January 22/29, 2018: Volume 33, Issue 16
By Lindsay Baillie
Las Vegas—The International Surface Event (TISE) is ushering in a host of new features for 2018, starting with the event’s new Monday-to-Thursday format. In addition to the earlier start, attendees can expect to see the latest products paired with off-site tours, updated education sessions and presentations as well as a new Media Village.
The TISE team works each year toward developing an event that achieves for attendees:
- A momentous and profitable experience;
- Products, resources, knowledge and connections that will benefit their businesses; and
- The first solution for their businesses to launch their year.
As Michelle Swayze, senior marketing manager, Informa, explained, “As the event continues to grow to more than 450,000 square feet of exhibits, products and services—800 exhibiting brands; more than 200 new exhibitors; the return of Shaw to the event and so much more— the TISE team has become more creative in offering the content, resources and partnerships the industry needs in innovative yet concise ways.”
The Design & Installation Showcase Hub, The Dish
At the 2018 event attendees will notice an update to the Trends Hub and the Installation Showcase, which have now merged into one location called the Design & Installation Showcase Hub, The Dish. Presenting on three stages—the Design Stage, the Product Demonstration Stage and the Installation Stage—attendees can visit each daily for hourly content regarding what’s new and on trend for products, installation and design.
The Design Stage will be curated by Scarlet Opus, a world-renowned design firm, and Housetipster, an innovative tech design company, to present a 360 design space in which attendees can take virtual tours via large touchscreens and/or virtual reality goggles. The Product Demonstration Stage will feature exhibitor-led demonstrations on the newest products in the industry, while the Installation Stage will present detailed how-to and best practices demonstrations for all types of installation techniques.
Media Village
The Media Village will be home to resources such as magazines, industry partners and associations that have connections and information for attendees. Those at the show can come to this area to meet founders and guiding forces in the industry as well as pick up complimentary magazines and gain knowledge.
Ignite education program
The TISE Ignite program is offering 55 sessions in targeted tracks for designers, architects, fabricators, contractors, installers, homebuilders, retailers, distributors and more. Of the 100 presenters, 25 are new to the 2018 program. All are leaders in their respective fields.
The program also includes several sessions to change the way attendees interact and engage with the educators and their peers. These sessions include: “What Stone Is This? Learn How to be a Rock Sleuth,” “Women in Stone Interactive Career Advancement Workshop,” “Fabricators Forum: Networking, Learning, Sharing” and “Take a Break from Tradition – #CleanYourShowroom.”
The Ignite education program will also cover a host of topics in surface design in 2018 from aging in place, wellness and health design to safety factors and the “sexiness” of quartz and luxury.
Off-site tours
Attendees can sign up for a designer home tour to Ascaya—a premier custom luxury estate home site with a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Valley. They can also go on a natural stone tour to Las Vegas Rock (LVR) Quarry and attend a special quarry-producers workshop.
Networking opportunities
Attendees will be able to connect and socialize at various events such as Canada Night, Emerging Professionals Happy Hour, Interactive Career Advancement Workshop, the VIP Distributor Lounge and more.
Las Vegas Market shuttle
TISE is partnering with the Las Vegas Market, which will offer a breadth of product offerings and inspiration for interior designers and retailers as well as expand the buying and sourcing possibilities. Buyers will have continuous shuttle service between the two exhibits—the World Market Center Las Vegas and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center—on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees will also have access to both events’ floors for the duration of both shows.