Keeping in line with predictions that 2011 will be a turnaround for building (and the wood flooring industry, in turn), exhibitors at this year's Surfaces flooring trade show said the event was a success, painting a picture of general optimism and improved business over the difficult conditions experienced in recent years.
One person who was convinced of the success of this year's show was Peter Connor, president of W.D. Flooring (Laona, Wis.).
"This year's Surfaces show was unequivocally the best show we have had since 2004 and perhaps the best Surfaces ever," he said. "We signed up a host of new distributors and we re-engaged distributors whom had fallen by the wayside for one reason or another."
Other companies reported receiving good sales leads during the show.
"With the quality of leads for us, and the discussions that we had, hopefully we will reap some rewards," said John Lio, marketing manager of Dri-Tac Flooring Products' (Clifton, N.J.) adhesive group. "It was definitely a successful show; we had some great product introductions," he added.
And yet other people said they were overwhelmed by the attendance.
"We ran out of some of our literature; we ran out of our giveaways," said Diane Choate, public relations specialist at MAPEI (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). "There were more people than we expected to be here."
"The show was fantastic," said NWFA Executive Director Ed Korczak. "Attendance was up over last year; we had good, steady traffic; and the most important thing is that the attitude of the buyer is back. The industry is going to be strong, and everybody is going positive. We're going to have a terrific 2011."
For the first time, this year's show was held concurrently with StonExpo | Marmomacc Americas, a leading stone trade show, and some said the diversification of attendees was beneficial. "It was good that the show was held along with Marmomacc and StonExpo," MAPEI's Choate said. "We got some exposure to companies and customers that we probably wouldn't have seen at Surfaces alone." During the combined show's opening session, Garis Distelhorst, executive vice president & CEO of the Marble Institute, said he hopes the shows will continue to be held concurrently.
Next year's Surfaces will be held Jan. 23-26 at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay.
