Surfaces 2010, Feb. 1-4 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, will offer new features and partnerships designed to boost business this year. The show’s opening General Session, “Facing Challenges and Winning: A Retail Power Panel,” slated for 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Feb. 2, will kick off the show as seven retail executives address ways retailers can stay profitable.

This year, Surfaces is also partnering with the Las Vegas Market, the home furnishings show set for Feb. 1-5 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Surfaces will host more than 700 manufacturers showcasing their latest flooring products and accessories. The Las Vegas Market features more than 1,500 exhibitors covering an array of product categories, including flooring and home furnishings.

“We’re extremely excited about this partnership and the numerous opportunities it brings,” said Dana Teague, director of Surfaces. “We view Las Vegas Market as a complementary event to ours. We feel by joining forces we are providing our attendees the opportunity to experience two shows in one week, saving on expenses, which is essential right now.”

“Synergies between the shows will be a great service to exhibitors and attendees alike,” added Philip McKay, sr. vp at World Market Center. “We are excited to further offer a great market experience for these audiences.”

The partnership will include the acceptance of each other’s show registration credentials, along with transportation vouchers and educational session discounts. The deal will continue in 2011, a year that will also bring Surfaces together with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Surfaces 2010 will include a range of educational courses and events targeted to retailers, designers, installers and distributors. Surfaces organizers are planning a Designer Day on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The event will include a keynote luncheon with Kim Myles, host of HGTV’s Myles of Style. The day will also feature a behind the scenes walking tour of the new Encore hotel property in Las Vegas, and a walking tour of Surfaces. Las Vegas Market attendees will receive a 25 percent discount on Designer Day events.

One exhibitor said he was excited about the opportunities at Surfaces 2010. “Surfaces gives us a lot of exposure,” said Blake Cunningham, customer service and sales rep for Beckwith Interiors (Booth #3266). His company will introduce its latest wood flooring and wall applications at the show. “Surfaces allows us to hear the thoughts and concerns of designers and contractors, and it really helps us get our product out there.”

NFT to have large presence at show

Surfaces 2010 will mark the return of National Floor Trends’ annual Styling Excellence Awards. The contest, which aims to honor the best and most innovative new products in the industry, will include manufacturers from across the industry. Showgoers can pick up a ballot at NFT’s booth (#G2634) and vote at the show or online at www.ntlfloortrends.com.

NFT, along with Floor Covering Installer and TILE Magazine, will also sponsor a series of new On-Floor Education events in the Business and Technology, and Installation stages during the show. Other stages will feature the topics Sustainability and Design/Trends. The Business and Technology stage (Booth #1254) will be sponsored by NFT. The Installation stage (Booth #4670) will be sponsored by FCI and TILE.

Additionally, the New Product Showcase will offer showgoers a sneak peak at some of the latest products, and is also sponsored by NFT, FCI and TILE. The Best New Product contest, aimed at honoring the most innovative new product featured in the New Product Showcase, will also return. The contest is sponsored by the three BNP Media magazines.

Finally, NFT will offer the expertise of some of its columnists during the show. Columnist Dave Stafford will host “Expanding Into Commercial Business: What Is Your Next Step?” with Sim Crisler, owner and president of LGM and Associates, 9 a.m. to noon, Feb. 1. Columnist Annette Callari will present “Color Vision 2010,” 8 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 3. Columnist Sam Allman will lead two presentations: “Managing Financials For Business Success,” noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 3., and “Heart and Mind Selling,” 4 to 5:30 p.m. later that day.

For more information, visit www.surfaces.com.