In this lecture Gisue Hariri will present a variety of Hariri & Hariri s recent projects. While each different in scale, location, program and type, they all explore the experience of a place , and a fusion of complementary opposites . Their belief that the crisis of contemporary architecture today is a crisis of the inner life  rather than the outer world has guided them on a philosophical search for the essence of existence. This exploration of our contemporary culture, which is, at the same time dynamic, innovative and interconnected, has resulted in futuristic and visionary projects and prototypes for the new millennium. Demonstrating this research Ms. Hariri will be presenting the Digital House  project and the Museum of the 21st Century, among others. Hariri & Hariri  Architecture s Salzburg project entitled Rocks of Rainberg,  is a continuation of this search and more developed drawings will be presented in this lecture.

Showers are the leading cause of moisture migration into a residential structure. This session will cover an understanding of the shower environment, causes of moisture leaks with resultant damages and mold issues and a unique look at understanding the characteristics and physics of water. The seminar will include demonstrations on the physics of water that will drive home moisture migration issues. A brief overview of proper shower construction concepts will be included at the conclusion of the seminar.

The tile and stone industry is evolving to meet the needs of our changing environment. How do we incorporate eco-friendly products in our kitchens, baths, backsplashes, solariums and even the outdoors and remain stylish? Working with budget constaints doesn't mean we have to compromise style! Let's examine the exciting materials available to create "Green Design" and how showrooms should make these choices available to designers, architects, contractors and consumers. Learn the most unique manner to increase awareness of this new world of design which is so critical to the future of the tile and stone industry.

The hospitality industry is currently undergoing a renaissance with new properties, new flags, and updated brand identities that address the ever increasing demands of sophisticated guests. The architect and interior designer must translate these expectations and brand identities to unique and comprehensive design solutions. The effectiveness of these solutions is often enhanced and augmented through the careful selection and use of building materials and finishes. The balanced selection of interior finishes, including stone, tile, and flooring materials, conveys a level of design and quality through the use of color, hard and soft, cool and warm, natural and man-made materials. The juxtaposition of these in new and conventional ways can enrich a design solution and reinforce the brand image. Through the use of case studies, including such projects as the Marriott Kehang China, Westin Lombard at Yorktown Center, and the Kingsgate Conference Center at the University of Cincinnati, this seminar will describe how the selection and use of materials can reinforce and compliment a strong design parti. Participants can expect to learn the following: Development of a design parti that is unique to the property but consistent with the brand; Ways in which the selection of materials reinforces the design parti; Design trends in the use of stone and tile in the hospitality industry; and Incorporating stone and tile with other materials as part of the overall design composition.

With green architecture and design becoming so important, this seminar will focus on restaurant design and how it relates to interior finishes, menus and relationship to where and how ingredients are produced and the various product uses in a restaurant which affect the environment. As Turnkey Concepts,Inc. specializes in restaurant design from the menu up, we presently involve owners and chefs into the design process. We intend on having an important chef involved in this seminar as well sharing green  cooking techniques.

With the tremendous growth and popularity of tile and stone today, using a sealer to protect these surfaces is virtually a given. Knowing what to recommend and use for proper maintenance is not. Once a problem occurs during or after installation, what can you use to remove grout haze, strip a sealer, remove efflorescence, restore heavily soiled and neglected installations, and other common issues? Contractors, distributors, designers and anyone interested in learning more about maintenance and problem solving shouldn t miss this seminar  the key to keeping happy and satisfied customers and avoiding some common pitfalls.

Learn the myths and truths of mold  what is it good for? Why do you need to be prepared to educate your customers about it? Join Paul Shipp of the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), as he provides you with the latest information on facts on mold and moisture issues. RSMC was formed as a single source of accurate, science-based information on mold, and it communicates this information to both building industry professionals and homeowners.

One of the most exciting ventures in our industry in a long time is the development of the CTEF Tile Installation Certification Program. Executive Director Scott Carothers will present the highlights of the certification program and describe its importance to the trade.

