Alexandria, VA, March 16, 2006--Coverings 2006 is in countdown mode to the April 4-7 expo and conference and it looks like records will be set.
Exhibit space for the 19th edition of the leading tile and stone show is sold out and the 1,000,000 square feet of exhibition space at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is going to be completely filled. What’s more, there’s been a growth spurt of newcomer exhibitors, approximately 10 percent among this year’s roster.
“Coverings 2006 is shaping up to be a blockbuster,” said Tamara Christian, show director and president of National Trade Productions which manages the show. “We’ve actually allocated 3,000 net square feet more than we had last year, and we still have a wait list we’re unable to satisfy.”
According to Christian, the number of exhibitors is expected to top 1,200. There are 56 countries represented including Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the U.S. who have trade agencies or organizations sponsoring pavilions that bring together dozens of manufacturers into their spaces. “A more accurate count inclusive of all these participants is yielded once the show is underway,” said Christian.
Not only is Coverings 2006 attracting more exhibitors, but attendee figures are on the rise, too. Overall, pre-registration is well ahead of 2005, and there are double-digit percentage increases in attendance among several core interest groups including distributors, architects and interior designers, fabricators and contractors.
“These statistics and numbers are our best forecasting barometers and they tell us that this is going to be an incredibly strong year for tile and stone,” said Christian. “And a phenomenal year to be at Coverings with the most comprehensive display of what’s new under one roof. It’s not to be missed.”
For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP at 703.683.8500.
