(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 builders and remodelers. 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 conference sessions are a primary reason builders and remodelers attend the leading tile and stone exhibition.
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 builder and remodeler segment include strategies for stone and tile installation and care; an introduction to the design build method; contract negotiation best practices;  and tile trends in the industry.
 Here are the details to some of these not-to-be-missed sessions:

Stone & Tile Care Strategies – Issues & Opportunities. Rod Sigman of Custom Building Products will address the issues that come with incorporating sealers and cleaners into normal installation methods. Attendees will gain knowledge and understanding of these products that can set them apart from competition and earn repeat business.  Tuesday, April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Builder/Remodeler Roundtables. Roundtable discussions over lunch, facilitated by the Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas (in Spanish) and the Florida Home Builders Association, will take place in the Appreciation Lounge. Current trends in the builder and remodeler industry in the Southeast market will be discussed. Tuesday, April 14, 12:00 – 1:00 p.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.
Six Trends that will Dramatically Change Your Life. President of Affluent Insights and The Home Trust, Christopher Ramey, will share insights on how consumer trends will change the way people do business, and how to identify major consumer and industry trends. Wednesday, April 15, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Design Build Obligations: You May Not Know It, But You Own It. Superior Tile and Stone’s Tommy Conner will present on Design Build – a project delivery method that provides the owner with a single point of contact for both design and construction. The session will provide attendees with awareness of the unique financial and liability risks associated with design build. Thursday, April 16, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
How To Get Paid: Not Sued. Trial lawyer, Sloan Bailey, will provide general education and advice regarding contract negotiations and disputes for both public works and privately funded projects. Thursday, April 16, 10:30 – 11:30 a.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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