Accreditation is the buzz word in the industry. Since the launch in spring 2007, well over 140 companies are working through the 3-step process to become an accredited fabricator or achieve one of two accredited commercial designations. Find out more about the accreditation program and how your firm can benefit from this new quality designation.

This class looks at what a retailer does best, or should do best, and teaches them to do it better. We will look at the growth of product-only sellers (Internet, Floor and Décor, Lumber Liquidators) and these opportunities and how to capitalize on Home Depot s troubles. Most importantly this class teaches retailers how to market and sell their products with higher margins and increased sales.

This program looks at specifications from the point of view of the project leaders and designers. Specifications can be a very powerful tool to document and protect the design intent of the project. This program is designed to get designers and project architects to understand the powerful design applications inherent in specifications. Rather than writing specifications, it is about using them to ensure that design intent is protected in terms of products, assemblies, and systems. This seminar reviews project manual specification procedures and techniques with the goal of improving the way design intent is specified. Various type and formats of CSI 3-part specifications will be presented and their relevance towards projects discussed. Several specialized short format specifications will be presented and discussed to support designers in getting what they designed. There will also be a brief overview of the new MasterFormat!" 2004 document. Program Objectives: Learn how and why specifications can be the most powerful tool available to ensure that the project s design integrity and intent is protected to the greatest extent possible; Become familiar with basic and key specification techniques, processes and formats that will allow the best interface with specifiers and Understand why specification scope and size should reflect the intensity of the project and review several short form specification strategies useful for smaller projects and design development.

Ceramic ventilated facades, long popular in Europe, hit the US market in the early eighties. Yet, it has only been in the last two or three years that the building industry has truly embraced these energy-saving systems. This session will cover the aesthetic, sustainable and construction issues pertaining to state-of-the-art porcelain ventilated wall systems for architects, builders, installers and facility managers. It will include US-based case studies and green implications and credits. Innovative, low maintenance raised flooring systems will also be addressed.

The panel of experienced professionals will share both opportunities and obstacles they have faced in their careers within the natural stone industry. After sharing their stories, the panel will open it up for questions, so come prepared to share your common interests and network with other women in the natural stone industry. Employers, regardless of gender, will gain new insight into the challenges faced by women in our industry by attending this seminar.

Designers, engineers, contractors and owners are affected in many ways by the dynamic and often turbulent trends in the construction industry. The factors that shape and mold these organizations are a direct result of the trends at work inside and outside of the business. However, how often do firms proactively examine the drivers at macroeconomic or socioeconomic levels to structure their long term strategy and ensure their success on a project and organizational level? This session will examine the state of the industry as well as FMI's long term forecast for the industry as a whole. Some of the areas included in this overview presentation include the following: Shifting Markets - Shifting Skills; Evolution of Contract Delivery Systems; Redefining of the Construction Process; Globalization and the International Marketplace; Five Cs of Consolidation; Surety and Insurance; Diversity and Demographics; Technology; and Governance.

Are you getting the best deal for your company/yourself? Do you know what you should never say in a negotiation and what you should always say? This presentation is the "Swiss Army Knife" of negotiation skills, giving everyone who attends the highest payback skills to ensure a successful negotiation. We are always negotiating with suppliers, customers, staff, family, just about everyone we come into contact with. We often feel that we have not gotten the best deal. In this session you will learn some very simple techniques to use right away to help you create positive and beneficial relationships with your alter negotiators.  Handouts include a list of 83 terms that are negotiable with vendors.

As a fabricator, do you know your true cost of doing business? How much are you making on each job? Can you analyze your cost by each component of your business (template, fabrication, install, overhead, etc)? How does a new piece of equipment affect your bottom line? It isn t rocket science, but if you haven t had a course on this subject then this is a must attend seminar. Learn as the instructors help you understand how to get started so that you can get a handle on your costs of doing business.

This talk will focus on the ever popular and ever changing topic of sealers. Points for discussion include whether tile and stone needs to be sealed, what sealers do and don t do, sealer types, water-based vs. solvent-based, VOC and regulatory concerns and the future impact on the industry. An open forum question and answer session will also be part of this popular seminar. This course is for attendees of all levels and all backgrounds.

