SURFACES Event at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Sees Positive Numbers
February 2, 2014
From marble to bamboo, flooring materials of every kind took center stage at the International Surfaces Event that took place Jan. 28-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The trade show unites SURFACES, StonExpo/Marmomacc America and a new TileExpo, and is produced by Hanley Wood Exhibitions. Turning the corner after the recession, it’s all set for growth with new additions and alliances.
“The show feels reenergized,” said Amie Gilmore, associate show director of SURFACES. “We went into this year with big goals, and we met them all. Next year, we’re looking to expand into Hall A here at Mandalay Bay.”
Gilmore noted that preliminary numbers were up across the board, with square footage at about 350,000, exhibitors at just under 700 and attendance at about 35,000.
Much is going on the growth front. In January, TileExpo joined SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc America as part of the 2014 International Surfaces Event. “Tile companies have always had a strong presence, but we wanted to focus on the growth in that market,” Gilmore said.
In October, Hanley Wood will launch International Surfaces Event East at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla.
“We have received countless requests for a fall show, as well as an East Coast show,” Gilmore said, noting that it will diversify the geographic and market segment reach, and let exhibitors tap into two different buying seasons. “Miami is a gateway to Latin America, and many buyers don’t come out west.”
In 2015, the International Surfaces Event, TileExpo and StonExpo/Marmomacc America will join the Design and Construction Week in Las Vegas, launched this week by the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show and the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.
Gilmore said that the show’s team is meeting with NAHB and KBIS to talk about cross promotion, badging and transportation, among other opportunities for the new event.
“Our exhibitors are very excited about next year,” she said. “We’re encouraging them to bring additional products and the right sales people for the builder market.”
On the floor, the mood also reflected gearing up for a productive year. Exhibitor Andrew Dobosh, with Georgia-based Joy Carpets, said that they had a very busy show and that “the overall pulse of the industry seems to be positive.” He added, “Some of the big manufacturers are investing a lot of money into soft surfaces. We’re shipping orders quickly.” He wasn’t sure about the impact of the new Surfaces East, but is willing to “give it a try.”
Attendee Tom Salisbury of Washington-based Salisbury Woodworking said he came to talk to European manufacturers about new reactive wood stains for custom flooring. “We’re looking for new color palettes,” he added. “What’s popular in Europe tends to become popular here.”
Salisbury said that after three flat years, the company is growing thanks to the improving real estate market and a growing number of remodels as well as emerging new construction. “The economy is definitely on the mend,” he added. “In the past three years, we hired three people. This year alone we’re looking into hiring four.”
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
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Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
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Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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