The three-day event flowed as smoothly as any of the previous exhibitions, and perhaps more so. The atmosphere and freshness of New Orleans lent a revitalizing energy to the show, helping to create one of the most enjoyable exhibition experiences yet for the floor covering industry in 2001. The enthusiasm for all things local may have been best exemplified by Mapei, which organized a parade through the city streets, complete with Dixieland jazz band and a host of colorful characters.