From countertops to skyscrapers, the use of natural stone is booming in the USA. Get an overall view of the market and market trends by attending this TENTH ANNUAL State of the Industry  presentation on the dimensional stone market in the USA. This session will cover information, sourcing, marketing and application trends in the Stone Industry over the last year, including examples of award winning projects that have been recognized for their use of natural stone.

Today it is vitally important to comply with EPA guidelines, OSHA requirements and The Clean Water Act with respect to waste water, stone grindings and quartz surfacing. There are many ingredients in today s marble, granite and quartz materials such as resins, dies, and other heavy metals which should not be introduced to the municipalities or ground water. It is likely that your municipality requires, or will soon require, a 100% closed loop system with NO discharge and without the use of chemicals. Learn more about a variety of approaches that will be good for both the environment and for your machinery.

Branding is the hottest topic to hit the business world in some time. Everyone is talking about it but few understand exactly what branding is, or the power branding can have for a business. "Branding: It's Not Just for Cattle and Major Corporations" is a program devoted to the topic of Personal Branding for individuals and small firms. In addition to an introduction to branding and Personal Brainding, this course provides a step-by-step process that allows participants to discover and develop their own Personal Brand.

We buy them, we use them, but how much do we know about diamond technology. Are we utilizing this product appropriately in our shop environments? Do you know what causes diamonds to work faster, cut cleaner, how to dress a blade properly, how to select the correct blade for your saw? Join this panel of experts and get scientific fact on new technologies in the development of applications for industrial diamonds in the stone industry.

There has been a significant amount of information shared in the ceramic tile industry relating to Green Construction and Green Building, but most of it centers on the process of manufacturing tile and its life cycle costs. The actual installation of the product, and the installation materials used on the job play key roles in this issue as well. Laticrete International will explain how a tile contractor can get involved in the movement and how they can use this knowledge to their advantage in their relationship with the builder and project owner.

This session will describe radiant heat  how it works, why it is green and why it is becoming more popular with consumers. We will address why tile and stone make an excellent thermal mass and can be made to feel warm and happy and not cold, so that bare feet can dance across a floor in the coldest winter and be very comfortable. An overview of several different installation methods, and which method is best for different situations, will be discussed.

Generation X. Baby Boomers. Generation Y. The traits and defining characteristics of each generational demographic provide a foundation for understanding what motivates today s workforce. More importantly, understanding a one size fits all  management perspective will no longer work as an effective strategy for leading people. Additionally, it is important to recognize other demographic and socio-economic factors that are shaping the workforce. Understanding all of these industry changes and shifts helps contractors become leaders in the industry and the employer of choice.

Our global society of individuals is bringing new challenges to the world of design, which must increasingly focus on the why  behind what s new .  Influences from the environment to art to fashion to technology have raised the bar for creative trends in ceramic tile and stone.  The industry has responded with an exciting level of fashion and creativeness that is extending the use of these materials to new surfaces and making ceramic tile and stone the surface of choice among style conscious consumers.  This session will highlight the latest colors, styles, looks and uses for these materials in both home and commercial environments.

In the past twenty years ceramic tile manufacturing technology has literally re-invented this age old material. Dedicated research, development and innovation have spurred double digit growth and created strong value arguments supporting environmental stewardship, enhanced user livability, unparalleled aesthetic and superior performance testimonials. However, the speed of technical advances can be a double edged sword. New products require adequate training to prevent inappropriate use, inaccurate specifications and project failures. A lack of technical knowledge of the most advanced products can create confusion in the marketplace and allow lower value tile programs to compete on par by simply adopting a quality moniker. This presentation will arm you with: pertinent facts; expose myths; and review the tools used to select the best tile for every type of ceramic tile installation. LEARNING GOALS: A clear understanding of tiles technical properties and how to apply them; Matching customers  intended use and expectations to the right tile; and How the manufacturing process builds a tile to specific performance requirements.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) is a disabling, invisible and stigmatizing chronic illness. This presentation will describe a unique residential environment specifically designed to meet the needs of MCS sufferers. Ecology House is a successful 12-year old HUD funded Prac-811 housing project that was designed, built and managed to accommodate persons disabled by MCS. Tile was chosen for the project instead of the carpeting usually used in HUD installations. This has proven to be a wise choice since the floors have been successfully maintained using low-toxic cleaning products and look as good as they did when installed 12 years ago. We want to share this example with designers because it is essential that they specify the safest, healthiest materials possible. The choice of tile in residential and commercial settings is a special Indoor Environmental Quality Feature that contributes to Green Design.

