More than 1,000 companies are set to show off the latest developments in the stone and tiles industry at Coverings, a major international tile and stone exhibition to be held in the US next month.
''Coverings - The International Tile and Stone Exposition, is by far the largest exposition and conference for ceramic tile and natural stone in the Western Hemisphere,'' says exhibition spokeswoman Anita Bailey.
''With more than 1,000 companies displaying products from over 40 countries, Coverings will encompass more than over 750,000 sq ft,'' she says.
This year, the show will be held at the spectacular Ernest Morial Convention Center, located in the heart of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana, from May 21 to 23.
The show is co-sponsored by the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) of the US.
''Coverings has firmly established itself as the biggest and best trade event for everyone involved with ceramic tile, natural stone, and related products - collectively, it's the hottest segment of today's floor and wall covering industry,'' says Bailey.
She continues: ''Each year, thousands of professionals from every facet of the industry - including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, designers/architects, installers and international buyers - find Coverings to be the fastest, most cost-effective route to finding the new products, ideas and relationships they need to increase their businesses.
''The exhibition lets participants accomplish more, and in far less time. Nowhere else are greater opportunities available in one convenient venue.
''In 2000, exhibitors came from over 40 nations on six continents, many of which were located in Coverings' several major international 'pavilions.'
''As the industry becomes more and more global, Coverings offers exhibitors of all sizes even more cost-effective opportunities to reach a new world of buyers and specifiers. In 2000, many exhibitors reported record business at Coverings, and underscored their enthusiasm by immediately reserving space for the 2001 event.
Products on display at the show will cover: abrasives, accessories, adhesives, anti-slip treatments, backer board, cleaning products, ceramic tiles, cleaning equipment, composite tile and wood, computer software, concrete tiles, cutting tools, decals, diamond blades/tools, display systems, fabrication equipment, floor heating elements, glass blocks, granite, grout, gypsum, installation materials, machinery, marble, metal tile, mosaics, mouldings, plastic blocks, plastic floor trim, publications, quarry tiles, sealants, slate, sponges, stain removers, stone, synthetic stone, tools, trim, underlayment and waterjet systems.
As part of the event, more than 75 educational sessions will be held under the theme Vision 2001: the Global Forum for Ceramic and Natural Stone.
