The Trends Hub was a high-traffic area on the show floor featuring the best “on trend” products for 2013. Several exhibiting companies participated in this area by displaying their newest products in framed sample boards on the walls of the Trends Hub along with trend boards featuring the hottest colors and textures. Attendees relaxed in the R&D Laboratory themed space and listened to featured designers in 15-minute “Live in the Hub” presentations, which revealed a round-up of the trends and products. Victoria Redshaw of Scarlet Opus, a leading trends forecaster in the United Kingdom, conceptualized and designed the Trends Hub.
The New Product Marketplace returned with a new location in the Bayside Lobby and featured a sampling of the newest products for attendees to browse through before making their way to the manufacturers’ booths for additional information. Floor Trends, TILE Magazine and Stone World sponsored the New Product Marketplace. A new voting process was introduced in 2013 allowing attendees to cast their vote via text message. SURFACES’ Best New Product of 2013 was awarded to Tile Redi for their product, Redi Trench. StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas’ Best New Product of 2013 was awarded to Omni Cubed for their product, Pro-Cart AT2 All-Terrain Countertop Installation Cart.
The Cleaning and Restoration Pavilion was another hot spot on the floor as The Experience hosted several daily demonstrations on the cleaning and restoration of both hard and soft-surface flooring. In addition, The Experience held their Floor Covering Symposium in conjunction with SURFACES on Monday and Tuesday during the show. The symposium was presented by Textile Consultants and LGM & Associates.
The CAGE, presented by Stone Fabricator’s Alliance, returned featuring hands-on testing, new products in the fabrication industry, as well as reliable favorites. Multiple demonstrations were presented daily for attendees to watch and source new products.
StoneLIVE Stadium, presented by GranQuartzwas a StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas show floor favorite. Attendees were able to grab a drink and take a seat on the bleachers while watching all of The CAGE’s demos streamed live on big screen televisions.
Designer Day was extended in 2013 tooffer two inspiring days filled with captivating products, tours and education helping designers become more familiar with the latest styles, colors, trends and inner-workings of the floor covering and stone industries.
Highlights included designer luncheons with celebrity designers Erinn Valencich, sponsored by QuickStep, and John Gidding, as well as exclusive tours of The 2013 New American Home led by Blue Heron and The M Resort Spa & Casino led by Marnell Architecture. Victoria Redshaw and Shelley Pond of Scarlet Opus took participants on speed trending tours of the show floor, introducing them to some of the hottest product trends for 2013 and Mark Woodman, President of Color Marketing Group, shared design tips and international trends.
Designing with Natural Stone, a day of continuing education for building design professionals, hosted by Marmomacc, educated architects and designers about the use of natural stone in building projects. The day included a tour of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, educational sessions, and a guided walking tour of the show floor.
The Mobile App, sponsored by FCA Network, received a positive response for the second year from exhibitors and attendees. The free app allowed attendees to quickly find exhibitors, seminars, speaker information, and more from iPhones, iPads, Androids and Blackberry devices. Users were also able to connect to Facebook and Twitter feeds, hotel/transportation options, local restaurants and more.
Save the Date
Planning for SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2014 has already begun, which will take place January 27-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada USA.
For information on exhibiting at or attending SURFACES 2014, visit www.Surfaces.com or call 800.547.3477 or 972.536.6400.
For information on exhibiting at or attending StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2014, visit www.StonExpo.comor call 800.547.3477 or 972.536.6434.
