Having weathered an avalanche of bad financial news and witnessed a sharp drop in sales, people in the flooring business will have plenty on their minds during our industry’s most important event. But, as the show begins, I want to make a modest proposal: Let’s try and keep Surfaces--the entire show floor, the workshops and meeting rooms--free from needless griping and complaining (or kvetching as they say in Yiddish). A dour mood is contagious and it accomplishes nothing; and believe me, there is much to be done at Surfaces ‘09. 

Having weathered an avalanche of bad financial news and witnessed a sharp drop in sales, people in the flooring business will have plenty on their minds during our industry’s most important event. But, as the show begins, I want to make a modest proposal: Let’s try and keep Surfaces--the entire show floor, the workshops and meeting rooms--free from needless griping and complaining (or kvetching as they say in Yiddish). A dour mood is contagious and it accomplishes nothing; and believe me, there is much to be done at Surfaces ‘09.

Even if the future seems murky, standing still is not an option. Hand wringing is not a strategy. Those who skip Surfaces this year to save money are as shortsighted as a farmer who fails to re-seed. The seeds that can help a floor covering business flourish include compelling products, business know-how and useful industry contacts. All three can be found in every corner of Surfaces.

Many of you will point out that sluggish sales have clogged the supply pipeline. Retailers frequently say they can’t sell what they have in stock. But it would be a huge mistake to neglect the many new products at this show. There is a new generation of flooring (as well as in-store displays) that has been engineered to specifically address the demands of a changing marketplace. This is why we are once again co-sponsoring the New Product Pavilion at the show (which is where our exhibit is located). It is also why we will again honor standout products with our Styling Excellence Awards (be sure to cast your vote at our exhibit). There are many new things at this show that will help distinguish you from your competitors..

Just a few eye catching examples: USFloors’ new Natural Bamboo Wovens features bamboo with a weave of cork to skillfully blend two popular Green products. EcoTekTiles being debuted by Ustek include a built-in underlayment beneath the top surface tile. They are a snap to install, easy to replace and look very much like real marble, cork or wood. Kradal Flooring has a new resilient floor specifically designed to reduce slip and fall injuries that is targeted directly at older folks and their caregivers. Formica Flooring’s new laminate Bellezza Botticino in Classic Dark is a beautiful natural stone with a dramatic mirror finish. Also, a personal favorite: Mannington has added Urbanite, a resilient floor that looks like the tile seen in old subway stations. The company is also launching a hardwood display system that gives dealers maximum flexibility (hence the name UltraFlex). It is just one of a number of display systems debuting at the show made in response to dealer concerns about showroom merchandising.

Then there are the opportunities to learn. The show on Tuesday begins at 8:30 a.m. with the first-ever General Session (at the Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom). Titled Prevailing Through the Current Crisis-An Industry Wake-Up Call!, it will include the perspective of six top executives: Rainer Blair of MAPEI of Americas; Ralph Boe of Beaulieu of America; Tom Davis of Mannington Mills; Tom Lape of Mohawk Residential; Randy Merritt of Shaw Industries; and Frank Ready of Armstrong.

Also, I am proud to say a number of NFT columnists will be leading sessions. Our retail expert Warren Tyler will teach showgoers his “POW! ZAP! Supercharge Your Sales!” method (Feb 3 at noon). Designs in Style columnist Annette Callari will cover “Interpreting Generational Marketing Trends”  (Feb. 4 at  noon). Also, our resilient flooring guru, Ray Thompson Jr., will discuss “Common Types of Installation Failures” (Feb. 5 at 8 a.m.).

Another highlight: Phil Johnson, group publisher for NFT, FCI and TILE, will moderate the panel (Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.), Green From Wall Street to Main Street -- It is Not a Passing Fad. Included is an impressive panel: Dave Kitts, Mannington’s vp environment; Rick Ramirez, vp sustainability and environmental affairs for Shaw; and Anderson’s ceo, Don Finkell.

These are only a few highlights of Surfaces this year. And let’s not forget the opportunities for networking with peers. So, whether you are brainstorming with colleagues, learning new tricks of the trade or identifying some wonderful new products, don’t despair and don’t lament your current position. If you are in Las Vegas for Surfaces, you are in exactly the right place.