Surfaces, StonExpo to launch together in 2011

Hanley Wood Exhibitions announced that StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and Surfaces will be held together beginning January 2011. Both exhibitions will be held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Jan. 26-28, 2011, with conferences beginning on Jan. 25, 2011.

The shows will continue to offer separate conference programs focusing on the unique needs of each trade, Hanley Wood added. The two events will also have separate entrances into the exhibit hall, but attendees will be free to visit exhibits for both shows.

"The decision to co-locate StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and Surfaces was made for several reasons," stated Dana Teague, show director for Surfaces and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas. "Combining the two events will allow the stone industry and the flooring industry unparalleled education and networking opportunities as well as exposure to the largest product selection of any show of its kind. Also, moving StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas to late January gives those exhibitors who also take part in Marmomacc in Verona, Italy, the chance to catch their breath before heading to Las Vegas."

In the last several years, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas has experienced a steady increase in attendees and an expansion of exhibit offerings to include more natural stone as well as alternative surfaces, according to Hanley Wood.

"The Marble Institute is supportive of the decision to co-locate StonExpo with Surfaces beginning in 2011," said Gary Distelhorst, CAE, exec vp and CEO of the Marble Institute of America. "We feel this provides an incredible opportunity for StonExpo exhibitors to get exposure to the approximately 25,000 attendees at Surfaces, as well as a great opportunity for StonExpo registrants to visit the Surfaces trade show and meet new suppliers, see new products, and obtain new knowledge. In today's world of needing to be nimble and innovative, the co-location of StonExpo and Surfaces seems to me to be a home run."

As the Official sponsor of Surfaces, the World Floor Covering Association said it welcomes the move. "Year after year Surfaces broadens its product scope to encompass everything the consumer is looking for when building or purchasing a new home," noted Chris Davis, WFCA's president and CEO. "This co-location is a natural progression for the show and will only enhance and strengthen the commitment Surfaces has for the entire industry. We're glad to have StonExpo join us in 2011 and look forward to working together in making both shows a huge success."

For more information on StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, visitwww.stonexpo.com. For more information on Surfaces, visitwww.surfaces.com.