Doug Wilson explores the global market of tile and stone. As products are globally more accessible than ever, the choices are abundant. Through advanced technology the ability to harvest and deliver gives the industry the ability for unique design vision. What are consumers looking for and where are they getting it?

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), with several leading contractor members, will creatively engage the audience to share their technical concerns, ideas, and issues. Several eye opening photographs of installation failures and beautiful installations will lead the discussion and the NTCA will moderate and encourage audience participation.

According to Rick Fedrizzi, CEO & Founding Chairman, USGBC, people productivity is perhaps the smoking gun that will propel the Green movement . Never before has there been a more opportune time to uncover the truths about ceramic tile. The indoor air quality benefits create a positive impact on people and this one feature only begins to scratch the surface of ceramic tile s sustainable benefits. While energy and water conservation have been prime directives of the LEED program, the next generation of initiatives will focus on user health and productivity. Environmental issues regarding Indoor Air Quality; occupant health & safety; product durability and replacement frequency; affordability; maintenance/cleaning products and the ecosystem as well as the burden on landfill sites will have participants questioning whether they have addressed all aspects of building green. Participants will learn: Ways to reduce harmful Volatile Organic Compounds by 50% with conscientious wall specifications; About bio-mimicry  and its environmental, specification and user value; How to limit indoor air pollutants and improve the health and live-ability of occupants; Ten key points to promote environmentally sound choices; and How ceramic tile relates to the LEED program.

In the last decade, the bathroom has taken on an enlarged role in our lives; now it's expected to do more than serve as a 5' x 7' box devoted to hygiene. The bathroom's new functions include serving as a home spa, a social hub of the master suite, or simply a cocoon for reflection. Join us on a tour of inspiring, imaginative bathroom projects created by this panel of celebrated architects and designers. From sustainable solutions straight from Venice Beach to sleek, yet funky Manhattan lofts to bathrooms inspired by period design, this diverse panel will discuss what makes a bathrroom both a pleasure to use and to behold. More earth-bound constraints, such as space and budget, will also be addressed while examples are shown.

This workshop could also be titled Retail 101. It is a fast paced look at basic tactics that any retailer can use today to increase business. This is a great presentation for store owners, managers, and sales associates; none of the strategies are about discounting price. Updated every year, even if you heard it in the past, it is all brand new!

Everywhere you turn companies are promoting the virtues of "going green," but what does it mean to the stone industry and your company?  Learn more about LEED credits and what materials contribute to the LEED credential. Find out how to gain "green" exposure with your clients and capture attention for your company. Learn more about what the NSC sustainability committee is doing to advance natural stone in the world of green.

Designers either specify a product to be used, or they are working with a client who will specify the product  Either way, it s only profit if its YOUR company and YOUR product. This session will show simple ways in which your company can open the door to working with designers and developing a relationship in which the talents of the designer can be combined with your skilled craftsman, to boost the profits for both. Creativity abounds when talents are combined. And the simple fact is that clients will, and do, pay more for an environment of talent and skill. Designers go where their talents can thrive &.make them want to come to your company. Your company, your product, your profit!

This is an introductory program to help all attendees understand what it means to be a leader. The course will allow new leaders and those soon-to-be leaders to develop the language and behaviors of best-of-class leadership practices early in their careers. Objectives of the program: Understand the fundamental differences of leadership and management; and Describe the role and importance of individual leadership.

So you think you can only use granite on a kitchen countertop? Marble has been used in kitchens for hundreds of years, especially in Europe. Marble countertop use in the U.S. market is on the rise, but you must educate your consumer about different protective treatments. Learn more about this increasing trend; unique design elements of using marble for a countertop surface; and setting the proper consumer expectation.

