Dallas—“It’s never too early to start planning for Surfaces,” said Michelle
Troop, senior show director. “The industry’s main event has more products,
services, a bigger selection of suppliers and better opportunities for floor
covering professionals. And now, it’s easier than ever to make arrangements for
the trade show. “Surfaces Online Housing opened in July,” she explained, “but is
already running 43% ahead of last year. We are on pace to have one of the
biggest shows to date. Since our phones have been ringing off the hook with
people anxious to register for Surfaces, we expect registration to take off at
the same pace as housing did.”
Registration and housing arrangements are now live and can be completed
online at www.surfacesexpo.com The year’s online attendee registration form has
been modified to make it easier to sign up for the show. Attendees who register
for Surfaces by Dec. 30 get free exhibits admission and discounted pricing on
conferences and events. For the best deals on housing, airfare and car rental,
attendees should sign up as soon as possible, noted Troop. “There are a variety
of hotel prices to accommodate every budget, plus discounts are available on the
Web site for airfare and car rentals for added savings. Hotel rooms are going
fast with housing reservations 40% ahead of this time last year, it is important
to book housing now while the greatest selection is still available.”
Attendees will find more to see and do at this Surfaces than any other, she
explained. “With more exhibiting companies and increased product introductions,
attendees will have more choices to fill their stores with and keep up with
consumer demand. No other event will give attendees this many different product
categories offered by so many different manufacturers. The options have never
been bigger.” Lower Prices An added bonus at this year’s show will be lower
pricing on the Surfaces 2005 Conference Program, which has 41 information-packed
sessions that take place throughout the event. As competition heats up, so does
demand for the latest information on how to succeed, Troop noted. “These
‘must-attend’ sessions fill up quickly, so sign up now while all your options
are still available. With lower prices, it’s more affordable than ever to take
advantage of the best education in the industry. Attendees who register by Dec.
30 will save as much as $175.”
Pre-show workshops take place Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2
p.m. to 5 p.m. Seminars are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 26 and Thursday, Jan.
27 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 28 from 8
a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Surfaces’ all-new format for Town Hall will bring an exciting,
controversial topic to life for attendees. Industry veterans will tackle “Who’s
Moving In Next Door And What Are They Doing To Take Your Business?” Find out how
retailers can combat big boxes and other groups in their quest to take all
consumer business, noted Troop.
Those who register by Dec. 30 will get in for $10. Many other events are
planned, including the In- stallation Showcase, which will feature live, how-to
demonstrations on the show floor. All aspects of installation will be showcased.
It is sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA) and International
Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) and is free with exhibits
admission. Surfaces 2005 will take place Jan. 26 to 28 at the Sands Expo &
Convention Center in Las Vegas. For complete details, visit the Web site or call
800/547-3477. —Louis Iannaco
