Winter Shows Preview: Your guide to navigating the biggest shows of the season – Dec 2025
By Meg Scarbrough
The flooring industry’s winter show circuit marks the unofficial start of the year-a concentrated season when manufacturers unveil new products, retailers reconnect with partners and the conversations that shape the next 12 months begin. From Las Vegas to Hannover, Germany, the season’s lineup of events offers a first look at emerging design trends, technology advancements and the business strategies defining 2026.
This guide highlights where to go, what to see and how to make the most of the year’s most anticipated flooring gatherings.
January 27-29: Las Vegas, Nevada
When the flooring industry descends on Las Vegas each January, it’s not just another trade show, it’s the unofficial start of the business year. The International Surface Event (Surfaces/TISE) returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, bringing with it the energy, innovation and connection that have made it one of the industry’s most important gatherings for decades.
“All of the industry’s leading brands are exhibiting at the show,” says Amie Gilmore, show director. “You’re going to see who you want to see on the show floor. Everyone’s there.”
Reconnecting and recharging: This year’s show builds on the momentum of 2025, with what Gilmore describes as a full-scale, high-engagement experience designed to serve the diverse needs of the industry-from manufacturers and retailers to contractors, designers and fabricators.
“We’ve got a really robust education program again this year,” she says. “Retailers, in particular, have a lot to gain. They can come in and talk about what’s happening in the market, what challenges they’re facing, and share ideas with their peers.”
Among the new features for 2026 are Retailer Roundtables and a Retailer Reception, both free for attendees who register in advance. “Those sessions are designed to get retailers talking to each other about their biggest issues and opportunities,” Gilmore adds. “It’s peer-to-peer learning and networking, which we know people really value.”
A spotlight on women in flooring: A growing highlight for Surfaces is its Women in the Industry programming, now entering its fourth year. What began as a small leadership panel has evolved into a day and a half of sessions, mentorship meetups and networking events.
“We’ve worked closely with WIFI (Women in the Flooring Industry) and other groups to give them a platform,” Gilmore explains. “This year, we’re hosting a panel, then a networking event out on the Bay View Patio-which is great because, honestly, you’re indoors for most of the week. It’s nice to step outside and get some fresh air while you connect.”
More to see-and do-on the show floor: As always, the show floor will be packed with new product introductions across all categories, from resilient and carpet to stone and tile. “The manufacturers we talk to are excited to showcase what they’ve been working on all year,” says Gilmore. “Attendees will find so many ideas they can bring back to their stores and their markets.”
Hands-on learning opportunities are also expanding, with the TISE Live Demo Stage and The Cage (presented by the Stone Fabricators Alliance) offering real-time demonstrations of installation and fabrication best practices.
For a lighter moment, the popular Puppy Lounge, sponsored by Shaw Industries, returns to the show floor again this year. “That’s always a fan favorite,” Gilmore laughs. “It’s a great place to take a break and smile for a few minutes.”
Inside tips for first-timers: With tens of thousands of attendees expected, preparation is key. “Have a game plan,” Gilmore advises. “Download the mobile app so you can find exhibitors easily. Register in advance to skip the long lines. And one tip that no one thinks about-make your dinner reservations early. Vegas gets busy that week!” Oh, and don’t forget comfortable shoes.
She also notes that part of the show’s magic happens after hours. “One of the best things about being at Mandalay Bay is that everything is under one roof,” she says. “Even after the show closes, you’ll bump into people in the restaurants and casino. Some of the best connections happen then.”
Late in the afternoon on opening day, Mohawk will host its much-anticipated party in its booth on the floor. Gilmore says it’s a must-do activity.
The pulse of the industry: From the Manufacturers’ Industry Panel on opening morning to the big-booth events hosted by major exhibitors like Mohawk and Shaw, the week promises a full calendar of networking, education and inspiration.
“We want attendees to take advantage of every part of the experience,” Gilmore says. “The energy, the conversations, the new products-it’s all here. This is where the year really begins for our industry.”
January 19-22: Hannover, Germany
Domotex is returning with an expanded focus that reflects the convergence of flooring and interior finishing. The event, organized by Deutsche Messe AG, will again bring together global manufacturers, distributors and design professionals across product categories.
The event is considered one of Europe’s key early-season trade shows for flooring and interior products, but it has been on a bit of a roller coaster in recent years, being forced to cancel in 2021 and 2022. It returned in 2023 and 2024, then organizers announced that the 2025 show would be reformatted as a carpet-and-rug-only show before ultimately canceling it altogether. The 2026 event will continue to keep all floorcoverings in a single fair. In its return, it is moving to a biennial format, similar to BAU, which bills itself as the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems.
Domotex’s motto, “Creating Rooms. Transforming Spaces,” underscores its more integrated approach to interiors, according to organizers. “Our visitors, from retailers to installers and architects, think about rooms in a holistic way,” says Sonia Wedell-Castellano, global director of Domotex. “As a result, many have expressed a desire to discover more product solutions for interior finishing at Domotex. By expanding our portfolio, we are consistently pursuing the strategy we developed together with our exhibitors and creating a relevant meeting place for all surfaces in a room, from floor to ceiling.”
