The 2015 edition of The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas will once again feature the combination of SURFACES, StoneExpo/Marmomacc Americas and TileExpo, but as is usually the case with the industry’s largest all-encompassing trade show in North America there’s a whole lot more for participants to seek their teeth into.

SURFACES, the flooring-specific part of the market, is once again sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) and takes place Jan. 20 to 23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. It is co-located with the TileExpo show, which made its debut in 2014, and the StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas market, forming a mega event now known as The International Surface Event West, or TISE West.

For 2015, TISE joined forces with four other major building related markets to form Design & Construction Week, giving attendees more offerings than ever before from which to see in order to help plan their year ahead. And, as is usually the case, show management has added to the already abundance of activities at TISE West to ensure it remains the flooring industry’s most influential market when it comes to new products, educational programming and trends.

With so much going on in and around the 2015 show, Matthew Spieler, Editorial Director of BNP’s Flooring Group and Editor of Floor Trends, spoke with Amie Gilmore, director of TISE, about what attendees can expect to see, do and accomplish this year.

FT: You joined forces with four other tradeshows also taking place in Las Vegas to form Design & Construction Week. Can you expand on what this is, why it was done and what can attendees expect to see/get from it?

Gilmore: The shows joined forces to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience to the attendee: One week, five shows, 125,000 attendees, and 4.7 million square feet of exhibit space.

We wanted to give them multiple reasons to attend the events they typically attend as well as visit events they may not usually visit.  They can see products and manufacturers they don’t usually see and gain education knowledge in other areas.

The goal is to make it easy for attendees to go between the shows, making the most of their time in Las Vegas. There is no event like this in the world, so it’s definitely a “do not miss” for all attendees of all shows.

FT: TISE takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. What about the other shows? Where are they being held and how are attendees expected to get to each show?

Gilmore: NAHB International Builders’ Show, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and International Window Coverings Expo are all taking place Jan. 20 to 22 and being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Las Vegas Market is at the World Market Center Las Vegas and takes place Jan. 18 to 22.

There will be shuttles running between all the events. To ensure the service times, attendees should be sure to check the schedules at each event’s website. You can view the TISE Shuttle Schedule at TISEwest.com.

FT: Does an attendee need to register for all the shows or will their badge allow them entry?

Gilmore: We are offering a Design & Construction Week Pass that will allow attendees access to TISE, NAHB International Builders’ Show, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, International Window Coverings Expo and Las Vegas Market. All five shows for one great price. (Editor’s note: From Dec. 6 to Jan. 17, registration for entrance to all five events’ exhibit halls is $100. On-site registration to attend them all is $150. Those just interested in TISE should visit tisewest.com/Attendee/Register as there are numerous options depending on what you want to participate in as well as if you belong to the WFCA, for example.)

FT: Let’s concentrate on TISE. Is this just a show for specialty retail owners and managers to attend? Who else should attend and why?

Gilmore: While we want retailers to attend, we’re also targeting distributors, installers, fabricators, designers, architects, contractors and builders.

With the vast array of products from flooring and installation products, to stone and stone machinery and tools, we have products for all these different groups to see.

Our education program is also geared toward all these groups, with such things as general business and marketing classes, forums for fabricators and very specific architecture and design programs.

Additionally, we have on-floor demos, an installation showcase and classroom style education.

There’s literally something for everyone.

FT: How many total exhibitors are you expecting? What about for just the SURFACES part of the show?

Gilmore: We’re expecting approximately 750 exhibiting companies, which is an increase from last year. At this time, our second level is completely sold out, which is the SURFACES part of the show.

We expect all areas—SURFACES, TileExpo and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas—to grow in size as well as the number of exhibiting companies to increase.

FT: How large will the International Surface Event be in square feet?

Gilmore: Approximately 360,000 square feet.

FT: It looks like there will once again be a number of special areas/pavilions at the show. Can you tell us a little about each one and what attendees can expect to find at them?

Gilmore: Yes, there are a lot of special areas for attendees to gain knowledge and interact with fellow attendees and exhibitors. They include the following:

• The Installation Showcase is a new feature for 2015 and will tackle some of the most common flooring installation issues as well as introduce new techniques and processes during live, how-to demonstrations on the show floor. Top installation experts will demonstrate the latest installation methods for carpet, tile, stone, resilient, hardwood, laminate, mixed media and more.
• The Social Media Lounge will feature short education sessions led by social media experts. Houzz is sponsoring the area and will present several featured mini-sessions.
• Cleaning and Restoration (C&R) Pavilion is back at TISE and exhibitors in this pavilion will demonstrate the latest tools, techniques and technologies for the C&R professionals.
• With more than 25% of our retailers offering products other than flooring, Artisan Avenue will again showcase items other than flooring, such as hand-crafted tile, sinks, cabinets, wall coverings and anything used “above the baseboard.”
• Back by popular demand is Tool Alley, which houses a wide array of tool companies who also have the chance to demonstrate their products first-hand for attendees. Installers shouldn’t miss this area. (Editor’s note: Tool Alley is once again being sponsored by Floor Trends’ sister publication, Floor Covering Installer (FCI).)
• The Product Marketplace is the place to see the latest in new products as well as those that are old-time favorites. Attendees can vote on their favorite products to win the prestigious Best Product of TISE 2015 award. This area is featured in the lobby and attendees can’t miss it.
• Attendees can visit the Trends Hub for a sneak peek into the future and the forecasted consumer trend information. An expansive preview of 2015’s hottest products, colors and textures for interiors make this an essential design destination. Exhibitor products are also incorporated into this trendy area.
• The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) will feature its membership area as well as many manufactures in their booths, showcasing products. This is one of those areas where you don’t want to miss the networking opportunities.
• A variety of mills are displaying sustainable New Zealand wool carpets and rugs of natural beauty and rich color. Visitors can see over 25 companies in this dedicated area.
• Be sure to visit the Stone Pavilion to see the latest in stone-specific exhibitors and better understand the exceptional value and benefits of using natural stone.

