(ALEXANDRIA, VA — MAY 13, 2015) Coverings, the largest international tile and stone exhibition in North America, reports increased attendance and exhibitor numbers for its 2015 show in Orlando. More than 25,000 industry professionals attended the week-long expo, April 14-17, 2015, with the conference program beginning April 13. Attendance generated a 10-percent increase from the 2014 show in Las Vegas and a 12-percent increase from 2012, the last year Coverings was held in Orlando.
Emphasizing the growing specification and installation of tile and stone products in projects across the United States, the retailer, contractor & installer, fabricator, and architect & designer segments experienced noteworthy increases compared to 2012, with increases of 11, 8, 8, and 6 percent, respectively.
In addition to impressive attendee growth, Coverings 2015 experienced a surge in the number of exhibitors showcasing innovative new products. In total, Coverings hosted 1,094 exhibitors from 41 countries, representing a 12-percent growth from 2014. Exhibit space spanned 440,000 net square-feet – an 18-percent increase in show floor space from last year.
“The strong attendance at this year’s Coverings is a valid indicator of growth in the tile and stone industry—overall, this was our largest show since 2008” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings show director. “With a legacy of more than a dozen successful shows in Orlando, we were thrilled to make the return to this market for the 2015 show. We’re looking forward to building on this year’s achievements when the show moves to Chicago in 2016.”
Long-time Coverings exhibitors echoed these sentiments – noting both the upbeat atmosphere found across the show floor and the robust series of networking and education events that took place throughout the show.
“This year was a great event which continued on the trends shown in previous years, as we saw more visitors and many new business opportunities for our company, “ said Pedro Miralles, Commercial Director for Apavisa. “Orlando was a perfect location, and we expect that our participation will bring us great results in the North American market.”
Interceramics found the show to be invigorating and promising for the year ahead, noting the opportunity to enhance relationships with new and existing business partners.
“Exhibiting at Coverings allows us to spend quality time with our customers, therefore building upon the relationships that are so valuable to our mutual success,” said Marianne Cox, Interceramics Director of Marketing. “The atmosphere at Coverings 2015 is a clear indication of our continued commitment to the tile industry in the North American market, and we are very excited to carry that commitment through to our customers, in support of their goals as well.”
Roberto Putti, Sales Manager for Ceramica Sant’Agostino praised the many elements of the show that unifies the tile and stone industry.
“All the events that are part of the show, from the educational sessions to the awards programs, are very important to consolidate relationships and elevate the attention to the products and services shown by exhibitors,” he said.
Indeed, Coverings attendees found no shortage of opportunities to enhance their technical skills or network with peers, as Coverings offered a robust conference program with more than 75 sessions and CEU courses; installation techniques were demonstrated live on the show floor at the Installation Design Showcase and at the Live Demonstration Stage; and specialized roundtables and tours brought together professional segments during dedicated Appreciation Days.
Coverings 2016 will be held April 18 – 21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
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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 featured exhibitors from more than 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.
The exposition served as a valuable resource for continuing education for all segments of the industry, with more than 80 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 2016 takes place April 18 – 21, 2016 McCormick Place in Chicago. For more information, visit coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-706-8257.
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