ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Coverings 2012, set for April 17 to 20 in Orlando, FL, is putting social media at the forefront of this year's show with a 1,500-square-foot show floor addition. Located at Booth #3728, "this new information highway hub is where attendees can gather to digitally interact and network with one another, experience the social media-minded seminar sessions, and capitalize on the potential business opportunities that lie within the online sphere of today's marketplace," according to show organizers.

"The shift toward social media as the platform for businesses to build brand identity and value is more prevalent than ever before," said Karin Fendrich, Show Director of Coverings. "To keep the Coverings 2012 community in step with the digital movement, we are serving up valuable programming that will help give them an edge on harnessing the benefits of the Internet, social media and the entire digital landscape. Coverings Central is intended to be a destination location offering tremendous networking opportunities -- both online and offline -- and invaluable information that, when put into play, will prove profitable."

With the launch of Coverings Central, show organizers have also created new 15-minute educational sessions. Social media is the key theme to the seminars scheduled here, and among them are: Social Media: The Art of Indirection; What Makes for an Effective Online Presence; How Social Media Helps the Online Retailer; The 24-Hour Social Media Campaign; Web site Development; Getting Started on Twitter; Social Media: A Vital Tool for the Tile and Stone Industries.  In total, there will be 18 free seminars showcased in Coverings Central's dedicated presentation space, and most will address the crossover interests of all attendee segments -- architects and designers, builder/remodelers, distributors, fabricators, installers and retailers.

Coverings Central also promises to be a magnet for those attendees who understand the business payoffs of being social media savvy. A "Twitter Wall" composed of large-scale computer monitor displays will let guests track and share show news and provide valuable up-to-the-minute information. The "Blogger's Café" within the space will provide ample bandwidth to file comments, observations and reports. Additionally, show goers will find the space's many computer stations a great convenience for tapping into the Internet for free.

PROJECT: Green also will be represented in Coverings Central, with the display of "winning" installations chosen by Coverings judges together with Environmental Design + Construction magazine editors, featured here.

And, while Coverings Central will be a welcome touchdown space for those needing a convenient break in between appointments or before walking more of the show, there's also an area intended to put a "tile smile" on one's face. Stop in the "photo booth" for a quick digital snap suitable for transmission and/or printing -- with a choice of Atlanta landmarks as the backdrop. This is a reminder that Coverings heads to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from April 29 to May 2, 2013.

For more information, visit: www.coverings.com or facebook.com/CoveringsShow.