Selling natural stone - are you selling a luxury product or a commodity? The shopping experience is critical to many consumers and you don't want to pass up the additional revenue that can be gained by selling stone as a luxury product.  Pick up tips that you can take back to your showroom!

If you have less than 5 years experience in the stone industry, this is your opportunity to ask the experts. This open forum is designed for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to RESIDENTIAL fabrication and/or installation. It is a chance to discuss items that may not be covered by other seminars. If you have more than 5 years experience, plan on attending the forum on Friday.

Using recent case studies from the corporate, healthcare and education sectors as examples, three design experts will offer their perspectives on current design, performance and installation issues related to the use of tile and stone.  An editor from Contract magazine will lead the discussion.

This presentation will inform contractors, architects, builders, etc. on the types of products available for waterproofing and crack isolation systems. The type of products vary in the market place and this presentation will provide valuable information to all regarding what product would be best suited in their particular application, what product(s) are green friendly, and how warranties work. We will also review waterproofing and crack isolation membrane guidelines in the new TCNA handbook. Jobsite pictures will be added for each product discussed.

Proactive planning and communication are the foundation for improving productivity. Those organization's that have a core group of consistent and standardized best practices typically see an improvement in labor expenditures of 5-10%, which in some cases has the ability to double the bottom line!  Pre-Job Planning, Short Interval Planning and Huddles are some of the tools that make up the Field Manager's Toolbox.  Best of class contractors develop these firm-wide practices and rely on the strength of the process rather than the strength of the individual. 

If you can't pick your boss you might as well learn the skill of managing him or her. Subordinates who manage their manager well know how to structure a successful business relationship. By understanding the behavioral style of your manager as well as your own, you can make correct decisions in a variety of areas that impact your job performance and evaluation.

Most distributors and contractors, even the larger ones, are so into selling their materials/services, they seldom focus on a strong marketing communications program to build their businesses and attract new and more lucrative customers. This session will demonstrate solid case histories including specifics such as integrated marketing communications, how to get extra mileage by recycling your existing marketing tools (not just use them one time), etc., that you can use to better market your business.

For the past five years, Al Bates of the Profit Planning Group, has been compiling data from the NTCA Contractors Profit Survey. The cumulative results depict a picture of the high profit and the low profit contractor. Dr. Bates will highlight the key reasons for these differences, offering important strategies for the contractor to improve their financial performance.

We have all heard that when new housing drops, remodeling increases. Is this true? And, where do we begin to take advantage of this and what are customer s really buying? Finally, a session that will answer these questions and more! This is a fresh and exciting session that contains up-to-date information about the new home and remodeling markets. Any owner, manager or sales associate wishing to gain additional market share in these areas should attend this session.

The beauty, durability and low maintenance benefits of ceramic tile and stone floors in high-rise buildings can be offset if one important element isn't addressed: sound transmission through floors and walls. Three concepts participants will learn and take away: a. Historical elements of sound reduction membranes; b. Benefits of new technology membranes; and c. Selecting the right sound reduction membrane for a high-rise project. Whether for your own condo or a high-rise office building project, take the time to plan for and select an appropriate sound reduction membrane which will lead to improved quality of life for all occupants.

The people, situations & circumstances in our lives change, and many of those changes are unpleasant. We ll call them setbacks. And while setbacks do impact us, the choices we make about them are more powerful have more impact on us than the setbacks themselves. Dealing effectively with life s changing circumstances requires us to make some changes, and a good place to start is with our perspective on those circumstances. According to Jim Bearden, the two most common perspectives are victimhood and accountability. Which of the two do you think is more popular in our culture? In this upbeat, entertaining and enlightening keynote presentation, Jim Bearden will offer insights on the changing circumstances we encounter, the choices we make about those circumstances and the consequences those choices produce.

