Regional flooring buying markets are underway and retailers and buyers across the country are checking in locally with manufacturers and distributors to see their newest products, equipment, technology and techniques. The Southeast Flooring Market, held in Atlanta, Jan. 8 and 9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, saw upwards of 1,000 attendees from within a 300 mile radius. Busy, yet manageable booths and an optimistic outlook for 2019 among both exhibitors and attendees made for a positive and energetic market. “Everyone is so optimistic,” said show organizer Lori Kisner. “It helps that we do our shows the first of the year because everyone is so gung-ho.”

Here’s a look at SEFM from the show floor.

Posted: January 11, 2019

One of the highlights of Starnet’s spring meeting was the 19th Annual Starnet Design Awards, which honored commercial flooring design projects from across the country. From iconic international sports venues to a children’s hospital to a whimsical corporate headquarters, this year’s winners captured the flooring installations that are driving commercial interior design forward.

“The Design Awards served as a reminder that 25 years of dedication to excellence in flooring design, installation and environmental stewardship has helped to create some of the most incredible commercial spaces in the country,” said Jeanne Matson, president and CEO of Starnet.

This year’s panel of judges included Deborah P. Elliott, co-founder and design principal at ID Studios in Solana Beach, Calif.; Stephanie Crane, principal at Shlemmer+Algaze+Associates in Culver City, Calif.; and Sascha Wagner, president and CEO of Huntsman Architectural Group in San Francisco. Honorary Judges for the Environmental Achievement and Unique Installation Challenge Awards were Robert Peoples, executive director of Carpet American Recovery Effort (CARE) and Robert Varden, vp of Certified Flooring Installers.

We’re reporting from The International Surface Event this week.