“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response we've received and the increase in numbers across virtually all key industry segments,” stated Tamara Christian, Coverings' show director and president of National Trade Productions, the organizer of the event. “These numbers prove that, once again, Coverings is the place where tile and stone professionals from around the world come to do business. We've certainly raised the bar, and our team is already looking ahead to make Coverings 2006 another year to remember.”

In total, 32,228 visitors registered for Coverings 2005, according to statistics. National Trade Productions registration data showed significant growth in five key industry categories as the reason behind the record attendance at this year's exhibition. Records illustrate a 25% increase over last year among installers, followed by stone and tile specifiers, who were 17% above 2004 numbers. Dealers and retailers were close behind with a 15% jump, while representation of fabricators and contractors increased by 10% and 7% respectively, stated National Trade Productions.