Inside the exhibition hall, more than 1,100 exhibitors from over 40 countries will occupy over 400,000 square feet of exhibit space. Pavilions from Italy and Spain will again be highly visible, each with over 100 different firms, including producers of marble and other natural stone products. Meanwhile, allied products such as stoneworking machinery and equipment will account for many more stands on the show floor.

Many other countries will be spotlighting their stone industries as well. These include Brazil, Turkey, China, Israel, Mexico, Canada and others. And in addition to the international pavilions, individual company stands will have a strong presence as well -- many offering hands-on product examinations and on-site demonstrations. In all, companies from five continents will be exhibiting at Coverings, presenting the opportunity to amass a great deal of information from a single business trip.

Vision 2001

In addition to the exposition, Coverings is home to the "Vision 2001" series of seminars. More than 60 free conference sessions are scheduled throughout the event, many of specific value to those in the stone industry.

Topics to be addressed range from architectural trends to the latest installation and maintenance technologies and techniques. Experts in marketing, management, sales, distribution and installation will be on hand to update participants on the latest trends, while also providing them with practical tips for their business. (See "Vision 2001 at Coverings," for an at-a-glance look at selected seminars and session times.)

Prism Awards

Given the strong presence of natural stone at Coverings 2001, it is fitting that the event recognizes the key role natural stone plays in architectural design today. Once again, the Coverings Board of Governors has voted to support the special Prism Competition, which honors the most beautiful, creative and inspiring uses of natural stone in modern design and architecture worldwide. A jury of architects, designers and journalists will select the winners.

Prism awards include:

Grand Prize -- $10,000

Residential First Prize -- $2,500

Residential Award of Merit -- $1,500

Commercial First Prize -- $2,500

Commercial Award of Merit -- $1,500

Entries were submitted by pro-fessionals involved in the distribution, specification, manufacturing, retailing, installation or design of natural stone projects.

Technological Advances

Prior to the show, visitors to Coverings 2001 are offered the opportunity to take advantage of the Internet to make the overall experience simpler and more efficient. By visiting "www.coverings.com," the Coverings Web site, attendees can fill out the form for free pre-registration, scan the list of exhibitors, hyperlink to companies of interest, send a Coverings 2001 e-invitation to a friend, check out the special deals on hotels and airfare, and review the conference program in detail.

At the show itself, electronic information kiosks will make it simple to find specific stone and related exhibitors so visitors can plan the most efficient route through the huge exhibition hall. Self-registration terminals will produce the admission badges and help visitors avoid lines on the way to the show floor. Free Internet terminals also allow visitors to check e-mail while at the show.

Additionally, coverings exhibitors will again be offering special deals, gifts, sweepstakes and other promotions to visitors by means of Coverings "Advantage" cards. These cards mailed to visitors prior to the show, and can be redeemed at the exhibitors' stands.

Vision at Coverings 2001

Sunday - May 20, 2001 -

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Super Session #1:

Ceramic Tile University 101

This program promises to jump-start floor coverings retailers and others interested in selling tile at retail. It will cover the following: "Why is it Time for Tile?" "Talk the Talk of Tile;" "Display and Samples;" "Educating the Troops" and "Selling it Installed."

Developed by CTDA in collaboration with the CTEF, TCA and Floor Covering Weekly.

Super Session #2:

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

This session entails three hours of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" presented by Dr. Sheryl Prindle. While being motivational, the session covers its ground in a proactive, learning and experience-based manner.

Super Session #3:

NTCA's "The Workshop Program"

Since about 1980, these one-stop training sessions have been wowing contractors and helpers with the latest materials and installation methods. The program starts out with surface preparation and layout, and goes through membranes, backerboards, mortars, grouts and finishes with cleaning and sealing. The NTCA staff promises you the most intense, fast-paced technical presentation in the business.

Marketing & Management

Monday, May 21 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Good Showroom

Management

and Selling - Part I

Presented by: Janet Carter,

Principal, Carter Lynn

Creative Time Management

for 2001 and Beyond

Presented by: Tom Schor, Pres.,

Dynamic Results, Inc.

