ALEXANDRIA, VA.—Advanced online registration for Coverings 2009 has begun via the Coverings Web site—www.coverings.com—and features new incentives including the Refer a Colleague program.

The new program is to encourage registered attendees to recommend the show to business associates who have not attended in the past, explained Glenn Feder, president of client events for National Trade Productions (NTP), which manages and produces the show. “When you register, you are given a Refer a Colleague code, and for every additional new guest you refer who also registers—and attends— you are rewarded with 25 shopping points redeemable online with your choice of hundreds of top-flight, worldwide merchants including Target, Zales, AMC Theaters and Hyatt.”

Other online registration benefits include: event updates and Coverings Connect, which gives attendees access to exhibitors they want to see at the show prior to the market.

“The online tool is completely user friendly,” Feder said. “With so many international guests, the service is especially helpful and is one less travel hassle—maximizing time that can be spent on the show floor for everyone.”

There is no charge to register or attend next year’s show, which will be held April 21 to 24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, and includes nearly 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. There is also a toll-free registration hotline: 866.285.3691.

And, for more information, call NTP at 703.683.8500.