Hanley Wood: Surfaces 85% Sold Out

Dallas, TX, July 20-- Sales for Surfaces 2005 are under way and the event is poised to be one of the biggest shows to date, according to Hanley Wood Exhibitions, the owner of the floor covering industry’s largest trade show. Hanley Wood said that demand for exhibit space is high and the show is already 85% sold out. This is a 5% increase over this time last year, with pending contracts expected to substantially increase the percentage of sales over the previous year. “Preliminary indications point to another exceedingly successful Surfaces trade show for 2005,” says Chris Davis, CEO, World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). “Business is solid, optimism is high and is likely to sustain into the foreseeable future. All levels of the distribution channel are reporting healthy results and plans are in place for new product introductions and innovative marketing initiatives. “The steady increase in exhibitors wanting to be a part of Surfaces is a clear signal the show is expected to deliver results and enhance its position as the premier marketing event for the floor covering industry." In addition, many companies already on board for Surfaces 2005 have either increased their exhibit space over previous years or have decided to return to Surfaces after an absence from the event. As a result, Surfaces is on track to have a much bigger show in 2005 and attendees will have far more options than ever to choose from. Columbia Flooring is one of the companies returning to Surfaces. “We believe the rapid growth of our company — evidenced by four acquisitions in the past nine months and the increased market awareness of the Columbia brand — warrants this additional commitment to the retail trade,” says David Wootton, President, Columbia Flooring. Surfaces is also seeing a significant increase in international companies that have either not been in the United States before or participating in other shows now making the shift to Surfaces. The 2005 show will have a much larger international presence and many more products represented by China, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Turkey and many other countries. Many exhibitors have been very vocal about the success they had at Surfaces 2004 and were anxious to get on board with the 2005 event. "Surfaces 2004 was a tremendous success for us with record-breaking attendance,” says Tim Tipton, Director of Marketing, Quick-Step Inc. “Surfaces continued to prove it is the venue where we can bring all of our distributors and specialty retail flooring customers to one location to thank them for their business and showcase what's new and exciting for the year.” “Beaulieu was very satisfied with the level of traffic and the amount of sample placements we received from Surfaces 2004,” says Michael McAllister, VP—Marketing, Beaulieu of America. “Our customers expressed their appreciation for our participation and supported our new products and programs. “Beaulieu is currently planning our new offerings for Surfaces 2005. We believe attendance will be even better than last year. Our customers have shown us they support the Surfaces show. We plan to support them and attend the show as long as they continue to come to Las Vegas.” As retailers look to expand profit centers in their stores, many are adding product categories to capture more of the consumers’ attention. To aid them in this and respond to the growing demand for these products, Surfaces will introduce the first “Window/Wall Coverings Pavilion.” Retailers will find many new and returning window and wall covering suppliers participating in this important new feature. Close to 40,000 floor covering professionals at Surfaces 2005 can expect 500,000 net square feet of the latest products and services the industry has to offer. And they can see all these options from more exhibiting companies than ever. Surfaces 2005 will take place January 26-28, 2005 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada USA.

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