FT: From what I understand, there will also be some international pavilions incorporated into TISE. Can you tell us about these?

Gilmore: Over 25 countries are represented on the show floor with manufacturers showcasing many types of products—from stone to carpet to machinery and tools.

Our international pavilions include China and Italy and the Marmomacc Pavilion features exhibitors from India, Italy and Turkey.

FT: Education has always been a major part of this event. What can attendees expect from the 2015 educational component?

Gilmore: The TISE education program is comprised of over 50 sessions and they are broken up along specific tracks to make it easier for people to figure out which classes they want to attend.

These tracks include Architect/Designer/Specifier, Care/Maintenance/Restoration, Fabricator, Retailer/Designer, Builder/Remodeler, Distributor and Installer/Contractor.

The TISE education program is top notch, featuring hot industry topics and led by industry experts. Many of our education presenters are well known in the industry and are experts in their areas of expertise. Some of our speakers include: Jon Namba (FCI’s Editorial Director), Christine Whittemore, Brian Gracon, Duane Naquin, Jim Gould, Lisbeth Calandrino, Mark Woodman, Mike Granatowski and Scott Perron to name a few.

Classes will also once again be offered in a variety of formats, from 60- and 90-minute sessions to those held on the exhibit floor, which vary in time and format.

All sessions qualify for continuing education credits with AIA, IDCEC, ASID, IDC, IIDA, NKBA, AIBD, and/or IICRC. We also feature a multitude of bonus education sessions, certifications, interactive workshops and tours offered by our partners, including MIA, SFA, ICRI, CFI, ACT, NALFA and NWFA.

Attendees can see live education on the show floor during exhibit hours in the Installation Showcase and the many other on-floor demo areas.

FT: You mentioned there are numerous training and learning opportunities beyond the regular educational sessions, with a number of them offering specific certifications. Can you discuss these? Are any of them new?

Gilmore: Yes, we have many returning and some new programs to offer attendees. These include:

• Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) Program: Stand on the sidelines as professional tile installers take their craft to the next level. Stop by and watch them achieve the only tile certifications recognized by the ceramic tile industry.
• CFI Certification: The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) provides real hands-on training in proper flooring installation techniques needed to enhance an installer’s skills.
• Certified Tile Installers (CTI) Certification: Watch talented tile installers prove they have the skill and knowledge necessary to install tile correctly the first time in both wet and dry areas.
• Designer Day: A full day of inspiration filled with captivating products, tours and education. This all-day educational event is a must-attend for interior designers looking to get the scoop on upcoming trends and the newest products available for their clients.
• Designing With Natural Stone: Designing with natural stone at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas gives architects and designers the chance to earn continuing education credits through a full-day program conceived to educate participants about stone design.
• The Experience: Floorcovering Retailer & Inspector Symposium: This three-part event will cover substrates, moisture, installation concerns, major claims categories, new products, troubleshooting, selling skills and even hiring your own inspector.
• International Concrete Repair Institute’s Moisture Testing Technician Certification: This certification program is to help improve the performance of concrete slab moisture testing to result in more consistent, accurate and reliable results that will help flooring manufacturers, architects, engineers and contractors make better decisions as to when a concrete floor is ready for a floor covering installation.
• INSTALL Certification Demonstrations: The INSTALL Carpet and Resilient Certifications will be performed along with a demonstration of the INSTALL/NWFA Wood Certification. INSTALL instructors will host the certifications and be available to assist with the technical questions.
• Marble Institute of America (MIA) Sessions: Attend these free sessions, brought to you by the MIA. These sessions are free to all registered attendees; but space is limited, so register early.
• NALFA Inspector Certification: This is the first course exclusively dedicated to laminate flooring and promoted by the largest North American laminate flooring manufacturers. This course was developed for laminate floor covering inspectors, retail sales personnel and manufacturer claims managers/analysts.
• NWFA Sales Counselor Certification: If you are in the business of selling wood floors, you need every advantage you can get to attract customers and close the deal. NWFA’s NWFACP certification can give you that advantage.
• NFIC Tufted and Woven Wool Training and Certification: Attend the installer training and certification for tufted and woven wools presented by the Natural Fiber Installer Certification to gain that competitive edge.
• Social Media Interactive Workshops: Wondering whether it’s worth your while to be on social media for your business? Confused about how to make it effective? Attend these highly interactive workshops, presented by Christine Whittemore, renowned social media expert, and learn the best practices for effectively using social media for your business.
• Show Floor Tours: These 90-minute, power-packed tours will help attendees navigate the floor and find the must-see products, services and technologies. Top builders and kitchen/bath specialists who have the tours planned with the attendee in mind lead these tours.
• Speed Trending Tours: This walking tour will preview an impressive collection of “on-trend” floor covering, stone and tile products through the eyes of interior designers, specifiers and consumers.
• Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA) MegaWorkshop: This special workshop is free to all registered attendees; space is limited, so register early.
• Tile Installation Demo:Produced by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, this area on the show floor will demonstrate many installation techniques pertaining to tile.
• World Color Palette Report: Color is everywhere—from the metallic finish of an automobile to the aged look of paint. What happens from a color standpoint in one industry impacts another, causing color influences to constantly change.

