Headed to Atlanta, GA, for the first time in its more than two-decade history, Coverings is turning to hometown industry experts with creation of an honorary Attendee Advisory Council to help ensure its entrée there in 2013 is an unmatched success. The hand-selected council of nine represents the various constituencies of the tile and stone world — architects, designers, distributors, fabricator, retailers and contractors as well as the press. All are veterans of the show and are committed to serving up invaluable insight and guidance on how Coverings can offer the most to attendees and exhibitors leading up to and when it convenes from April 29 to May 2, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Among the top-tier team of experts and expo enthusiasts are: Shawn C. Alshut, Principal of studio A2 and President-Elect of ASID Georgia; Matt Houser, Vice President of Sales for distributor Ceramic Technics; Dara Jobes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Premier Surfaces; Warren Lampert, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tile Outlets of America; Michele Lyden, President of IIDA Georgia; Rod Owen, Jr., President of C.C. Owen Tile Company, Inc.; Heather Paper, Senior Editor at Large for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine; Foreman Rogers, Senior Associate at tvsdesign and a participant in the Coverings 2012 Installation Design Showcase; and Ersan Sayman, Senior Vice President, International Sourcing, of Floor and Decor Outlets of America, Inc.

Commenting on the creation of the Attendee Advisory Council, Karin Fendrich, Coverings Show Director, said, “Atlanta is an exciting new turf for Coverings, and it makes sense to tap into the resources of such seasoned authorities. They have experienced our event, share the mindset of our diverse corps of attendees, and live, breathe and know the Atlanta marketplace best. We appreciate their involvement and are confident their ideas and perspective will help us produce and deliver a 2013 Coverings that is beyond expectations.”