Consumers will continue to be more thoughtful than ever about what they are buying and the impact their choices will make on the world around them. With eco-awareness a resounding theme, key words are often the re  words re-cycle, re-use, re-purpose.  At the same time, there continues to be the need to relax, re-wind, renew and hopefully, refurbish.   Author, speaker, consultant and forecasting expert, Leatrice Eiseman will explain the major trends that will impact tile and stone including the colors and styles that can innovatively regenerate sales.

Now the newest and most complete tile standard in the world, the A137.1 standard is radically different from its 20 year old predecessor. This seminar addresses how the standard is different and how that directly affects the installer, distributor, importer, and consumer. In conjunction with evolving installation standards, learn how to avoid all-to-common specification mistakes and installation errors. Learn how many defective tiles are acceptable in a shipment, how to assess shading, glaze wear resistance, what constitutes unacceptable variation in sizing, and many other parameters. Delivered by an industry insider and Ceramic Tile Education Foundation instructor, this seminar is a must for anyone concerned with commercial projects, tile specification, or tile resale.

Tile, marble, and terrazzo materials are excellent solutions for architectural design and performance in all kinds of building projects. While designers favor their use, designers may not be aware of the potential these materials have for green  or LEED certified projects. This presentation will focus on the value of the whole system  of design and construction for tile, marble, and terrazzo materials. Particular focus will be given to the main principles of energy efficiency, sustainability and LEED certification. Learn how a tile, marble, and terrazzo system addresses thermal performance, protect against moisture, address air leakage, and support strong sustainable practices. Insulation, air barriers, and material choices that are incorporated in tile, marble, and terrazzo, including Thermal Resistance (R-values) will be discussed. Thermal mass recommendations and thermal storage strategies are reviewed. Tile, marble, and terrazzo s contribution to LEED-NC designed building is explored using a design checklist tool that breaks down each LEED credit by its design intent, including opportunities for exceptional performance. Learning Objectives: Understand the role of tile, marble, and terrazzo materials in energy efficient construction, including LEED certified projects; Learn about thermal mass and applicability in today s design projects; and Review the components of tile, marble, and terrazzo materials design that address and improve thermal performance and long term performance.

This encore presentation focuses on helping distributors better understand their profit and potential and will demonstrate how to improve your financial results  not just a little, but a lot. The program will walk you through every financial aspect of your business, including sales, gross margin, expenses, inventory and accounts receivable. In each area you will be given specific targets and a road map for reaching those targets. At the end of the session you will know exactly where you need to be during each of the next five years. You will also know how you are going to get there. It could be the most valuable session you will ever attend.

This session will provide an overview of substrate preparation techniques designed to safegaurd large format glass tile installations. Where to use and where not to use specific types of large format glass tiles will be discussed along with the preferred types of setting (installation) adhesives and installation techniques recommended for installing large format glass tile.

This timely and practical session will outline leadership strategies for all types of turbulent situations at all types of businesses. Following are the areas covered: Identifying risk and the types of turbulent times; Customized risk assessment for your business; Development of strategies for all risk levels; Implementing strategies; The importance of adjustments to the plan and Bonus examples- Driving sales and optimizing expenses during turbulent times. This session should be attended by anyone wishing to learn more about leadership strategies and those wishing to impact their business during a turbulent time.

Join Wally for this interactive program designed to provide participants with usable skills for effectively motivating employees at all levels. Scenarios are used to highlight realistic situations with employees and other stakeholders. Objectives of the program: Understand what motivates people; Identify and practice effective strategies for motivating people; Increase employee performance through targeted intervention; and Incorporate proactive strategies to foster employee motivation.

In this lecture you will discover the issues and problems associated with buildings and sustainability. These are contrasted with real-world, deployable solutions you will be able to use right now to make your projects more green. Drawn from the most advanced research into Green Building, these solutions provide you with a road map to green your buildings. The seminar is broken up into six areas: Sustainable Sites; Water Efficiency; Energy and Atmosphere; Materials and Resources ; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Community Development. Using rich graphics, multimedia and never before seen research, this seminar will change your view of green building.

