Did you go? If not, why? You go to regional markets because of an affiliation with a supplier, and that's certainly important to your business. You have a responsibility to that supplier if it helps you. But in my opinion these venues do not give you a true taste of the entire market. Or industry. For that you have to be at Surfaces, which exposes you to the world of floor covering.

Not only are all the large U.S. suppliers there, but also manufacturers from all over the world. This year China was more visibly represented than ever. And how can you afford to miss the major push into the residential market by companies like Bentley Prince Street, Milliken, Dixie Group, Gulistan, Kraus, Royalty, Supreme, Monticello and others that offer products you'll never see at dedicated regional markets?

Beaulieu, the largest carpet manufacturer exhibiting at Surfaces, rolled out an abundance of new and innovative products. And if you're not doing business with it you should be because it gets better and better at what it does while offering you a great alternative.

On top of that is the sizeable numbers of manufacturers offering specials you can really make some money and open a new supply chain with. This supply stream comes in handy during slow times. Someone is always looking for a deal, and if you have cash-and-carry product to sell you'll find that someone at Surfaces.

Suppliers of accessories such as unique floor vents, stone, mural insets, glass flooring, adhesives, tools, you name it, can also be found at Surfaces. Where else is there so much profit opportunity in one place?

If you're diversifying your business- and you should be- you won't find a better opportunity than Surfaces to locate items that can add more profit to your operation. A small, unaffiliated flooring retailer can't afford not to come to Surfaces. Why would you want your customers to be denied the latest floor covering products and accessories? Even in the smallest markets consumers want the latest products the industry has to offer- things they see on the Internet, in shelter magazines and on HGTV.

Surfaces has definitely improved with more elaborate displays, better selections and unique product offerings. The lower level of this show is a goldmine of product, including things you won't see anywhere else- tools, unique flooring materials, fixtures, cabinetry, software, new technologies, specialty woods and hard surface flooring and a boat-load of items to increase business function and profitability. All the trade organizations are there, as are the trade press and dignitaries of the industry.

And the chance to educate one's self on the floor covering industry in so many ways doesn't exist anywhere else in the world. I believe if you are going to participate in the floor covering industry you should be at Surfaces regardless of regional shows. Even a small presence by Shaw, Mohawk and Armstrong is warranted. This is the 'Big Top' of the industry- our showcase- and everyone should participate.

The best thing about Surfaces, in my opinion, is the 'face time.' Getting to see and be with the industry- friends, acquaintances and meeting new people- is fantastic. Nowhere else do you have that opportunity.

Why not attend the LGM Carpet Seminar in Dalton on April 2, 3 and 4? Call Anita at 706.370.5888 to register. Nothing else like it exists.