DALLAS -- Organizers of Surfaces 2002, the floor covering industry’s biggest trade event, say that the upcoming edition of the show will be even bigger and feature a greater variety of exhibitors than Surfaces 2001.

The event is scheduled for Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.

According to show owner Hanley-Wood LLC, Surfaces, which set new record highs at the 2001 event, is slightly ahead of pace over last year in terms of exhibitors and net square footage. The 2002 show could see close to 950 exhibiting companies. To date, more than 80 new companies have signed up to exhibit at Surfaces, with many more expected.

Net square feet of exhibit space is also higher than last year at this time -- attendees can expect more than 500,000 net square feet -- with the largest increases emanating from tile and stone manufacturers.

“This continued support and growth of Surfaces confirms its position as the industry event,” says Michelle Troop, show director. “No other event offers the strategic timing for manufacturers to launch their products, which is why we’re seeing the increases in the number of exhibiting companies and the amount of space they are taking in the show.”