At first glance, the idea of spending nearly a week in Las Vegas to attend the premier flooring show Surfaces along with a host of other retail conventions and supplier events is overwhelming. Looking at my schedule the night before leaving, even I took a deep breath and braced myself for a rigorous six days.
But, as always, I come home with so many important takeaways and in many ways reinvigorated.
High Energy: This year was the most vibrant year since pre-pandemic times. Day one traffic was robust and exhibitors reported strong business. Day two, as always, tapered off a bit but we still felt the energy in the hall.
Story Tellers: There was reasoning and purpose behind most introductions. But also behind other initiatives and investments. We talked with AHF about its house of brands and full hard surface portfolio. As well, various technologies were touted along with design capabilities.
Staking Sustainability Claims: Sustainability is a hot topic. And not just supplier to retail customer but throughout the show floor as claims were questioned or confirmed. We talked with HMTX’s Harlan Stone, for example, about circularity and its new SRP product using i4F technology. Nox too put an exclamation point on its sustainable story as did others throughout the show including our own GreenStep Sustainability Lounge in partnership with TISE.
Preparation is Everything: Smart exhibitors and attendees used the show to prepare themselves for when the soft market cycles back to more robust times. As AHF’s Brian Carson told us, “If you aren’t moving forward, you’re moving backward.”
Business Unusual: Companies looked to diversify product portfolios, go-to market strategies and customer base. Turning a back on the “same old same old,” it’s clear that it is time to spread your wings — look to expand products, markets and customers.
Team Players: On and off the show floor, FCW spent time with various flooring teams throughout the industry proving the power of teamwork and partnerships. We love seeing the CALI group together sharing a unified vision for the lifestyle brand. And our friends at Mohawk were arms linked to kick the show off right with their opening evening event and then hosting breakfast for Women in the Floorcovering Industry.
Taking the Stage: There were also numerous education sessions to take in as well as awards given. In fact, the day before the show officially opened was the Women’s Leadership Conference that put together panels and speakers taking the lead in the industry. As well, FCEF made sure Surfaces attendees understood and supported the work the non-profit is doing to make a difference in installation. At the WFCA booth, a crowd gathered as Kathy Young, retired from Shaw, was awarded its Luminary Award.
Social Butterflies: This industry works hard and plays hard. It’s a balance that sometimes teeters one way or the other but I, for one, love those moments running into a friend, catching up and maybe having a glass of wine. Showroom-to-showroom, event-to-event, we all logged in miles and miles each day and, for the most part, loved it! From Karndean at Ole’ Red to Schönox at SkyFall, Metroflor at The Foundation Room and IFC at Ri’ Ra’, I’m only disappointed that, even after a week in Vegas, there wasn’t enough time.
Business Ahead: And of course, there was a lot of talk about the start of the year and where we see things going. In a nutshell — things finished soft, started soft and will likely remain so for the first half of this year. Then the cycle will turn and things will speed up bringing us into what is expected to be a strong 2025.
When all is said and done, I wouldn’t change a thing about how the new year gets started. Forget the legs and feet that feel like garbage; the voice that’s gone hoarse; and the sometimes brutal time change — Surfaces is the place to be every January.