Stone & Tile Events

Coverings 2015 returns to Orlando

The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, will set the stage for the 26th edition of Coverings, the North American international tile and stone exhibition, which is anticipated to be its largest show since 2009

After celebrating a successful 25th anniversary in Las Vegas, NV, last year, Coverings is returning to the East Coast, with the show scheduled from April 14 to 17, 2015 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. With more than a dozen successful exhibitions already held in the Orlando area over the years Coverings has been in existence, this year’s edition is predicted to be the largest since 2009, with an overall increase in square footage and the number of exhibitors. In total, the 2015 show is expected to draw in approximately 23,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors across the 400,000 square feet of exhibition space at the Orange County Convention Center.

“We’re really excited for what we anticipate will be one of the most impressive shows yet,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings Show Director. “At Coverings 2014, we had the highest re-sign rate in the history of the show, with more exhibitors committing to space onsite for this year’s show than ever before. We feel this signifies a renewed confidence and revitalization of the tile and stone industry and that Coverings continues to provide valuable opportunities to its stakeholders.”

Coverings 2015 has also revealed a new logo and creative campaign to accompany its expected success. The new design concept is showcased on the show’s website, www.coverings.com, as well as through its marketing and advertising materials. Developed in partnership with Giona Maiarelli, Creative Director of Maiarelli Studio, the new design features a series of overlapping, colorful square frames — lending homage to the traditional shape of tile — that focuses on people. Coverings’ new logo form features a slimmer font, intended to communicate the show’s sophistication and value for its audiences — particularly the architecture and design communities. “Coverings represents an important community of colleagues, clients and friends, and the design spotlights this as a critical foundation of the show,” said Maiarelli.

Show highlights

Once again, Coverings will present its annual Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards, honoring the most superior designs and installations of tile and stone. Open to architects, designers, builders, contractors, distributors, retailers and installers, the CID Awards celebrate creativity and technical prowess in the use of tile and stone in residential, commercial, international and now sustainable projects.

Sponsored by Contemporary Stone & Tile Design and TileLetter magazines, winning projects will be announced during a new revamped ceremony called the CID Awards & Opening Night Celebration, which will take place on the first night of Coverings, April 14, at 5:30 p.m. The free event will include a presentation of the winners — who must be present to accept their awards, otherwise the projects will be disqualified and new winners will be awarded, with the exception of international projects — along with a live showcase of the projects and a cocktail reception, allowing attendees to interact directly with the winners and learn more about the projects first-hand.

“The CID Awards program shines a spotlight on the remarkable talent in the tile and stone industry — these are the trailblazers and visionaries exhibiting the highest levels of creativity, craftsmanship and outstanding use of materials,” said Fendrich. “With more than 100 outstanding entries in 2014, this program has gained significant momentum, and reflects tile and stone’s presence in today’s impressive designs and installations.”

Also new in 2015 is the “Coverings Rock Stars — An Emerging Leaders Program,” which will honor the best and brightest young professionals in the tile and stone industry. The program underscores Coverings’ mission to support the growth and success of the industry by recognizing top-notch talent and fostering networking and educational opportunities. A handful of individuals who are 35 years old or younger and employed as architects, designers, distributors, retailers, contractors, installers, fabricators, specifiers or manufacturers — who have been self-nominated or nominated by someone within the tile or stone industry — are selected by a panel of industry professionals for having made an impact on the industry and embodying the traits and characteristics of a future leader.

The inaugural group of Coverings’ Rock Stars will be recognized through a series of special events and activities at the show, including the CID Awards & Opening Night Celebration and during a special luncheon on April 15, where they will offer insight and guidance to others interested in furthering their careers in the tile and stone industry.

“Coverings is a show for the industry and by the industry, so it’s critical that we take time to honor the ambitious forward-thinking individuals that are laying the foundation for future generations,” said Fendrich. “The tile and stone industry is comprised of ambitious and talented entrepreneurs, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements.”

Coverings has also created specific “Appreciation Days” this year to facilitate enhanced learning and networking opportunities for attendees, which will feature tailored guided tours of the show floor, lunch, focused education sessions and more. Attendees can sign up for these sessions online for free. The days are as follows:

• April 14 — Builder & Remodeler Day

• April 15 — Architect & Designer Day

• April 15 & 16 — Contractor Days

• April 16 — Fabricator Day