Top artists, designers, studios, agents and licensing firms from around the world filled a redesigned SURTEX® to capacity, May 18-20, 2003, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Three hundred exhibitors, including 90 first-time participants, offered art and design for every application, for sale and/or license, to some 4,650 attendees sourcing high-quality design solutions at the 18th annual event. Participation from an expansive range of art buyers, from the top retail and manufacturing companies of every conceivable industry, reaffirmed the Show''s position as a vital and successful market. (Note: A sampling of attending companies is attached) Highlights of SURTEX 2003 included the innovative "Horse Fever" exhibit and an all-encompassing conference program.

"The 2003 edition of SURTEX confirmed the Show''s reputation as a world-renowned resource for buyers sourcing original art and design for every product category," said Penny Sikalis, vice president and group show manager. "The remarkable caliber and diversity of attendees, and the significant cross-over from our adjacent Shows energized the marketplace, and resulted in a highly successful trade event. We?re thrilled to bring this global diversity of resources to the American manufacturing sector."

The global mix of exhibitors and buyers at SURTEX sets it apart as a truly international trade event and conference, and a unique source of designs from around the world. Approximately 30 percent of the Show''s exhibitor base came from countries outside of the United States, including Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and a significant representation from the United Kingdom.

Once again, SURTEX featured a dynamic, well-attended and well-received conference program addressing current issues in the art licensing and surface design industries. Leading experts presented nine seminars, categorized into four distinct series, including Technology (digital imaging and production savvy); Licensing (basics, and agreements); Business (copyrighting, marketing and branding); and Trends (color and lifestyle).

The 19th annual edition of SURTEX will take place Sunday, May 16, through Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. SURTEX, featuring more than 300 exhibitors and attracting over 4,500 in total trade attendance, offers art and design to numerous industries: decorative fabrics, linens and domestics, contract textiles, wall coverings, floor coverings, apparel textiles, stationery, greeting cards, giftwrap and other paper products, tabletop, giftware, toys, ceramics, packaging and publishing, as well as tools for the design industry such as CAD/CAM services, publications, trend services and more. The marketplace offers art and design for sale and/or license.