ALEXANDRIA, VA.—Planning is well under way for Coverings 2009. Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center once again is the scene, and April 21 to 24 are the dates for the expo and conference.

Those interested in the newest and best in ceramic, porcelain, tile, mosaics, natural stone and slab materials, plus the adhesives, accessories, tools and installation techniques of the industry make it a point to attend. And, in 2009, Coverings hits a historical marker: its 20th anniversary, an occasion worth celebrating.

“Coverings’ growth over the past 20 years has been astounding, paralleling the interest in and growth of the tile and stone industry,” said Glenn Feder, president of client events for National Trade Productions (NTP), which manages and produces the show. “Coverings still promises to be the ultimate under-one-roof marketplace for seeing a top international lineup of tile and stone products. A jam-packed schedule already is shaping up for the continuing education programming and topical presentations by leading experts on trends, technology and training.”

To further ensure Coverings stays responsive to this important segment of attendees, several A&D professional associations, such as IIDA, ASID and NKBA, are participating in the development of the programming and events. Additionally, the Spectrum and Prism Awards continue to be an integral part of Coverings as they honor innovative architecture and design projects. Last year, $37,500 in prize money was presented, and the purse in 2009 is anticipated to be about the same.

An aggressive initiative is also under way to bring more distributors and their top customers to Coverings. A program that was inaugurated in 2007 will be in place to help underwrite some of the travel costs for distributor-hosted junkets.

Coverings attendance is free of charge, as are all seminar sessions. For more, contact NTP at 703.683.8500 or visit www.coverings.com.