Coverings 2015: 25,000+ in Orlando

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – More than 25,000 stone and tile professionals visited Coverings 2015 in Orlando last month, beating the attendance marks of two previous editions of the event.

This year’s gathering, from April 13-17 for education and exhibition, generated a 10% attendee increase from the 2014 show in Las Vegas, and a 12% increase from the previous Orlando event in 2012.

Click photo for gallery“The strong attendance at this year’s Coverings is a valid indicator of growth in the tile and stone industry—overall, this was our largest show since 2008” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings show director. “With a legacy of more than a dozen successful shows in Orlando, we were thrilled to make the return to this market for the 2015 show.”

Emphasizing the growing specification and installation of tile and stone products in projects across the United States, increases came in across the board in attendance from 2012 levels from retailers (+11%), contractors and installers (+8%), fabricators (8%) and designers (+6%).

Coverings 2015 also showed a surge in exhibitors, up 12% from last year with 1,094 from 41 countries. Exhibit space spanned 440,000 nf² – an 18% increase from last year.

Long-time Coverings exhibitors echoed these sentiments – noting both the upbeat atmosphere found across the show floor and the robust series of networking and education events that took place throughout the show.

“Exhibiting at Coverings allows us to spend quality time with our customers, therefore building upon the relationships that are so valuable to our mutual success,” said Marianne Cox, Interceramics director of marketing. “The atmosphere at Coverings 2015 is a clear indication of our continued commitment to the tile industry in the North American market, and we are very excited to carry that commitment through to our customers, in support of their goals as well.”

Roberto Putti, sales manager for Ceramica Sant’Agostino, praised the many elements of the show that unifies the tile and stone industry.

“All the events that are part of the show, from the educational sessions to the awards programs, are very important to consolidate relationships and elevate the attention to the products and services shown by exhibitors,” he said.

Coverings offered a robust conference program with more than 75 sessions and CEU courses; installation techniques were demonstrated live on the show floor at the Installation Design Showcase and at the Live Demonstration Stage; and specialized roundtables and tours brought together professional segments during dedicated Appreciation Days.

“We’re looking forward to building on this year’s achievements when the show moves to Chicago in 2016,” Fendrich said.

Coverings 2016 will be held April 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributor Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association  (ASCER), Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

The show is managed by National Trade Productions. For more information, go to www.coverings.com.

Get the news of the industry with Slab & Sheet, the weekly e-newsletter every Thursday from Stone Update. Sign up for free delivery here.

For the latest industry info, check Stone Update on Twitter and Facebook.