Alexandria, Va.—With 1,200 companies exhibiting their products and services and more than 70 educational sessions taking place, it is easy to see why Coverings has become the place to be for seeing the latest trends and styles taking place in the tile and stone segments. Coverings takes place April 4 to 7 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

But, as executives and sponsors of the four-day market will note, it is the abundance of ancillary events that make Coverings “The Ultimate Tile & Stone Experience.”

“Each year, more than 32,000 professionals converge on Coverings not only to shop and learn, but to socialize, network and celebrate our industry,” said Tamara Christian, show director and president of National Trade Production (NTP), which produces the market.

“Coverings is the one and only venue where attendees can experience the incredible contributions of our industry to architecture and design as well as the camaraderie of the thousands of professionals who have made tile and stone the surface of choice for millions of consumers,” she added. “Put simply, it’s more than just a huge exhibition, more than a comprehensive education conference, it’s an experience unlike any other in the Americas. And whatever your role is in the world of tile and stone—from just getting started to long-time veteran—you will benefit from attending.”

This year, the show extras begin as soon as you pick up your badge holder. At that time, you can fill out an entry form for a chance to win a new Ford F-150 XLT pickup truck. Sponsored by ANFACER, the Brazilian tile manufacturers association, the winner will be announced on Friday, April 7.

Also at the registration area will be entry forms for the new Tool Giveaway contest sponsored by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). Designed to “fulfill all your installation and construction requirements,” the tool giveaways include products such as wet saws and diamond blades from QEP Co., tile cutters from Sigma Tools and a Master rac adjustable grouting and cleaning machine from Racatac Products, among others. All products will be on display at the Coverings Theater on the show floor, where the installation stage is set up.

“Attendees will have several chances to win these premium, name brand tools,” Christian said. Entry forms can be dropped off at any of the designated bins on the show floor until 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Winners will be randomly selected.

When checking out the various tools to be given away, make sure your visit to the Coverings Theater coincides with one of the twice daily live installation demonstrations that will be taking place each day. Sponsored by NTCA and the Tile Council of North America (TCA), the sessions showcase the latest techniques and applications on a variety of installation topics. Scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., they include such items as installing a heated floor and self leveling underlayment, layout and installation of ceramic tile, grouting, installing waterproofing on a pre-sloped mortar bed, etc.

While the demos highlight installation excellence, the Art Tile Village is a special exhibition within the show where visitors can find one-of-a-kind creations. Located in the TCA pavilion, “exhibitors within the Village are true crafts people,” Christian explained, “who keep alive the Old World traditions of handmade art and specialty tiles.”

With so much taking place during the show, NTP realizes attendees need time to relax, have fun and network in a non-business environment. To that end, it will be hosting three concurrent Appreciation Night events on Thursday, April 6. Everyone who pre-registers will receive an invitation to attend one of the social gatherings—dealer/ distributor, contractor and architect/designer.

All three begin at 6:30 p.m. and take place at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. Buses to and from the island will be available from the show. Because of the nature of the island, participants must be 21 years or older to attend.

The dealer/distributor event is sponsored by Tile of Spain and takes place at Motion, “one of the hippest and hottest music video nightclubs on the island. This have become an anticipated part of the week’s activities and a meaningful extension of the show,” said Javier Soriano, director of foreign trade and export promotion for ASCER, which oversees Tile of Spain. “Often, it is in more relaxed social settings like these where business relationships take root and are nurtured.”

Installers, contractors and fabricators will be able to meet with each other at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Club, a tri-level space where live bands perform classic rock music. Eric Astrachan, executive director of TCA, which is sponsoring this party, said, “so many installers, contractors and fabricators look forward to this event. This is one of the key reasons as to why Coverings succeeds as it is committed to providing consistently superior programming and networking opportunities for attendees.”

Finally, architects, designers and builders will be treated to their own networking extravaganza at Mannequins Dance Palace. This club is considered one of the area’s trendiest spots and features a signature rotating dance floor.

In addition to the three clubs hosting the events, Paradise Island is a hub of nightlife. It features more than a half-dozen night spots and attractions, plus the entertainment usually spills out into the street and keeps going well into the wee hours of the night.

“Appreciation Night has come to have a double meaning,” Christian said. “It’s been an effective and fun way for Coverings’ sponsors and NTP to express appreciation to the important segments of the tile and stone industry who participate each year. Also, our guests welcome the hospitality and the opportunity it affords them for informal networking. It’s the perfect mix of business and entertainment.”

For more information about any of these events or Coverings in general, call NTP at 703/683-8500.
—Matthew Spieler