Orlando, FL, April 4, 2006--Ceramic tile and stone trade show Coverings 2006 kicks off its 19th edition this morning here with the expectation of record crowds.
The expo and conference, which will completely fill the 1,000,000 square feet of exhibition space at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is going to be completely filled. The roster of exhibitors for the 2006 version of the show, according to its organizers, will be approximately 10 percent larger than last year Coverings 2005.
“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.”
Coverings, the premier international trade show and conference dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in tile and natural stone, has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind. Coverings features 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracts more than 32,000 distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and growing industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative products in the world related to tile and stone. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days.
