I’m excited to be heading to Las Vegas to attend TISE this January 28-30. For me, the International Surface Event is one of the countertop industry’s most anticipated gatherings because it delivers a perfect mix of the latest innovative equipment, connecting with people in the industry, and learning opportunities.
I am particularly excited to connect with customers at the party we are co-hosting with Rockheads on Tuesday, January 28th. If you are interested in joining us, you can find details on our TISE event page and info on how to RSVP.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, it takes some planning and intentionality to make sure you accomplish your goals while still having some fun in Las Vegas. Here is my strategy to make the most of TISE.
1. Set Clear Goals
Take a few moments to clarify what you want to achieve. Are you there to network, discover new products, or absorb insights from speakers? Write down your objectives and review them after the event to see how well you met them.
For example, my goals for TISE 2025 are:
Reconnecting with customers and industry partners.
Sharing the experience with new members of our Moraware team.
Evaluating how TISE 2026 will fit into our plans.
2. Plan Your Schedule Early
TISE has a lot going on, so it’s crucial to prioritize what matters most. Start by reviewing the agenda and floor plan, then make a list of the sessions, booths, and demos that align with your goals.
This year’s single-track educational program makes it easier to catch all the key talks, and I’m particularly excited about the panel discussion on selling a countertop business. My belief is that having great processes makes selling a business easier, and tools like our software could make a big positive impact on the enterprise value when you sell your company.
I also spend a lot of time thinking about sales – it’s the lifeblood of any company. The talk about accelerating sales adoption seems really interesting and useful. As business leaders, we want our teams to be engaged and constantly improve their performance.
Pro Tip: Use theTISE event app to map your route and stay organized and check out the education schedule in advance. Plus, check out the full TISE Education Schedule on their website.
3. Schedule Meetings Ahead of Time
Don’t leave your networking to chance. Reach out to colleagues, vendors, or partners a few weeks in advance to set up times to connect. TISE is massive, and hoping to “bump into” someone rarely works.
A month before the event, I’ll send a quick message to customers and vendors to coordinate meet-ups. Whether it’s a coffee chat or walking the show floor together, these pre-planned interactions are where the magic happens.
4. Bring Your Team and Delegate Tasks
TISE is too big for one person to cover effectively. Bringing your team not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also allows you to split responsibilities. Assign specific focus areas or vendors to each team member and regroup at the end of each day to share insights.
This year, we’ll have five Moraware team members attending, each with unique expertise to help us maximize our time. Personally, I’ll be focused on booths featuring stone and quartz fabrication technology in sections 3576–5983.
5. Engage in the After-Hours Scene (Responsibly)
Evening receptions and informal meet-ups are some of the best opportunities to build relationships. But remember, Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint. Stick to a reasonable bedtime so you can be sharp and productive the next day.
I’ll be co-hosting the Rockheads cocktail party on Tuesday night for Moraware customers and Rockhead members. I am excited to hear from our customers how business is going and what changes and trends people are seeing.
TISE involves a lot of walking, talking, and standing. Invest in good shoes, carry a small bag for brochures and swag, and stay hydrated. You’ll thank yourself later.
7. Follow Up Post-Event
The real value of TISE lies in what happens after the show. Take detailed notes during your conversations and follow up promptly to keep the momentum moving.
Personally, I use a small notebook during the event and take a few minutes each evening to transcribe my notes and any details I remember each evening to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. This habit makes post-event follow-ups a breeze.
I hope to see you at TISE 2025 in Las Vegas! If you spot me on the show floor, don’t hesitate to say hello—I’d love to hear how your business is growing and how we can help you take it to the next level.
Want to schedule a meet-up with me or one of the Moraware team members or get the invite to the cocktail party on Tuesday, January 28th? Connect with us using the link below.
