Innovation by definition is “to make changes.” It is also a running theme in the industry events of 2011. During the extended recessionary period bold companies did not sit on their hands and wonder when things would get better, they looked to the future and prepared for it. They made changes in their product lines or introduced new products. They recognized that producing high quality products at a lower cost requires staying on top of worldwide design trends and investing in production systems. And they also knew that building market share by taking it from their more timid competitors would be easier in a fearful environment.

Consumers are looking for style and design in affordable products. IKEA did not just stumble on this concept. It is part of their DNA and they have elevated the model to an art form. Smart companies are taking a page from their playbook. Unfortunately, other companies have remained frozen at the switch, unwilling to invest in the two critical elements which can propel them forward, design and technology.

The recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show held in Las Vegas at the end of April was full of surprises. It was unexpectedly well attended and business was brisk. Kitchen and bath professionals came to the show looking precisely for that combination of high style and low cost. Yet some exhibitors were caught off guard, the ones who displayed the same old products from pre-recession times. They had low expectations and got precisely what they anticipated. Others made bold product introductions incorporating the latest design trends and had a constant flow of traffic. Retailers and kitchen and bath designers were looking for fresh ideas and found them mostly in the booths of surface material and component producers. Advanced Technology Incorporated (ATI) and Northern Contours, to name a few, had a continuous flow of traffic. Executives from large cabinet manufacturers sought out spectacular textured surfaces in TFM, HD effects in 3DL and matching horizontal design concepts for cabinet doors and drawer fronts. After all, in the world of design it’s not the cabinet box that sells, but what the consumers see.

Stiles Machinery recently convened its annual Executive Briefing Conference (EBC) focused on the theme “Innovation” at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Since 2002 the EBC has been a yearly tradition for forward thinking companies. Some may have the misconception that the EBC is just an opportunity to showcase equipment, but nothing could be further from the truth. Executives from some of the finest companies in our industry, both large and small, met for two days to hear presentations from successful industry peers, nationally recognized manufacturing consultants, economists and industry experts. Together they explored “what’s now, what’s new and what’s next.” The networking opportunities were unmatched, and I encourage you to take advantage of this first class event. For more information on the 2012 EBC, contact Amanda Dombek at 616-698-7500 or dombek@stilesmachinery.com

An upcoming opportunity to learn about the innovative systems and fantastic new surface materials making waves around the world is the Decorative Surfaces Conference (DSC) held in Miami, November 1-2. The conference has a very international flavor and is the premiere event for the latest in surface design trends, new materials, techniques and practical applications for residential and commercial interiors. See pages 6-7 of this issue for more information, or go to www.surfaces-conference.com. The recipe for success is simple, combine great design with innovative technology.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the Decorative Surfaces Conference. If you are an interior designer, specifier or charged with the selection, application and use of surface materials for your company, this conference is for you. I hope to see you there!

All the best,

John Aufderhaar / Publisher, Surface & Panel • jaufderhaar@surfaceandpanel.com