WoodDigest.com |

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) announces the debut of the International Countertop Expo (ICE) Feb. 8-10, 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Unlike other industry shows restricted to single or limited material categories, ICE will encompass the full spectrum of countertop and decorative surfacing options.

“ICE is the first trade show that is all-inclusive in its scope and its vision,” said ISFA president Sid Mackay, who is also president of Creative Surface Solutions, a countertop fabrication company located in Las Vegas. “Companies from around the globe will have on display the newest ideas, the latest materials and the most cutting edge fabrication techniques for three days in February. Fabricators will find exceptional value in the new expo because ICE is the one place they can see everything related to their industry under the same roof.”

ICE will be held in conjunction with the Composites + Polycon show, which is hosted by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). The two shows, which will occupy two separate exhibit halls at Mandalay Bay, will run back-to-back, with ICE starting on Feb. 8. Attendees to either show may attend both exhibit halls for the price of a single admission.

“The interest in an industry-wide show that addresses all facets of decorative surfacing has been exceptional,” explained ISFA executive director, Russ Lee. “This is going to be a fun event as well. There will be a lot of energy on the show floor as countertop materials are fabricated into working kitchens that will be donated to charity. There will be a design contest, industry awards, cutting edge demonstrations and seminars, as well as plenty of networking opportunities. These are the kinds of opportunities that just aren’t available You can’t find any of this on the Internet.”

A crucial element of the new ICE is developing a sense of community – the opportunity to see colleagues face to face and learn from one another. If you think of the countertop industry as one big family, ICE is its first major reunion. Mandalay Bay was chosen as the Expo venue to create a more intimate atmosphere that is conducive to people getting together on an informal basis

“I don’t have the time or resources to attend a lot of trade shows,” said Mory Ludwick of Premier Countertops in Omaha, Neb. “If I have to limit trade show attendance to a single event it needs to deliver the most bang for the buck. ICE brings everything and everyone to a single place at the same time and caters to the entire industry. It just makes good financial sense and it saves me a lot of time.”

For countertop professionals that can only squeeze in attendance at one trade show in 2010, ICE is designed to cover all of the bases. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for everything countertop (and beyond). With the economy making signs of a beginning recovery in late 2009 or early 2010, ICE provides the perfect time and place to come together, share ideas and learn how to take advantage of better times. This is where you will find the ideas and products you want and need to add profit and excitement to your business.

For more information or to register as an exhibitor or attendee for the world premiere of ICE, call the ISFA office at (877) 464-7732 or visit ISFA online at www.isfanow.org.