In addition to the large number of companies returning to Surfaces, new exhibitors are signing up faster than ever before. With over 200 new companies booked in the show at press time, attendees will not only see the new lines their current suppliers are showing, but they will see a multitude of new products and services that have never been offered before. “We are very pleased to be able to offer attendees so many new options this year,” said Michelle Troop, Senior Show Director for Surfaces. “With consumers demanding more choices these days, retailers who attend Surfaces will be able to keep up with that demand and distinguish themselves from their competition.”

With the availability of added exhibit space this year, even more of the world will be participating in the 2004 event. Close to 200 international companies are scheduled to exhibit, many of which are first-time exhibitors. This is a 24% increase over the 2003 event. For the first time, countries such as Austria, Egypt, Japan, Korea and the Netherlands will be represented.

Booth space isn't the only area of Surfaces 2004 experiencing increases. Attendees are registering for the show at record pace, organizers report. Close to 40,000 retailers, manufacturers, dis-tributors, architects, designers, builders and installers are expected to attend Surfaces to see all the new product introductions, gain key knowledge at the Conference Program and network with exhibitors and their peers.

The Surfaces 2004 Conference Program will address topics such as installation challenges, moisture and mold, working with tile and customer service. Five targeted tracks - marketing, business, sales, design and installation - allow attendees to choose courses that focus on the key areas of their businesses that need additional direction.

Workshops, which take place on Tuesday, January 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., are in-depth, focused sessions that take place the day before the exhibit hall opens. Seminars take place Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, January 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Any attendee who registers for and attends three or more pre-show workshops and/or seminars will get an Official Surfaces 2004 Conference Kit. The kit contains a bag, portfolio and pen.

The official sponsor of Surfaces is the WFCA, the floor covering industry's largest advocacy organization rep-resenting floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America. Surfaces is owned by Hanley-Wood, LLC a business-to-business media network serving North America's residential and commercial construction industries. For more information on Surfaces 2004, call 800-547-3477 or 972-536-6400 or visit www.SurfacesExpo.com.

Sidebar:
Stone and related exhibitors at Surfaces 2004