The strong, lyrical notes of a saxophone chimed in with the low tones of a double bass, heralding the start of what was already looking to be a Surfaces show like no other. Downstairs on the venue's lower level, two men on stilts -- dressed to the nines in tuxedos and top hats -- smiled and waved at attendees, helping those that were lost to find their way to the show's various seminar presentations.
Attendees that were already armed with show floor maps made their way into the convention hall. People were constantly looking up at the signs for various booths -- some of them so large and distinct that they would be virtually impossible to miss.