The planning for The International Surface Event (TISE) | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas | TileExpo 2016, which will take place Jan. 19 to 22 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, is beginning with the call for presentations to industry professionals who want to share their insight and business expertise as presenters for the TISE education program.

The education program will present the latest topics and trends in the floor covering, stone and tile industries. Presenters with in-depth industry knowledge and passion for sharing information are encouraged to submit a proposal, whether an industry veteran or an emerging professional.
 
“Our goal is to create a trusted platform for floor covering, stone and tile professionals to obtain valuable, relevant and accredited education and to advance their skill-set, know-how and personal growth,” said Jennifer Hughes, TISE's education manager. “We’re also looking to incorporate several new formats in the 2016 program including more peer-to-peer roundtables for networking and idea exchange as well as brown bag lunch sessions.”
 
Submissions should focus on applications-oriented, real world topics. The primary audience of the education program includes retailers, contractors, fabricators, distributors, installers, designers, architects and builders. Sessions will contain timely, practical information that can be immediately implemented either professionally or personally. 
 
In order to pinpoint the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the industry and address applicable education needs of attendees, an Education Advisory Council is assembled each year. Comprised of individuals with a vested interest in improving the overall industry through education and training, each member brings their unique perspective from the field they represent. This collaboration brings together balanced, well-informed and structured educational ideas.
 
To help with the 2016 education program TISE officials announced new members to its Education Advisory Council:

• Alex Bachrach, group publisher, Stone World, TILE, Floor Trends, Floor Covering Installer, Contemporary Stone & Tile Design

• Bart Bettiga, executive director, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation

• Brian Gracon, owner and president, Brian Gracon & Associates 

• Jay Jacobs, national sales manager, Congoleum Corp.

• Brett Miller, vice president, education and certification, National Wood Flooring Association

The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, March 13. Click here for the call for presentations form. Questions may be directed to Hughes at jennifer.hughes@informa.com or (972) 536-6320.