Tradeshow Report

(Feb. 7, 2008)

THE FLOORING INDUSTRY TAKES LAS VEGAS BY STORM

K&A Recaps the 2008 Surfaces Show

K&A hit the trade show floor running recently at the 2008 Surfaces Show. The show ran from January 30-February 1, and was held at the Sands Expo and Conference Center. Surfaces is the largest flooring show in the country with over 40,000 in attendance each year. Every type of floor covering imaginable was featured from carpet, rugs, hardwood and tile, to stone, marble and specialty flooring.  The crowded show packed two giant conference halls as well as a new product pavilion showcasing the very best of the industry.

The hottest trend seen on the show floor this year was green. The flooring industry is capitalizing on this movement and what it means to homeowners, and businesses alike. Market giants such as Shaw, Anderson and Dal-Tile all took the time to inform show goers of their many green initiatives. Furthermore, green benefits were seen throughout the conference with colorful posters, banners, and on product handouts.

Wood flooring companies were in abundance illustrating their many diverse types of woods. From bamboo to cork to reclaimed lumber, there were a multitude of species, hardness, and thicknesses to choose from. Environmental benefits were again apparent in these exotic types of flooring as all companies are striving to create a more sustainable environment. An exceptional example of the ever growing green trend was seen with a Dalton, Ga based company called Natural Cork. They pride themselves on being the first green cork and bamboo company in the industry as they recognized early on how important of a mission this was.

Resilient flooring companies were also a hot item at the show. Companies such as Nafco by Tarkett are among the leaders of this new trend of providing a hard surface look in a more flexible option. Faux wood and tile were also among the most asked for items. These types of flooring are ideal for high traffic areas as they are low maintenance and very durable.

Another major attention getter at the show was the new Hand-Crafted Tile Pavilion. Made up of 15 companies, this pavilion allowed attendees to gain a better understanding of why hand-crafted tile is becoming one of the most highly demanded products on the market today.  Adagio Art Glass, Eco Domo, and Winchester Tile Company were among the companies apart of the exhibition area.

Surfaces was a great time for all those in attendance and K&A is already looking forward to next year’s show being held February 3- 5. See you next year in Vegas!


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