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Accentuating the Possibilities
Surfaces 2005 is set to open next month with an accent on window and wall coverings.

Whether you’re a retailer, builder, architect, designer, distributor or installer, there’s something for everyone at Surfaces 2005, scheduled for January 26 to 28 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.

Close to 1,000 exhibiting companies will showcase new product introductions to nearly 40,000 attendees from around the world. The show has become known as the floor coverings industry’s event with more: more products and services, a bigger selection of suppliers and better opportunities for the entire industry. It is committed to offering professionals the critical information they need to make the right buying decisions.

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 effort and to respond to the growing demand for these products, Surfaces 2005 will feature its first Window/Wall Coverings Pavilion sponsored by Draperies & Window Coverings magazine. Retailers will find many new and returning window and wall covering suppliers participating in this important new feature.

SEMINAR PROGRAM

Surfaces 2005 offers a comprehensive educational opportunity through its all-new Surfaces 2005 Conference Program, which is sponsored by Mannington Mills.

With 41 workshops and seminars to choose from in six targeted tracks, floor coverings professionals from every part of the industry can learn the latest ways to stay competitive and improve their businesses. In addition to the Marketing, Business, Sales, Design and Installation tracks, retailers can add new profit centers to their stores with the knowledge they gain in the all-new Window Coverings track.

Sponsored by D&WC, the Window Coverings track this year offers two courses: “Windows of Opportunity” and “The Art of Window Coverings…Profit for Your Existing Business.” Each covers how to market and sell window coverings.

The Surfaces Conference Program is always led by top-name speakers. This year is no exception, although some new faces will grace the lineup of speakers at Surfaces 2005. Mark Woodman will give the scoop on hot color trends in “World Colors,” Dave Mattson will offer a new perspective on the sales process in “Stealth Selling—‘Push vs. Pull’ Process, ” and Jamie Gibbs and Margi Kyle will discuss how to add profit centers to your existing business in the Window Coverings track courses.

Of course, other seminars in the program are sure to deliver information that will help floor coverings professionals be successful.

In addition to the targeted tracks that cover all aspects of the industry, several associations offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for courses in the program.

Many workshops and seminars in the program qualify for the World Floor Covering Association’s (WFCA) Certification Program, which includes Certified Flooring Executive (CFE), Certified Flooring Professional (CFP) and Certified Flooring Salesperson (CFS) designations. Plus, attendees will continue to receive AIA, AIBD, ASID and IIDA credits toward their certifications.

In addition to offering CEUs, the WFCA holds its Certification Testing at the show. All exams take place Friday, January 28.

HIGHLIGHTS

Surfaces 2005 will feature a new format for Town Hall, which will cover a controversial topic: “Who’s Moving In Next Door and What Are They Doing to Take Your Business?” Retailers can find out how to combat big box retailers—and other groups—in their quest to take all consumer business.

Other highlights planned for Surfaces 2005 include the Installation Showcase, which will feature live, how-to demonstrations on the show floor. All aspects of installation will be showcased to help both retailers and installers perform installations correctly the first time, saving time and money on costly callbacks. This showcase is sponsored by WFCA, Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI) and National Floor Trends and Floor Covering Installer magazines.

WFCA is the official sponsor of Surfaces. The association is a recognized leader in industry education and certification programs. Hanley Wood, LLC, produces the show. It is a premier media company serving housing and construction through five operating divisions that include Web sites, marquee trade shows and events and data and custom marketing solutions.

Seminars of Interest

Tuesday, January 25
Title: Surefire Ways to Market Your Business for Increased Profits!
9: a.m. to 12 p.m.
Speaker: Kay Pegram
Description: Is your business living up to your expectations? By reviewing your day-to-day marketing operations you can easily identify areas that are under performing and make immediate changes that will have a positive impact on your bottom line.
WFCA Approved Course

Title: Windows of Opportunity
2 to 5 p.m.
Speaker: Margi Kyle
Description: Window coverings are not just a function of a room anymore, but are instead a strong fashion statement. Customers are now coordinating their flooring and window covering purchases—offer them variety all under one roof.
WFCA Approved Course
Thursday, January 27

Title: The Art of Window Coverings . . . Profit for Your Existing Business
8 to 9:30 a.m.
Speaker: Jamie Gibbs
Description: Window coverings offer stores a great profit potential. Learn about textile terms, developing relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, installers and drapery workrooms to ease you into your new profit center.
WFCA Approved Course