Marketed as an international tile and stone event, the makeup of the exhibitor base certainly lived up to its billing. Several countries had a fairly significant presence, most notably Brazil and Portugal, each of which were represented by a pavilion dedicated to manufacturers from their respective countries, many exhibiting in the important New York market for the first time ever. In addition to the national pavilions, many different countries were also represented by individual exhibitors. Ultimately, though, many of the exhibitors were from the Northeast, citing their desire to exhibit “in their backyard.”

As of this magazine's deadline, show management did not release attendance figures, although the numbers appeared to be down from the previous year. “We realize the show did not produce the results we had anticipated, but a lot of that had to do with having the best weather of the summer on the weekend of our show,” said Rich Caires, President of ITSS, who added that the balmy summer afternoons made many potential attendees head for the beaches rather than the exhibit halls. Show management also reported that plans are in place to change the timeframe of the New York version of ITSS and to make other changes to improve the show. “We are committed to putting on a show in the New York market, and our customers want a show in New York,” Caires said, “but we know we have to make some changes to bring this show to where we know it can be. With our four stone industry events - New York, Las Vegas, Miami and recently announced Rio de Janeiro - we are committed to this market and plan to be here for a long time.”

While some exhibitors said they were disappointed with the number of leads generated from their presence, others said they were there more for the exposure and were not unpleased with the end results. “This show is in our backyard, so we cannot afford to be absent,” said Mahesh Patel of Instile, a stone supplier based in Rahway, NJ. “Truthfully, last year we made some decent contacts with customers who we've done some nice business with.”

The show was once again broken down into two areas, one mainly for stone suppliers and the other for machinery and tool suppliers, which included live demonstrations of equipment. This organization of booths helped attendees navigate the show more easily and made it easier to find several suppliers of products in one section of the show floor.

While change is in store for ITSS New York for 2006, show management is confident in its formula and will be unveiling plans for a successful show in 2006. Meanwhile, ITSS Las Vegas will be held in the Mandalay Bay from November 11 to 13, 2005.