulieu; Tom Davis, president and CEO of Mannington;
Tom Lape, president of Mohawk Residential;
Randy Merritt, president of Shaw, and
Frank Ready, president and CEO of Armstrong.
“I am honored to be part of the panel to review the current difficult business environment and more importantly ways to prevail during this downturn,” Boe said. “Business challenges were significant when the panel was originally proposed, and have become even more difficult since the financial liquidity aspect arose. It should be an interesting and thought provoking session.”
Lape added: “With the challenges of today’s market, I can truly appreciate and support any opportunity for our industry to come together to discuss the issues and share ideas.”
Merritt agreed the event will be a good opportunity for manufacturers to share insights into the current environment and how it is impacting business throughout the channel. “Certainly our industry and the economy face continued challenges in the months ahead, but the fact remains we are part of a great industry that will rebound and prosper again.” He noted the key is to have a plan by which to manage through the downturn. “I do not presume to have the answers as to how we should all do that. But having been through these cyclical events before, I know that experience is valuable. Hopefully, we can all share some of these experiences as we look ahead to the inevitable upturn.”
The event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Venetian, standing room only. It is being sponsored by The Floor Covering Institute and Affluent In-sights, and will open with re-marks from
Keith Campbell, speaking on behalf of the
Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF).
The cost to attend is free through Nov. 17, and $25 per person thereafter (space is limited), by visiting www.surfaces.com.
And, Surfaces ’09 will provide additional educational sessions to further discuss and prepare attendees for weathering the economic climate. Highlights include:
• Learn about the future of the homebuilding and remodeling markets from three industry experts—Kermit Baker, senior research fellow at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, and project director of the Remodeling Futures program; Boyce Thompson, editorial director for Builder Magazine, and Sal Alfano, editorial director for Remodeling Magazine.
• Learn sales, marketing and design implications of running a green business.
• Explore the global color trends for fall/winter 2009/2010 and spring/summer 2010.
• Hear executives from the FCIF-sponsored Leadership Forum share their vision for the coming year.
For more information on Surfaces ’09, Feb. 2 to 5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, call 800.547.3477.