Uncovering Hidden Profits

Presented by: Tom Shay, Pres., Profits+Plus Seminars

Networking-Key to Success

Presented by: Warren Tyler, Pres.,

Motivation Plus

marketWiseTM

Moderated by: Sandy Montero,

Publisher, Floor Covering Weekly;

Presented by: Jonathan Trivers, Marketing Wit and Wisdom

Tile Sales Training 101 - Part I

Presented by: Doug Adamson, Pres.,

Adamson Group

Design & Marketing Trends

Monday, May 21 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

How to Become the Architect/Design

Professional's First Choice

Presented by: Al Tarr, Nat'l

Architectural Manager, The Noble Company; Jim Whitfield, Sales Manager, El Rea Stucco Technology

Monday, May 21 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Electronic Commerce

Presented by: Gene Roman, CEO, Systems Design, Inc.

Specification & Installation

Monday, May 21 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Grouting with 100% Epoxy

Presented by: Jim Anderson, General Manager, Summitville Labs, Inc.

Waterproofing

Presented by: Daryl Ball, Director of Training and New Product Development, The Noble Company

Perspective on Uncoupling

Presented by: Larry Horton, Territory Manager, Schluter Systems

Warm Solutions to Cold Tile Floors

Presented by: Kevin McElroy, Sales Manager; John Rose, President, Nuheat Industries

Marketing & Management

Monday, May 21 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Good Showroom Management and Selling - Part II

Presented by: Janet Carter, Principal, Carter Lynn

Creating Marketing Materials That Sell!

Presented by: Kay Pegram, President, Kaymar Communications

marketWise

Moderated by: Sandy Montero,

Publisher, Floor Covering Weekly;

Presented by: Jonathan Trivers,

Marketing Wit and Wisdom

Design & Marketing Trends

Monday, May 21 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Colors & Trends

Presented by: Sally Morse,

Director of Creative Services, Hunter Douglas

Design Center Solutions for Your

Builder Business

Presented by: Michael Vogel; George Ruegg, Design Center Solutions

Technology

Monday, May 21 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Computer Systems for the 21st Century

Presented by: Edgar Aya, Pres., AYA

Associates, Inc.

Specification & Installation

Monday, May 21 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Solutions for Your Tile and Stone

Installation Problems

Presented by: Greg Schad, Technical Director, TEC Specialty Products, Inc.

Care & Maintenance of Tile and Natural Stone

Presented by: Rod Sigman, Technical Service Manager; Bill Tran, Vice President, Aqua Mix, Inc.

Marketing & Management - Tuesday, May 22 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

U.S. Customs Classification of Building Stone

Presented by: Jacob Bunin, National Import Specialist, U.S. Customs

Creating Your Business Image to Bring in Sales

Presented by: Kay Pegram, President, Kaymar Communications

Low-Cost, High Impact Marketing & Advertising

Presented by: Peter Schor, President, Dynamic Results, Inc.

Technology - Tuesday, May 22 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Computer Estimating & Digitizing

Presented by: Frank Gregg, President, BVH-Gregg Inc.

Specification and Installation - Tuesday, May 22 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Cost Effective Solutions for Problems Caused by Low Cost Construction - Part I

Presented by: Daryl Ball, Director of Training and New Product Development, The Noble Co.

Sundry or Not - Maiking Money on Tile's Accessory Products

Presented by: Dave Hamilton, General Manager, Mapei

Direct Adhered Facade Systems

Presented by: Ian Street, S.E. Regional Sales, Manager; Calvin McGee, Director Technology, Laticrete International

Marketing & Management - Tuesday, May 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

How to Deal With Difficult Individuals

Presented by: Chip DuPont, Partner, Dupont - O'Neil & Associates

Sell-Every Time!

Presented by: Warren Tyler, Pres., Motivation Plus

The Importance of a Trade Newsletter

Presented by: Bruce Webster, President, Advertising Communications Inc.

