The International Surface Event: A Recap of 2024’s First Major Industry Event for Inspiration & Sourcing

The International Surface Event (TISE) happened this week, January 24-26, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. TISE is the megalopolis of all things floor covering, stone and tile. As the umbrella branding for three events: SURFACES, StonExpo and TileExpo, TISE is an annual resource for sourcing and purchasing the newest industry products, networking with industry leaders and game changers, and learning about new trends and training opportunities.

A big draw for fabricators, this event features the latest and greatest in software and tech, and it’s the place to see the industry’s leading heavy machinery, including CNCs, robotic saws and more.

It’s also a great place to take advantage of learning opportunities and resources. With several stages and demonstrations happening daily, there is plenty to gain from attending this show. 

Some fabricator-focused programming included machinery demonstrations, silica safety modules and presentations, panel discussions about material specifications, workflow management, software and technology solutions, and other events and receptions, including BB Industries’ popular customer and partner appreciation party hosted at the House of Blues.

At the StonExpo Theatre, expert panelists and moderators led discussions about challenges fabricators face in their shops, including employee safety, hiring and incentivization programs for staff, troubleshooting shop techniques and workflows, sustainability, and sales and marketing.

ISFA’s leadership and members helped develop programming and present in sessions throughout the week. “TISE is a great show that brings together many of our members and partners,” said Marissa Bankert, ISFA executive director. “From leadership strategies, workforce development and silica safety to capital equipment purchases, implementing software solutions and more, our industry has a lot of amazing innovations and resources available in every vein, and seeing and hearing what’s going on firsthand — well, there’s a wealth of knowledge to tap into at TISE.”

The next major event is the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies from hundreds of exhibitors. The show runs February 27-29 in Las Vegas.

In the spring, industry experts will gather for Coverings, happening April 22-25 in Atlanta. Coverings is the largest and most significant ceramic tile and natural stone conference and exhibition in North America. Coverings 2024 will feature more than 1,000 global exhibitors from 40 countries and will set the stage for introducing some of the world’s most innovative tile and stone products.

The exposition and conference serve as a valuable and complimentary education resource for all segments of the industry, with dozens of learning opportunities throughout the show. Coverings attracts 25,000+ distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders, real estate developers, as well as journalists, reporters and bloggers who cover the tile and stone industry.

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