Last month, my editor letter gave a preview of the Surfaces/ The International Surface Event (TISE) West show in Las Vegas. The International Surface Event (TISE) is comprised of: SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomac | TileExpo events. Here’s a bit more of what went on there, particularly regarding NTCA/ CTEF events. I’m writing this just a few weeks before the Coverings show in Orlando – sometimes I feel our lives are strung together from industry event to industry event – just return from one and it’s time to get ready for the next. Optimism and crowds were evi- dent in Vegas this year, whether it was at the conference sessions, the NTCA booth, the Certified Tile Installer exams or at the many exhibits for tile, stone and setting materials that populated the show floor. There are many other positive indicators at the show as well. The 420,000-sq.-ft. show floor was over 32,000 sq. ft. larger in 2017 than in 2016, with 800 brands exhibiting – more than 200 of which were new and had not exhibited at TISE before. Over 100 countries were represented. Attendance jumped 7% in 2017 over 2016 – even more significant since 2016 showed a 10% growth over 2015. Exhibitors are pleased, evidenced by on-site rebooking for the 2018 event that accounted for nearly 80% of the 2017 show. NTCA Executive Meetings For NTCA, the whole show kicked off with an executive com- mittee meeting, followed by a well-attended Training & Education Committee gathering, led by Training & Education Committee chair Dave Rogers of Welch Tile and Marble. TISE WEST: positive mood, effusive showing of NTCA members Activities for contractors amplify at 2017 Surfaces/TISE West show in Las Vegas By Lesley Goddin NTCA Training & Education Committee chairperson Dave Rogers (l.) with NTCA assistant executive director Jim Olson. 48 TileLetter | March 2017