Dallas, Texas -- The International Surface Event (TISE): SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomac | TileExpo recently welcomed Dana Hicks as the new show director for the event. After 19 years of service to the flooring, stone, and tile industry through events, promotions, sponsorships, and community involvement, TISE says goodbye to Amie (Gilmore) Gonzalez as she transitions the event to Hicks. The change comes as Informa Markets’ need for seasoned, show-leading professionals increases due to growth in large-scale events in the company’s event portfolio.

Hicks has a strong background in the events space with almost 30 years dedicated to the trade, previously serving for 10 years in hospitality and events with Marriott International, followed by 17 years in the tradeshow arena, ending as the vice president of events vice president of events for Informa Markets/Virgo where he led a top portfolio event in the food ingredient sector. His recent venture for the past two years was into the world of surface materials, working as a design consultant at Baker Bros in the Phoenix market, focusing on sales and fulfillment of all residential flooring. Hicks’s background in events, degree in design, and connection and understanding of the flooring industry, made him the perfect choice to continue to steer the TISE event.

“I look forward to meeting the industry this year at TISE in January," said Hicks. "I plan to work closely with Amie to understand the vision and needs of the space the event serves and am excited to affect positive change that will take the current success of TISE and grow upon it. I welcome input from the industry, so please feel free to reach out and connect with me.”

TISE also would like to thank Gonzalez for her commitment and dedication to the industry. Gonzalez has spent tens of thousands of hours over 19 years planning, working with the team, building networks and friendships, and serving industry professionals, all with the purpose of making sure the industry’s goals, needs, and expectations were met by TISE at the highest possible level of excellence. She has now transitioned to a large commercial cleaning and restoration event within the Informa Markets portfolio, allowing her knowledge and skills to be used to nurture and grow her new event.

“I would like to thank the industry for making me feel like family. It’s been an honor to serve the professionals, the manufacturers, and the associations and partners to this industry," said Gonzalez. "I look forward to working with Hicks on the transition for the next six months, and to seeing everyone at TISE 2020 this year.”

For more information, visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com.