(ALEXANDRIA, VA — March 16, 2015) Coverings, the largest tile and stone exhibition in North America, offers an extraordinarily vast conference program comprised of more than 75 free sessions, many of which focus on topics of particular interest to architects and designers, and feature the added benefit of CEU credit. Coverings returns to Orlando, April 14-17, at the Orange County Convention Center, with the education program beginning on April 13.
Along with the more than 1,000 global exhibitors showing an unrivalled range of innovative products and technologies, the free CEU credits and conference sessions are a primary reason architects and designers attend the leading tile and stone exhibition. Sessions are categorized by professional experience, ranging from novice to corporate leader, and Coverings is an AIA/CES Approved Provider, a NKBA CEU Provider Partner and is IDCEC approved. A list of AIA approved sessions will be available online at coverings.com/education.
In addition to the Keynote Speakers previously announced – including Eric Astrachan, Executive Director of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA); Edie Cohen, Deputy Editor of Interior Design Magazine; Harris Rosen, President of Rosen Hotels & Resorts; and Joey Shimoda, Chief Creative Officer of The Shimoda Design Group – other conference topics relevant to the architect and interior designer segment include tile, stone and design trends; guidance on getting projects published in the age of social media; best practices for creating outstanding customer service; and the new ways technology has shaped tile and expanded its specifications.
Here are the details to some of these not-to-be-missed sessions:
Future Color/Design Trends: Innovation and Impact. Color expert, Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Insitutute, will present on how to stay abreast of the latest color forecasts in a highly visual world and shares inside knowledge of factors driving these color trends. Attendees will learn how these trends impact business, which will help in making critical color decisions. Tuesday, April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Playing With Formats. Coverings 2015 Industry Ambassador and certified kitchen and bath designer, Alena Capra, will discuss possibilities for working with tile in design, as well as proper implementation and how to identify the myriad of various options available, including surfacing, colors, sizes, textures, shapes and more. Tuesday, April 14, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Stone Trends 2015. President and owner of Marazita & Associates, Vince Marazita, will deliver the 17th Annual ‘State of the Industry’ presentation on the dimensional stone market in the United States. The session will cover information, sourcing, marketing and application trends in the stone industry over the last year, with examples of award-winning projects that have been recognized for their use of natural stone. Tuesday, April 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Tile for Exterior Application. Managing Editor of TILE Magazine and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design, Jennifer Adams, will examine the crucial role external cladding plays in contemporary architecture. The session will focus on how innovations in the tile industry have provided exciting new choices in sizes and formats for external cladding. Tuesday, April 14, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Interior Design Magazine’s Hospitality Design Power Panel. A panel of top designers from Interior Design’s Top 100 Hospitality Giants, led by Interior Design Deputy Editor Edie Cohen, will discuss innovations, trends and developments in hospitality design, growth sectors, and how tile and stone comes into play. Over breakfast, panelists will offer their insight and tips on creating inviting and innovative spaces through case studies, projects and more. Wednesday, April 15, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Color Theory and its Application. Director of Design and Marketing for Lunada Bay Tile, Feras Irikat, will examine the impact of light, vision and texture on color in the design environment. His presentation will outline the basics of color theory and psychology followed by an engaging discussion of how materials such as ceramics, wood, textiles and glass can be fully integrated to create and define cohesive, beautiful spaces. Wednesday, April 15, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Joey Shimoda and the Sensuality of Surface. Joey Shimoda, Chief Creative Officer of the Shimoda Design Group, will share insight on how architects and designers can use surface materials in innovative ways that set a tone and deliver a focused message about culture and design. Sponsored by Contract Magazine, lunch will be provided. Wednesday, April 15, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
SketchUp: Rendering Techniques. SketchUp’s Mike Tadros will present an overview of the range of rendering options and capabilities for users who are creating 3D models and visualizations. The presentation will also provide an in-depth look at the process for creating photorealistic renderings in SketchUp. Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Specification 2.0 Harnessing the Full Potential of Tile in Modern Spaces. Specialized tile and stone expert, Ryan Fasan, will discuss the expanded areas of use for tile, as well as best practices and emerging industry standards applicable to these emerging innovations. Fasan will explore the limitless possibilities tile provides from modern technology to increased specifications outside kitchens and baths. Thursday, April 16, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Getting Published. Designer Cheryl Clendenon and a panel of influential editors from regional and national publications, including Domaine Home, Hearst Design Group and Interiors & Sources, will present on how to get your projects published, how to identify what catches an editor’s eye, and advice on the best way to present work. Attendees will also learn how digital and social channels are changing the way designers showcase their work and how editors select projects. Thursday, April 16, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Trends in Tile. Representatives from Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America and Tile of Spain – Christine Abbate, Marianne Cox and Ryan Fasan, respectively – will present on the advancements in cutting-edge digital technology and the revival of artisanal processes that have transformed the look and application of tile. This panel session of industry experts will inform attendees on how tile trends have changed and where they will go next. Thursday, April 16, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Installation Design Showcase Deconstructed. The designers and NTCA Five Star Contractors of the Installation Design Showcase will present on the planning and on-site work dedicated towards bringing their vignettes to life in just five days. The one-hour interactive session will include a tour of all four spaces, provide insight into the thought processes behind the designs, and shed light on the installation techniques used. Thursday, April 16, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about conferences, programs, exhibitors and special events planned for Coverings 2015, visit coverings.com.
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About Coverings
Coverings is the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. It features exhibitors from 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.
The exposition serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all segments of the industry, with more than 75 informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions throughout the show, all free of charge. Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, as well as journalists and bloggers who cover this vital and dynamic industry.
Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributor Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER), Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). The show is managed by National Trade Productions.
Coverings 2015 takes place April 14-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-706-8257.
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