Major exhibitors already confirmed include Kronospan, Unilin, Classen, Gerflor and Swiss Krono, signaling continued support from key global suppliers. Organizers report strong interest from companies within the newly added interior finishing segments, which now encompass paints, wallpapers and ceiling and wall products in addition to flooring.
This is an off year for the competing BAU show in Germany so attendance should be strong. Bert Bergfeld, managing director of the German Association of Wholesale Trade for Home & Paint, emphasizes the fair’s ongoing importance for networking and product sourcing. “Fairs like Domotex are not only a stage for product presentations, but also promote manufacturers’ innovations,” he says. “With its very high share of professional visitors, Domotex provides ideal conditions for high-quality business discussions and is the place to be for buyers and sellers.”
2026 WINTER MARKETS SHOW SCHEDULE
• January 6-7: Atlanta, Georgia
• January 7-8: Dallas, Texas
• January 14-15: Washington, D.C.
• January 21-22: Huntington Beach, California
• January 27-29: Las Vegas, Nevada (Surfaces)
• February 10: Chicago, Illinois
The Mohawk Momentum Roadshow is hitting the road for its sixth year, aimed at giving retailers an opportunity to explore the company’s new products and innovations and get first dibs on new offerings to help drive differentiation in their local markets.
“After five successful years on the road, Mohawk Momentum Roadshow is embarking on another national tour to connect with our retail partners,” said Jeff Meadows, Mohawk’s president of residential sales. “These roadshows offer a unique platform for meaningful, one-on-one engagements at the start of the year, fostering collaboration and growth between our company and our partners.”
“Each destination will provide attendees with opportunities to engage with Mohawk leadership, product, sales and marketing team members, both on the show floor and at our networking events, such as our highly anticipated themed casino nights,” said Kelli Widdifield, Mohawk’s senior vice president of marketing. “Also, in response to valuable feedback from our retail partners, we are continuing to offer targeted education classes on the most relevant topics.”
Shaw Industries Regional Markets
• January 7-9: Arlington, Texas
• January 21-22: Orlando, Florida
• January 21-22: Rosemont, Illinois
• January 21-22: Dana Point, California
• January 26-29: Las Vegas (Surfaces)
• February 3-4: Dallas, Texas
January 8-9: Southwest in Arlington, Texas
The Southwest Flooring Market will return to the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas; however, the Southeast and Gulf Coast markets have been paused for 2026. Organizers say they will be relaunched “when market conditions and timing are favorable.”
The event, which brings together flooring professionals, manufacturers and distributors from across the region, serves as one of the early stops on the U.S. flooring trade-show calendar, giving buyers and exhibitors a first look at new products and design trends for the year ahead. Organizers note that the modern, centrally located Arlington venue offers a straightforward exhibit-hall layout designed to support networking and product demonstrations.
Interest in the Southwest market remains strong, supported by the region’s housing and construction activity. In 2024, Texas led the nation in new-home starts, highlighting continued demand for construction materials and flooring products across residential and commercial sectors. The 2026 show will feature a mix of established manufacturers and regional distributors, as well as product debuts across soft and hard surface categories.
Programming is expected to include trend and product showcases, business seminars and networking events focused on helping retailers and suppliers navigate evolving market conditions. The event is positioned as a regional counterpart to larger national shows held later in the first quarter, giving attendees an early opportunity to place orders and assess new introductions for the coming year.
Organized by Market Maker Events, the Southwest Flooring Market has become a key regional gathering for dealers, builders, designers and contractors across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and neighboring states. The show’s compact format and regional focus have made it a practical stop for flooring professionals seeking targeted connections and early-year product insight.
January 25-29: Las Vegas, Nevada
Overlapping with the Surfaces schedule in Vegas, The Las Vegas Market is a sprawling event that is popular with designers and features rug providers like Loloi, Nourison, Oriental Weavers and Orian amid the more than 3,500 home decor, furnishings and gift lines represented.
As one of the largest markets in the West, the show continues to draw a broad audience of buyers, designers and retailers from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. The market spans four buildings of permanent and temporary collections, enabling cross-category sourcing and design exploration.
A key theme this cycle is tariff uncertainty, with exhibitors encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to discuss pricing, inventory shifts and supply chain adjustments directly with their vendors. The market’s homepage specifically signals “Navigate 2025 Tariffs” as a focal content pillar leading into the show.
Winter 2026’s edition follows a strong performance from Summer 2025, which industry sources describe as “dynamic” and “affirming” of Las Vegas Market’s role in the home furnishings and gift ecosystem.
Kitchen and Bath Industry Shows (KBIS)
February 17-19: Orlando, Florida
KBIS is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to kitchen and bath design, and it is growing. The 2026 event will bring together nearly 700 exhibitors, including Daltile, Laminam and MSl, with 500,000 net square feet of exhibits.
Hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the event is part of Design & Construction Week, which includes the National Association of Homebuilders’ International Builders Show, giving attendees access to a wide spectrum of the latest products, technology, trends and education.
KBIS’ NextStage features high-profile speakers and celebrity appearances. They will offer education and insight on technology, business and trends, sustainability and wellness. And
the add-on Voices from the Industry conference includes 75-plus workshops and professional development courses from industry and subject matter experts, with on-demand access after the show.
Related Topics:Shaw Industries Group, Inc., RD Weis, Domotex, Mohawk Industries, Coverings, Daltile, The International Surface Event (TISE)