Although we provide the best information on these shows -- from live coverage to detailed follow-up reports -- I feel attending any event will bring you to a better understanding of how truly limitless, creative and ingenious our industry is.

What an incredible year it has been thus far! Everything from the Arab Spring to politicians and governments and their elected officials being exposed (pardon the pun) for their indiscretions, Occupy Wall Street, and so on. Is it any wonder we’ve been anxiously looking forward to what the next year will bring?

In the tile industry, we anticipate seeing new creations of art and the latest developments of related products. Within the first few months of the upcoming year, there are no fewer than five such global events showcasing the latest available products.

Without seeing these developments in person, it’s hard to imagine the possibilities. Although we provide the best information on these shows -- from live coverage to detailed follow-up reports -- I feel attending the event yourself will bring you to a better understanding of how truly limitless, creative and ingenious our industry is.

The above point was proven when I attended Cevisama in Valencia, Spain, earlier in the year, and in Bologna, Italy, for Cersaie in September. I cannot express how fundamentally humbling and eye-opening both these excursions were not only as an editor, but as a human being.

The most recent event we attended, Total Solutions Plus in Chandler, AZ, reignited my feelings because of the event’s personal nature. Competition and rivalry were nowhere to be seen -- only the need for getting one’s business ahead and learning about new or soon-to-be-implemented programs took the lead. The camaraderie was infectious!

As we head into 2012, it’s my hope the renewed feeling of industry unity will not only hold, but grow stronger.

Happy holidays to my friends in the industry, and may 2012 bring you and your families much happiness and health!