Tile Sales Training 101 - Part IV

Presented by: Doug Adamson, Pres., Adamson Group

Design & Marketing Trends - Tuesday, May 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Colors & Trends: What's in Store for the Future

Presented by: Leatrice Eiseman, Director, Pantone Color Institute

Architectural Tile and Stone Production in Latin America

Presented by: Julio Gaeta, Director, El Arqa

Specification and Installation - Tuesday, May 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Cost Effective Solutions for Problems Caused by Low Cost Construction - Part II

Presented by: Daryl Ball, Director of Training and New product Development, The Noble Company

Movement Joints: From Necessary to Opportunity

Presented by: Tod Valickis, Regional Manager, Schluter Systems

When it Absolutely, Positively Must be Re-Grouted: How to Remove, Prepare and Re-Grout Cement and Epoxy Grout

Presented by: Steve Young, President, Steve Young & Associates

Avoiding Tile & Stone Failures: Do it Right the First Time

Moderated by: Bob Sanelli, Executive Director, TTMAC; Speaker: Dale Kempster, Schluter Systems

Marketing & Management - Wednesday, May 23 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Ten Techniques to Keep Clients Happy

Presented by: Chip Dupont, Part, Dupont - O'Neil & Associates

Building Business Alliances to Gain Sales

Presented by: Kay Pegram, President, Kaymar Communications

Motivation for Profit

Presented by: Warren Tyler, Pres., Motivation Plus

Design & Marketing Trends - Wednesday, May 23 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

The Stone Age: How to Specify Natural Stone

Presented by: Ricardo Apparicio, Marmol Export, U.S.A.

Technology - Wednesday, May 23 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Virtual Stone Tours - Marketing on the Internet

Presented by: Vince Marazita, President, Marazita & Associates

Specification and Installation - Wednesday, May 23 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Dealing With Movement Associated w/ Stone Flooring

Presented by: Daryl Ball, Director of Training, The Noble Company; Fred Hueston, Director, The Natl. Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades

Floor Drains That Make Sense

Presented by: Steve Brasington, Territory Manager, Schluter Systems

Sealing Tile, Grout & Natural Stone: True or False

Presented by: Joseph Salvo, Vice President, Miracle Sealants Co.

Laminating in the Fabrication Shop With Polyesters & Epoxies

Moderated by: Alex Bachrach, Publisher, Stone World; Speaker: Sal Banchitta, CEO, Akemi North America

Marketing & Management - Wednesday, May 23 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Contracting for Transportation and Logistics Services

Presented by: George Pezold, Esq., Transportation Claims and Prevention Council

Small Shop Layout - Big Shop Output!

Presented by: Joe Ranzoni, President, Ranzoni Inc.

Great Showrooms - Cutting Edge Tips and Secrets

Presented by: Peter Schor, President, Dynamic Results, Inc.

Design & Marketing Trends - Wednesday, May 23 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Trends, Colors and What Makes Them Important to You

Presented by: Janet Carter, Principal, Carter Lynn

Stone Trends 2001

Presented by: Vince Marazita, President, Marazita & Associates

Specification & Installation - Wednesday, May 23 - 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Techniques for Installing Tile in New Residential Construction

Presented by: Duncan English, Technical Service Manager, TCA

Spot Mounting: Hands-On Demonstration

Presented by: Art Mintie, Supervisor of Technical Services; Calvin McGee, Director Technology, Laticrete Intl.

Controlled Cure Technology - Fact or Fiction

Presented by: Steve Taylor, Director Technology, Custom Building Products

Stone World technical seminar

On Wednesday, May 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., Stone World will be presenting a technical seminar entitled "Laminating in the Fabrication Shop With Polyesters & Epoxies." The seminar will be moderated by Alex Bachrach, publisher of Stone World; and the speaker will be Sal Banchitta, CEO of Akemi North America.

This session will focus on practical adhesive tips and how they are applied to such substrates as countertops, fireplaces, panels, facades and more. Additional emphasis will be placed on internal and external uses and how to choose the right product based on elements such as temperature, weather conditions, geography, UV factor and more. The forum will conclude with a question-and-answer period.