Coverings 2007 Shaping Up for Banner Show

Alexandria, VA, February 1, 2007--Coverings 2007, April 17-20, looks like is will top itself and all previous records, continuing its rule as the ultimate trade show and conference for ceramic tile and natural stone. Exhibit space is nearly sold out; the show has 500,000 net square feet at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, occupying the South and North Halls. What’s more, pre-registration is already 28 percent ahead of 2006, with double-digit increases among core segments including architects and designers, retailers and distributors, as well as contractors. “At this rate,” predicted Tamara Christian, show director and CEO of National Trade Productions which produces Coverings, “we’re expecting more than 35,000 total attendees, which is a 15 percent increase from last year and historic. The level of buzz about the show is unbelievable, fueled by the participation of influential industry organizations, such as AIA Chicago, IIDA Illinois, ASID Illinois, Chicago Floorcovering Association (CFA), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and National Association of the Remodeling Industry Greater Chicago, which have rallied to support Coverings and are encouraging their membership to attend.” Christian also noted that this early and strong response in both exhibit space and in registration is especially significant because it means that the show’s shift this year to Chicago from Orlando in no way has been a deterrent. “Coverings’ return to Chicago, after 15 years away, is clearly adding to the draw,” she said. “In staging the ultimate tile experience in one of the ultimate cultural reservoirs on the map, both exhibitors and attendees will find an unparalleled opportunity to mix business with pleasure and are assured of finding a wealth of new products, new contacts, new strategies and new business-building resources.” Regardless of where Coverings is held, the real magnet is the four-day lineup of exhibition and conference. In addition to the more than 1,200 exhibitors who are showcasing their newest and most innovative tile and stone products from around the world, there is an impressive schedule of more than 75 educational seminar programs. Every industry professional attending Coverings will find a selection of sessions to match their personal and business interests. All seminars are free and most provide CEU credits. Then, of course, the networking opportunities abound. From daylight to sundown and even after hours, the special events both on the show floor and off, are nearly non-stop and invariably are fertile venues for conducting business. The two official Coverings’ sponsored events this year include “Un-Coverings: The After-Hours Party for A+D,” being co-hosted by Interior Design on Wednesday, April 18; and, probably the biggest Coverings blowout bash ever, Appreciation Night at House of Blues, on Thursday, April 19. For more information on all that Coverings 2007 has to offer and to register for free, visit www.coverings.com.

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