FT: There also appears to be some new “bonus educational” offerings such as How to Houzz. Can you talk about some of these and why they are being offered?

Gilmore: Attendees as well as exhibitors are using social media more and more to better their business and promote their products. Houzz is gaining popularity within our industries with both attendees and exhibitors alike and who better to talk about this service than Houzz themselves? In addition to hosting the Social Media Lounge, Houzz will have a booth on the show floor for 2015.

When it comes to the How To Houzz course, we will provide a background on Houzz, who is using it and how you can take advantage of it to showcase your work to the more than 20 million unique visitors who use the social media platform every month for home remodeling and design inspiration and information.

FT: How about the Surfaces Master Certification program? Is that continuing?

Gilmore: Absolutely. More and more attendees and exhibitors are enrolling in our education program each year, so the need for professional development is there. The Master Certification is earned by completing at least eight hours of education during TISE. Upon completion, a certificate and a ribbon for the next year’s show badge are earned.

You may recognize attendees who received their Master Certification at the 2014 show by the ribbon on their badge this January.

FT: With so much taking place at the show, not even counting the co-joining of the other tradeshows as part of Design & Construction Week it can be very easy for someone to be overwhelmed—whether you’re first-timer or seasoned veteran of the show. Do you have any suggestions, tips or strategies for how someone should “tackle” the event? And, not just a single person, but what about a company that is bringing multiple people? How should they “attack” the show”?

Gilmore: You are absolutely correct. It is a big show, and for the first-time attendee, they may not know where to start.

We recognize this and for the first time, we are offering 30-minute first-timers orientations. These take place each morning of the show and highlight all the happenings, must see areas and how to plan your day at TISE.

You can RSVP for these sessions during registration. More first timer info can also be found on our website at TISEwest.com/FirstTimersGuideToTISE.

FT: What about lodging? The Mandalay Bay can be pretty expensive for the average person, especially if more than one is coming from a company. Has Hanley Wood made any arrangements with hotels to offer attendees discounts?

Gilmore: As always, we work with our housing company, Travel Planners, to negotiate the lowest rates possible within our housing block. This year, with an estimated 125,000 people attending Design & Construction Week, it’s more important than ever to book your rooms now before they’re all gone.

Visit tisewest.com/Attendee/Travel/Housing to find which hotels are participating partners and the rates they are offering. You can also book your room from this site. There is also information about airlines and rental car companies that are offering special discounts for TISE attendees as well as other information for visitors to help them plan their trip.

FT: The last couple of years Mohawk has held its Western regional winter market in conjunction with Surfaces. Will that be happening again?

Gilmore: Yes, Mohawk is holding its regional product show at TISE 2015. In addition, other Mohawk companies are on the show floor, including Dal-Tile, Quick•Step and Helios.

FT: Hanley Wood is a company that prides itself on running massive trade shows that are also “green” in terms of them being sensitive to the environment. And TISE is no different. In recent years, the show has partnered with organizations such as Mountain Re-Source Center to offer a recycling program for exhibitors and their booth materials. This seems like a pretty successful venture and a win-win for everyone involved?

Gilmore: It definitely is. Each year more exhibitors donate more material after the show to Mountain Re-Source. At the 2014 show, 75 participating exhibitors donated over 100,000 pounds of gently used floor covering, stone and tile product to charitable partners, coordinated by the Mountain Re-Source Center and its subsidiary Outreach, formerly known as Tile Partners for Humanity. We will continue these efforts in hopes to include even more exhibitors this year in this outstanding program.

 

SURFACES, TISE and all of Design & Construction Week will be here before you know it, so now is the time to make your plans to attend not just the industry’s most important market of the year but a week-long affair of building products shows that can help jumpstart your business for 2015. Through the tisewest.com website, Hanley Wood has made it simple and painless to register, reserve a hotel and make travel arrangements, as well as help you map out your schedule for the entire event.

The TISE exhibit hall runs from Jan. 21 to 23, while the educational conference begins Jan. 20 and goes through Jan. 23.

To learn more, visit tisewest.com or call (866) 860-1975.