Before anyone goes crazy, first let me say, yes, I understand this has been a tough year, much tougher than just about anyone thought it would be after the way 2013 finished.
Gauging an inaugural event, especially a trade show, can be a difficult thing, as there is nothing to which it can be compared other than the expectations of all the parties involved—the show’s owners/promoters, exhibitors and attendees.
There was a time when Starnet’s fall meetings were intimate affairs—not any more as the most recent event drew 300 people for three-days of education and networking opportunities.
For many, the thought of holding a retail convention in Maui, Hawaii, would be considered folly, as most would figure everyone who shows up would spend their entire time at the beach and not be interested in working.
While the number of flooring companies was noticeably down at this year’s Greenbuild in New Orleans it was still clearly evident the industry as a whole remains a leader in this area.
The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) and Floor Installation Association of North America (FIANA) recently held their first, and only, joint convention in New Orleans.
When it comes to buying groups, franchises or co-ops, conventions are generally the one way for the corporate entity to gather the members in one location and lay out the company’s agenda for the next six to 12 months.
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.
