By Louis Iannaco
For the first time ever, Surfaces, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas at the Sands Expo & Convention Center from Feb. 2 to 5, is featuring a 7,500-square-foot pavilion that will exhibit the hottest in specialty floor covering products as well as products “above the baseboard.”

Just one of many firsts slated for this year’s show, the never-before-seen showcase will include decorative concrete, handcrafted tile, countertops, window and wall coverings, as well as many other products consumers are demanding, noted Dana Teague, show director, Surfaces. The pavilion will also feature daily product demonstrations presented by Mapei, Custom Building Products, INSTALL, Forbo and others. Mapei’s Jeff Johnson and Sam Biondo will present “Ideas You Can Build Your Dreams On,” which will feature common installation products that can create exciting visuals in wood flooring, concrete countertops and exterior surfaces.

INSTALL and Forbo will present “Getting Creative with Resilient,” a demonstration focusing on design installation for resilient flooring, while Dale Roberts and Danny MacNair will present “Stone, Glass & Metals (Exotic Materials) Installations,” a program providing information for successful installation of stone, glass and metal.

Surfaces 2009 will also mark the debut of Surfaces-Connect, a complimentary online networking tool designed to help “you make the most of your show experience,” she said. “With Surfaces-Connect, you can identify and connect with exhibitors you would like to meet; make appointments with exhibitors; search and find companies, products, services and seminars that interest you; learn which exhibitors will have show specials, new products and more; create an agenda that includes your show plans, and so much more.”

The market will also feature the Wynn Tour with Roger Thomas. Scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., this very exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Wynn Las Vegas with Thomas, executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, will allow participants to see what makes the hotel the standard for luxury and design elegance.

As visitors walk through the property, Thomas will discuss his artistic vision, material selections and creative process leading to completion of one of the world’s finest five-star properties. As this is an off-site activity, those interested in attending will meet at the Parasol Lounge at Wynn Las Vegas. Space is very limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register early.

Education day/program

The pre-show Education Day featuring several workshops on Monday, Feb. 2, will be highlighted by “A Comprehensive Review of Caret and Installation Failure,” featuring FCNews “Claims File” columnist Lew Migliore. Scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to noon, attendees will view the various steps in the manufacturing process of fiber to the finished product, as well as learn about installation failures and how to prevent them.

“Tips to Keep More of Your Own Money from the Government—Legally!” which will feature speaker Bart Basi, author of FCNews’ “Financial” column, is part of the show’s Education Program. Participants of the class, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., will learn about proper financial management, and how to better forecast, maneuver and strategize in order to keep their taxes to a minimum.

Also on Tuesday, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Beaulieu of America’s Patricia Flavin will discuss, “Marketing to the Ultimate Power Consumer: Women.” Attendees will learn ways to communicate their marketing messages effectively and how to simplify the shopping experience.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., speakers Paul Frederichsen and FCNews columnist Scott Perron will address, “Advertising to Survive—Act Like An Ad Expert.” Attendees will learn how they can get the most out of their radio, television and print advertising dollars.

Also on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from noon to 1 p.m., Perron will anchor “R2R—Prospecting for Profit,” a session which will examine the development of leads, ascertaining customers’ needs, becoming a service representative, and obtaining referrals and developing networking opportunities. All retailers are encouraged to attend this informative session.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Dewey Taylor, Ray Thompson and Migliore will present “Common Types of Installation Failures,” which will share ideas, discuss best practices and the challenges professionals face daily in the industry.

Many workshops and seminars in the 2009 Education Program qualify participants for certification through ASID, IIDA, IICRC, CFI, WFCA and other organizations. These Continuing Education Units (CEU/CES) can help win jobs. Certification of completion is available upon request.

New kids on the block

In addition to the returning veterans to the show, Surfaces will also serve as the official debut for many new companies. More than 80 manufacturers and/or importers are brand new to the show and will feature products never before seen.

“We’re very excited about all the new companies coming into the show this year,” Teague said. “As Surfaces continues to bring in these new companies and their new products, our attendees will continue to find the latest products and technologies that they can’t find anywhere else.”

Another exciting addition to the show is the India Pavilion, Global Expo India. This new pavilion will feature 20 exhibiting companies in 2,400 square feet in the International Pavilion located in the upper exhibition hall.

For more on Surfaces and its educational program, call 800.547.3477.