Article Number : 4429 |
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| Date | 4/28/2009 10:08:39 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4429 |
| Abstract | CHICAGO—A major component of Coverings that has flourished over the years has been its seminar programming. Careful planning and investment throughout the show’s history have resulted in a diverse menu of sessions, totaling nearly 70 in 2009, that offers something for... |
| Article | CHICAGO—A major component of Coverings that has flourished over the years has been its seminar programming. Careful planning and investment throughout the show’s history have resulted in a diverse menu of sessions, totaling nearly 70 in 2009, that offers something for every sector of attendees: retailers, distributors, manufacturers, fabricators and installers, as well as architects and designers. The attention paid by show organizers to this facet manifests itself in a number of ways; for example, instead of one keynote speaker for the entire event, Coverings 2009, which gets under way Tuesday, April 21, and runs through Friday, April 24, at McCormick Place here, now features a headliner for each conference track. Also, most of the classroom programs offer CEU credits from AIA, ASID or NKBA, and all are entirely free of charge. And there’s no limit to how many sessions show goers can attend. “The quality, range and execution of the Coverings conference programming are exceptional,” said Anthony Bogo of Cinca USA, a manufacturer in Melbourne, Fla., and 20-yearCoverings veteran. “I’ve attended seminars at other architecture, design and building industry trade shows that were fee-based and paled in comparison.” This year, in a strategy that testifies to both Coverings’ ongoing investment in its seminar program and its commitment to addressing the ever-changing needs of its audience, the show will offer 11 seminars led by esteemed industry experts to provide attendees with solutions and tools for coping with the current tumultuous economy. “Our goal is to address crucial business survival issues head-on and give show goers the advice they need now more than ever before,” said Glenn Feder, president of client events for National Trade Productions (NTP), which has managed here and produced the show since 2003. As part of the program, Chicago Mosaic School’s executive director, Karen Ami, headlines “Mosaics: From Ancient Art to Contemporary Installations,” a panel discussion on the challenges of creating mosaic magic that will include two 2008 Spectrum Award winners: David Dahlquist of RDG Dahlquist Art Studio, and Binnie Fry of Specialty Tiles. This session will take place on Tuesday, April 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Given that green design remains a top-of-mind topic on the industry stage, Coverings has also assembled a lineup of 13 environmentally themed sessions. In fact, members of the newly formed ASID Sustainable Design Council comprise a panel that will take on the subject of environmentally preferable tile and stone applications in the residential, commercial and hospitality markets. As part of these sessions, on Wednesday, April 22, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., “The Green Building System for Ceramic Tile” presentation will offer firsthand information on the integration of LEED and green building standards for ceramic tile and stone. Participants will learn the LEED rating system, the LEED certification process and how tile, stone and installation material can contribute to LEED certification. The presenter will be Dale Roberts of Custom Building Products. On Thursday, April 23, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., industry expert Patti Fasan will discuss “Ceramic Tile Specification: Facts, Myths and Tools.” This presentation will supply pertinent facts, expose myths and review the tools used to select the best tile for every type of ceramic installation. A host of other high-caliber architecture and design authorities have been lined up, as well, including Paige Rien, host of HGTV’s “Hidden Potential,” color guru Leatrice Eiseman, Interior DesignWest Coast editor Edie Cohen, and award-winning architect Kendall Wilson of Envision Design. “We’re thrilled to again present a menu of conference sessions that are diverse, relevant and stimulating,” Feder said. “The program is a component of Coverings rivaled only by the range of products found on the show floor and one that repeatedly earns high marks from attendees.” According to Feder, this year’s A&D track of sessions number more than 45, all free, and most providing LUs or CEUs from AIA, ASID/IIDA or NKBA. Because the full schedule of 66 includes many that cut across the interests of industry sectors, there are no restrictions on which seminars, or how many, a guest can attend. For a complete list of educational sessions, call 703.683.8500. |