Article Number : 1429 |
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| Date | 10/23/2006 9:46:58 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1429 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco Alexandria, Va.—Coverings is headed in a new direction— north—to Chicago and the McCormick Place Convention Center from April 17 to 20, 2007. And, whether in spite of or because of the upcoming venue change from Orlando, Fla... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco Alexandria, Va.—Coverings is headed in a new direction— north—to Chicago and the McCormick Place Convention Center from April 17 to 20, 2007. And, whether in spite of or because of the upcoming venue change from Orlando, Fla., the world’s premier tile and stone exposition and conference is already showing signs that it is going to be another record-breaking event as exhibitor space is nearly booked to capacity. The Call for Papers for seminar session speakers and presenters triggered a deluge of responses, including those from many high-powered names in design and business. And the Web site, www.coverings.com, has been fielding a record number of inquiries about pre-registration and attendance that usually don’t reach such volume this far in advance of the show. “It’s clear Coverings 2007 is going to be historic,” said Tamara Christian, show director. “What we are hearing from exhibitors is that no matter where Coverings is held next year, they want in because it’s the ultimate for tile and stone. The choice of Chicago will likely draw more attendees than ever before, many being fresh faces from the Midwest representing the design world and the distribution and retail ends of the business.” Christian also noted that next year actually marks a return for Coverings to the Windy City. The show was last staged there in 1992. To be sure, though, it has evolved into a world-class event. According to a recent online survey conducted among Coverings attendees who’ve attended any of the past three years, nearly 80% said they’re planning to go to Chicago in 2007. It is no surprise that seminar speakers are clamoring for a spot on this year’s roster at Coverings. The educational and instructional programming offered at the show consistently ranks as one of its primary attractions. As in past years, there will be separate seminar tracks to satisfy a variety of interests: distribution and retail, architecture and design, building and remodeling, fabrication and installation. The increasing importance of green building and sustainability is being addressed this year with an entire track dedicated to the topic. Sessions are free of charge. Another plus is that CEU credits from AIA, ASID, IIDA and NKBA are available. With nearly 1,200 exhibitors from more than 65 countries and consistent growth in recent years, Coverings 2007 is expected to exceed all previous attendance records. Last year, the show had more than 33,000 registrants, and with more and more people appreciating the convenience of the Web to pre-register, it’s anticipated the online service will handle at least 80% in advance as it did last year. Those who do take advantage of the online registration enjoy other benefits, Christian added, including helpful up-to-the-minute news blasts on conference session schedules, the latest speakers, invitations to special events and parties, plus information on contests and giveaways. “You’re instantly connected and privy to everything that’s happening at Coverings once you’ve registered via this service.” Online registration for Coverings gets under way Mon., Oct. 23, at coverings.com. |