Article Number : 858 |
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| Date | 2/3/2006 1:11:55 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=858 |
| Abstract | Alexandria, Va.—Industry markets are good places to go when one wants to increase professional knowledge as they tend to offer a wide array of educational and training sessions, and Coverings is no exception... |
| Article | Alexandria, Va.—Industry markets are good places to go when one wants to increase professional knowledge as they tend to offer a wide array of educational and training sessions, and Coverings is no exception. The industry’s largest tile and stone exposition in North America has lined up an extensive schedule of seminars and speakers to help every type of attendee. In fact, more than 70 sessions grouped along specific tracks are being offered at no charge at the April show. “Coverings is as much as the educational programming as it is about the latest tile and stone designs and installations on the show floor,” said Tamara Christian, president of National Trade Productions (NTP) and show director. She noted organizers worked closely with the market’s key sponsors, such as the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and Marble Institute of America (MIA) to help develop the various programs being offered. “The four-day show is filled with options specifically created for the needs of the various segments that participate in the tile and stone industry,” Christian explained, including retailers, distributors, architects, designers, contractors and installers, as well as sessions targeted to professionals in the stone arena. “This year is very exciting,” she added, “because of the extraordinary roster we lined up. We recruited experts in the field to impart the latest industry-related information and insights, along with trends, technology, issues, etc. One of the top-notch speakers Christian was referring to is, Paco Underhill. He will deliver the key-note address at the Opening Session, 8:30 a.m. on April 4. Open to all attendees, the renown retail anthropologist and best-selling author of “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping,” will give insight into the psyche of consumers and their buying habits. For 20 years, Underhill has studied the science of shopping, working with such clients as McDonald’s, Star Bucks and Armstrong. “We feel this year’s conference has something for everyone,” said Gary Dis-telhorst, MIA’s executive vice president. “We looked for a broad variety of in-dustry experts and topical subjects to bring true value to those who attend.” Coverings takes place April 4 to 7, in Orlando, Fla. To learn more, call 703/683-8500. |