The International Surface Event (TISE) has just completed its 2025 edition, after hosting more than 700 global brands across 25 countries showcasing materials and flooring at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
This year’s event featured a mix of returning and new programs. The Natural Stone Specialty Program made its debut, highlighting topics including economic climate, silica impacts and advancing sustainability as natural stone applications gain popularity across exterior and interior spaces.
The annual Installer of the Year Competition showcased the industry’s best installers fresh from competing last year in a series of regional qualifiers. Crowned winners were Matt Bowles, Cre8tive Flooring, from the United Kingdom for the LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) category and Allen Lewis, Eagle Interiors, from Phenix City, Ala., for the carpet category.
“As TISE continues to serve as the ultimate industry event of inspiration and sourcing for the global surface, stone and tile professionals, we recognize the evolving market condition and the critical need for a comprehensive look on the future of the industry,” stated Dana Hicks, group event director for TISE. “Providing the resources and information that supports the entire supply chain from construction, design to installation, ensures our attendees and exhibitors are equipped to face the demand of the incoming global market.”
Live demonstrations and training sessions were held in collaboration with the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance, World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), Natural Stone Institute and National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), providing hands-on education on effective tile and stone installation techniques, evolving market trends in retail and design, as well as customer success tips and engagement strategies. The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) also returned to host the Distributor Lounge, a dedicated space for attending wholesale distributors and suppliers of floor covering.
Beyond the show floor, TISE hosted more than 80 sessions covering critical industry trends, challenges and opportunities for long-term growth in a shifting market. Conversations with manufacturers and retailers focused on actionable strategies to navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of strengthening customer relationships, investing in labor and infrastructure and refining product offerings to meet evolving consumer needs.
Discussions projected optimism in the road ahead as the market slowly regains momentum, with insights into how businesses can develop strategies, adopt technologies and embrace innovation to stay ahead of changes. As the next generation of homebuyers enters the market, fresh demand and changing consumer behaviors are expected to create new opportunities, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and resilience in driving long-term industry impact and growth.
“We love TISE. It is the premier show for the flooring industry. If you are a startup, or if you are a young or a small company, I think this gives you the greatest opportunity not only to showcase to the media but also consumers and just put your best foot forward,” said Jamann Stepp, senior vice president, hard surface, Stanton Carpet Corp.
“As TISE’s largest exhibitor, Mohawk keeps coming back year after year because TISE creates a show where our customers want to be. They want to come here, with world-class education and amazing networking opportunities. It’s where our industry wants to be, so we wouldn’t miss it,” noted Laura Bartley, vice president, marketing – communications & events at Mohawk Industries.
TISE will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Jan. 27-29, 2026.
