Dallas—Despite all the talk and stories in the industry as to how well Surfaces 2004 will fare considering a number of high profile companies announcing their decisions not to exhibit at the trade show, all indications are that it will be as big if not bigger than last year’s record-breaking event. Michelle Troop, senior show director for Hanley-Wood, Surfaces’ owner, said 80% of the available exhibit space is already sold out for the 2004 market in Las Vegas. “In fact, almost 10% more exhibiting companies are currently on board for the event than at this time last year.” She also noted many of the returning exhibitors have increased their booth space over previous years resulting in an additional 30,000 square feet of space over the 2003 show.

Industry sources say, in effect, this accounts for all the space vacated by Shaw Industries and Mohawk Industries. The other two major companies who have said they will not be at the Las Vegas show are Congoleum Corp. and Columbia Flooring ( FCNews, June 9/16 and July 7/14), but with demand by first-time exhibitors at an all-time high, especially from overseas tile producers, organizers say they do not expect any problems filling the newly opened space. Beyond the new companies attendees will be able to see, Troop said except for the above mentioned ones, the industry’s heavy hitters have not only turned in their contracts but have publicly stated their support of Surfaces and their intention to make the 2004 event the best ever.

Troop said manufacturers and suppliers including Beaulieu of America, Daltile, Domco Tarkett (including its Harris Tarkett hardwood division), DuPont, Formica, Honeywell, Johnsonite, Mannington Mills, Milliken, Pergo, and many other industry leaders are already signed up. “With such a strong manufacturer presence,” she explained, “retailers will find options available at the show as plentiful as ever.” “This is a very important event for us,” said Kim Holm, president of Mannington’s Residential division. “We remain committed to the health of the specialty flooring retailer’s business, and we view Surfaces as one of our key investments in their future success.” That said, Holm noted, “We will be at Surfaces in a big way in 2004 and promise that attendees to our booth won’t be disappointed with Mannington’s new products and programs.”

Ulf Mattsson, president and CEO of Domco Tarkett, the industry’s second largest hard surface manufacturer, noted, “Surfaces remains an important vehicle to help our customers grow their business. Our goal always has been to determine how best to service our customers and provide them access to our products and programs, and we remain committed to Surfaces.” Troop said that while having the support of most of the industry’s major manufacturers and suppliers, not to mention the more than 950 other companies that will be displaying their wares and services at Surfaces 2004, certainly provides more than enough incentive for people to attend the three-day show, Hanley-Wood is still going to go the extra mile to ensure both attendees and exhibitors at the next year’s event will not be disappointed. “As we begin preparing for Surfaces 2004,” she explained, “we will make an all-out effort to create the most dynamic show ever.”

And, even though Surfaces is still six months away, Hanley-Wood has already scheduled two new events for the market and is planning on making the Educational Conference Program “bigger than ever.” One of the things is to continue working closely with the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA), Surfaces’ official sponsor and its former owner. “WFCA’s commitment to Surfaces is as strong as ever,” Troop said, “and that’s one of the main reasons that Surfaces and WFCA will continue to be partners for at least the next 23 years.” This relationship is essential in bringing one of the key new elements to the upcoming market.

Knowing that installation remains an important issue for all segments and channels of the industry, Surfaces will play host to the all new Installation Showcase. “This exciting new opportunity,” Troop explained, “made possible by Surfaces, WFCA and the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI), will feature live demonstrations and workshops by the industry’s foremost experts—right on the show floor. “Attendees will get first-hand experience on how to solve their never-ending problem of quality installation,” she added. The second major addition to the show is the first-ever Surfaces Celebration. Taking place on the Surfaces’ second day, Jan. 29, the event is open to both exhibitors and attendees. Sponsored in conjunction with Mannington, Troop called it “a world-class event with food, drink, fun and entertainment.” Headlining the celebration will be the Grammy winning Kool & The Gang. The mainstream R&B, pop music group has sold more than 70 million records worldwide and is most noted for its hits “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Ladies Night,” and “Get Down On It,” to name a few. “It’s a can’t miss event for the entire industry,” Troop added.

Finally, she said officials are working to make sure Surfaces’ conference program is “not outdone by any of the other exciting events. Not only will it feature all new content, it will be bigger than ever with 42 information-packed seminars and workshops. “Key industry leaders will offer their expertise on business, marketing, sales, installation and design to help attendees stay ahead of their competition, increase their bottom line and grow their business. “We are committed to doing everything possible to make the 15th installment of Surfaces the must-attend event for floor covering professionals,” she concluded. Surfaces 2004 is set for Jan. 28 to 30 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more in formation on attending or exhibiting, call Hanley-Wood at 800/547-3477.