By Jon Namba
Ten reasons for not attending trade shows. You don’t:
- like any change.
- mind working seven days a week, just to try to make ends meet.
- need any more education because you’ve been “doing this for 20 years.”
- really care about the industry you’re in; you’re only in it because you have no other skillset.
- want to network with professionals in your industry.
- want to see and learn about new products.
- want to attend seminars to improve your business and technical skills.
- want to meet new friends.
- want to learn how to make more money.
- want to dedicate a few days to invest in the potential long-term profits of your business.
Likely these 10 reasons don’t pertain to you, as you are already showing interest by reading this in a trade magazine that has dedicated itself to assisting in improving the entire flooring industry. For those of you who do want to attend a trade show, yes, it does cost money and is time away from work, but if you’ve never attended one before, how can you know what the experience is like and what opportunities you’re missing?
The first time can be overwhelming, seeing so many vendors and attendees across the show floor at once—but remember, we were all first-timers at one point. Event organizers know this and will host meet-and-greets to welcome first-time attendees. There you’ll meet ambassadors who will tell you about their experiences and assist in answering any questions you may have regarding the show. If you are a first-time attendee, I highly recommend going to one of these meet-and-greets.
So what did I gain from the first major show of 2025 at The International Surface Event (TISE)? First, networking with old and new friends. I had the opportunity to see and interview my friend Daris Mulkin and spend time with other friends and colleagues that made the event feel more like an industry family reunion.
Product-wise, check out the ProInstaller website under the Video tab, at https://piprolink.com/ to see our interviews. I met Ron Sercovich, who was exhibiting the Hydro-Tail which is a universal controlled water attachment for power tools. Since it’s universal it can fit and adapt to any type or brand of cutting tool you’re using for tile, stone or concrete. https://hydro-tail.com/
Installers who have installed rubber base with toe on commercial and some residential jobs can relate to the toe getting deformed from sheetrock gaps between the floor and wall. Base Armor, founded by Aaron Ryan who comes from the installation side, has invented a backing plate to eliminate the deformities encountered with rubber base. The product is scheduled to come out later this year. https://www.basearmor.com/
Red Art Technologies Concrete Engraving was a very interesting company I interviewed. They have a portable on-site engraving machine for concrete and other materials. Henry Ashworth, the developer, and his team have designed a CNC machine that can engrave any pattern entered into a laptop. https://redarttechnologies.com/
Anderson Innovations Floor Scrapers was founded by Marty Anderson—a long-time colleague who I thought retired when he sold his floor prep company several years ago. Now he’s back, and with his three sons has brought new technology and tools to the industry. Their vision of product innovation and development can be seen in their walk behind and ride on floor scrapers. https://andinllc.com/
If you’re looking to improve your business, your sales approach and your hand skills, plan on attending at least one trade show each year. Along with TISE, other notable shows include the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Expo, Coverings for the latest in tile and stone, the joint convention between Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) and the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA), and other regional shows. If you happen to see me at one of the shows, please take a moment and say hi. I would love to meet you—whether an old friend or a new one.
