Well, 2009 has come to a close and I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about 2010. There is a lot that I want to accomplish this year. And on the top of the agenda is putting together an ISFA blog.

 

And for the first entry, there is no better topic to discuss than the upcoming Int’l Countertop Expo (ICE). In between shoveling snow and putting together Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, we’ve been concentrating a lot of my effort on getting the word out about the Countertop Expo. Not only is it in a nice warm place (Las Vegas) at a time when snow will still be piling up at home (Feb. 7-10), but it is a great opportunity to learn and connect with the industry.

 

The Int’l Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) has been putting a lot of time and effort into the event and I hope that the industry comes out and supports it. I honestly believe that it has a world class conference program. Some of the most well known figures in the countertop industry will be presenting –Rosskopf & Partner, one of the most well known and advanced fabrication firms in the world; Sterling Surfaces, experts in advanced fabrication techniques; Eric Corey Freed talking from an architects point of view; Richard Christ; Fred Hueston; Mark Lauzon; Jeff Girard; Michael Bustin; Gene McDonald; concrete; sealers; glass countertops; recycled materials; what’s new in laminates; fabrication; marketing; pricing; and installation of numerous types of materials. What a group! And when you put this alongside of panel discussions, networking events and the latest and greatest products, you have the makings for a great show geared specifically for the countertop industry.

 

It isn’t a flooring show, or a Green show or a show about any one material that the countertop industry can be part of. It’s a show surrounding countertops. My colleagues have lined up the speakers, set up the venue, planned the events, put together the contests and displays and paved the way for a show that belongs to the countertop industry. And I sincerely hope that the industry takes advantage of this opportunity to take ownership.