January, 2020
The International Surface Event (TISE) 2020 was buzzing from the moment the exhibit hall opened. The event brought together three shows: SURFACES, StonExpo/Marmomac, and TileExpo. Whether you were a regular exhibitor or a first-timer to the show, TISE delivered dazzling products, chances to make new connections, competitions, and a full slate of educational sessions.
Exhibitors’ spaces at the Mandalay Bay were packed with opportunities to demonstrate and show off their products. Small lounge areas offered intimate opportunities to learn from associations and brands. The WFCA booth offered Lounge and Learn sessions for attendees to hear about new initiatives, such as efforts to help improve the installation crisis.
The Mohawk VIP party lit up the show floor with an exciting multi-stage social experience for attendees that offered incredible music, interspersed with opportunities for networking in the company's handsome space.
The new Tech Hub had a great launch at TISE 2020, and at next year’s show, the Tech Hub will be prominently placed on the main aisle of the show floor.
The quartet of interior vignettes created at the Style Hub at The DISH—a new three-stage show feature—offered showgoers a first look at the newest colors, textures, and surface trends for 2020 and beyond with materials featured by Shaw Floors, Anderson Tuftex, CoreTec, and Iris US. The vignettes were created by TV personality and interior designer Jennifer Farrell. Craig Conover from Bravo TV's Southern Charm provided pillows from his lifestyle brand, Sewing Down South, for the vignettes. Both celebs made numerous appearances at the Hub conversing with attendees.
To the delight of the crowd, The Natural Stone Institute’s Women in Stone group participated in the Amazing Race—an interactive journey through the Natural Stone Pavilion. Participants grouped into teams and encountered challenges, learned natural stone trivia, and networked. Vendors and exhibitors were ready with clues about resources and new products, and what makes them special in this evolving industry. Along their journey, the women also had to navigate a few roadblocks. It was a fun new way for participants to engage in education and networking.
The National Installer of the Year Competition had its second stellar year and and proved to be an irresistible draw to attendees, who kept returning to the competition site to watch the competitors’ progress over the days of the event. The winners' ceremony on the show’s final day drew a great supportive crowd.
Recapping TISE 2020, show director Dana Hicks said: “The show floor was busy, busy, busy, all three days of the event. Everyone we spoke to, from the exhibitors and associations to the attendees, were all amazed at the amount of people, the quality of the connections, the products they were discovering, the education offerings—just an incredible event that brought the whole industry together once again!”
Overall attendance was up 3% over TISE 2019, and it was clear on the show floor and to all those in attendance that the industry was there in full force and eager to find the resources for the new year.
The sales office on the show floor was packed daily with exhibitors, and 80% of next year's space has been sold, with some returnees booking larger spaces. In addition, companies not currently exhibiting for TISE 2020 came to the sales office and inquired about booking for the following year ... a testament to the strength in attendance and the positive experience they gleaned from the show floor.
Please plan to join us at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for TISE 2021. Education sessions will take place from Jan. 25 to 28, and the exhibits will be open Jan. 26 to 28. We look forward to seeing you there.
