Organizers of the annual Surfaces trade show said 90% of the exhibit space at next year's meeting has already been claimed by 640 companies. The pace of sign-ups for the show, scheduled for Feb.1-3, 2006 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, is 5% greater than last year that this time, according to Hanley Wood Exhibitions which produces the show in conjunction with the World Floor Covering Association.
"We only hope we will have enough room for every company that wants to exhibit this year!" said senior show director, Michelle Troop, who noted that returning companies are also generally seeking larger exhibit areas. In addition, there has also been a 12% increase in the number of new companies set to exhibit, according to Hanley Wood.
Show organizers noted that the demand for exhibit space is being fueled by the growing number of companies from outside the U.S. Including exhibitors from Eastern Europe and Latin America as well as those from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Asia.
Interest in the show is also being driven by efforts to build ancillary business beyond the floor. The show next year will once again include a Window/Wall Coverings Pavilion aimed at encouraging floor covering retailers to explore profit centers beyond flooring.
In addition, the Installation Showcase, featuring live how-to demonstrations on the show floor, will return.
Organizers say they the number of exhibitors will exceed 1,000 and that more than 40,000 retailers, builders, architects, designers, distributors and installers on hand for the show. For more information on exhibiting at or attending the show, visit www.Surfaces.com or call 800-547-3477 or 972-536-6400.