The architecture of Chad Oppenheim is simultaneously daring and sensible, romantic and reductive; evocative and essential.  An alchemist of atmosphere, Oppenheim transforms the prosaic into the poetic-- eliciting a site s inherent power through minimal gesture and sincere means.  Spaces and structures, optimized for pleasure and performance, establish aesthetic delight with passionate sensitivity towards man and nature. Join Mr. Oppenheim for a view of his work and its role in sustainability. What does green building mean to him and how is he playing a part in this global movement.

This session will feature an all glass mosaic pool and spa installation in Raleigh North Carolina from October 2006 thru May 2007. Every aspect of this installation was documented with over 2500 photos detailing the anatomy of this pool. Attendees will get a virtual tour of this installation from A to Z and will leave with the knowledge and an appreciation of what's involved in an installation of this magnitude. Some of the main points to be covered include: Evaluation and preparation of the pool shell; Waterproofing; Floating, shaping and preparing the surface for tile, including the installation of all pipe fittings; The use of specialized jigs and templates for floating and tile layout; A blend of current, along with time-tested, installation techniques; and How to handle the many challenges that come with this type of job.

The way we design, specify and order materials for projects has changed thanks to "Green" requirements. Today we are not only thinking about how a product will look, perform, fit the budget and be liked by the client, but also what its long-term effects will be on the environment. This lecture concentrates on the selection of not only GREEN materials, but also reclaimed and recycleable building materials. New, old and historic materials will be discussed along with sources and methods for selling the product as part of an environmentally friendly project.

Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID will discuss emerging aesthetic and functional design and planning trends in all major surface areas in residential kitchens and baths. After attending design seminars in London, Canada and Ireland, as well as across the United States, her comments will focus on the American consumers current wish list  as it relates to countertop, splash, flooring, shower and tub areas. The information will be aimed at various marketing tiers, addressing the wants and dreams of entry-level first home buyers, the mid-market client, as well as luxury buyers.

With more than 10 different ways to measure slip resistance, mostly which don't correlate with each other, how do you insure the tile you specified, sold, or installed, meets acceptable criteria?  Reporting on the latest national and international efforts to standardize the measurement of slip resistance, Tile Council staff review this issue and how new efforts have led to a thousand-fold reduction in slip/fall claims for some property owners

Join us as a panel of experts discuss strategic issues critical to running successful whoelsale/slab distribution companies. This open forum is a first for the stone indsutry and is designed for distributors to share experiences - much like the long standing fabricators forums. Learn about a proposed benchmarking survey that could help you better understand your operation and how you compare to other companies.

Designers are finding that tile cladding systems can be aesthetically pleasing, efficient, and functional for the requirements of today s building projects. Yet, while these systems are receiving an increased use, designers and installers may not be fully aware of all the components and design decisions necessary for great durable installations. This presentation will focus on the advantages of using ceramic tile as a cladding system. Specific attention will be given to installations using an air space between the tile and the building. Technical information on surface coatings and surface coatings maintenance will be presented. This presentation will also address movement issues found in tile cladding systems, specifically anchoring details, tolerances and adjustability. Learn about safety factors, replacement and repair techniques associated with exterior tile facades. Learning Objectives: Understand the role of tile, marble, and stone materials in exterior tile facades; Review the installation components of successfully installed tile facades; and Learn about correct replacement and repair techniques for exterior tile facades.

This is a ground breaking  cutting edge  1 hour session and is especially meant for every flooring store owner, manager or sales person. It is time to take it to the next level with the huge growing consumer demand for fabricated stone countertops. Historically, the flooring retailer has dominated sales into the key rooms  bathrooms and kitchens - both in the refurbishment/remodel replacement market and the new home market. This session will provide great ideas and marketing concepts to expand custom countertop fabricating into new and existing flooring stores in every local market. See how your flooring retail showroom can benefit from the addition of a slab showroom for countertop sales.

What can you expect of the US ceramic tile market in 2008? Join Mr. Grosser as he returns to Coverings to present his forecast for the US ceramic tile market including a look at consumption, manufacturing, imports, and distribution.

Don't miss this perennial favorite featuring editors from prominent publications and representatives of the architecture and interior design community as they share insights into getting your work published. What does it take to have your latest project featured? Hear from our experts.