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COVERINGS
The Great Ideas competition is open to all exhibitors and attendees of Coverings. Judging of entries is based on three criteria:
Topic submissions should be non-commercial and user-oriented, in any of the disciplines of floor coverings, ceramic tile, and stone distribution, marketing, manufacturing,
design, trends, fabrication or technology. Topics should focus on applications-oriented, real world, problem-solving topics.
Vision 2004 is scheduled to take place at the "new" North/South Complex of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, March 23-26, 2004. The deadline
for topic submissions is September 30, 2003. For topic submission forms, please log onto the Coverings web site at www.coverings.com.
Natural stone proved to be one of the most popular topics at Coverings 2003. This year's Vision professional educational conference at the show featured more workshops
and seminars on stone than ever before. Consequently, Vision 2003 was the most successful yet helping to drive overall conference attendance past the 6,000 mark.
In addition to the Vision 2003 conference, Coverings also included 1457 exhibitors displaying the world's largest collection of ceramic tile, natural stone, and other floor
coverings. The annual conference, which is held in Orlando's Orange County Convention Center, also featured fabrication equipment and related products.
"Stone has been used successfully and without peer in homes and all sorts of other construction for thousands of years. And yet today, thanks to the range of
beautiful new products, along with fabrication machinery and installation techniques that are bringing the cost down, stone is more popular than ever, as evidenced by the
interest in stone topics at Vision 2003" says Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of the Marble Institute of America.
Stonequest's Kurt Schneider, of Waterloo, Ontario, reinforced the point. "The conference at Coverings was excellent. The topics covered a lot of things I
wouldn't find elsewhere. In a marketplace that's changing as quickly as ours is, it's vital to keep learning."
Some of the most popular workshops and seminars at the convention focused on stone. They included "How to More Effectively Sell Natural Stone" by Kevin
Padden, "Stone Trends 2003", by Vince Marazita, "Introduction to Stone design" by the Marble Institute of America, and many others.
Along with over a dozen workshops and seminars on stone, Vision 2003 also offered the fourth consecutive Fabricator's Forum. The forum enabled fabricators to
network with their peers from around the world, discuss topics of interest, and swap solutions.
A highly anticipated aspect of Coverings was the annual collection of keynote speakers. This year the popular Afterburners team of top gun fighter pilots gave a
powerful presentation on teamwork, discipline, communication, and attention to detail. Other speakers included Gary Bradt, John Graham, and Tony Brigmon who
collectively covered topics from business principles to the benefits of fun in your life.
For those unable to attend Coverings 2003 and its Vision conference this year, tapes and CDs of most of the sessions are available at www.coverings.com/onlinestore.
Stone products and equipment will make another strong showing next year at Coverings 2004, which is scheduled for March 23-26, 2004, in Orlando, Florida.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
More than 6,000 floor covering professionals took part in the Vision 2003 educational program at Coverings this past March, learning the latest on everything from broad
industry trends to showroom design to installation techniques.
"Once again, the program was a major success," said Rick Church, Chairman of the Coverings Board of Governors and Executive Director of the CTDA. "The Vision
conference gives people at all positions and levels of the industry a unique chance to learn directly from the experts on a wide variety of topics of pressing interest. It's
another reason that so many people view attending Coverings as mandatory."
With more than 100 seminars, workshops and other educational events presented over four days, the annual Vision educational conference is by far the most extensive
presented in the floor covering industry. It is part of Coverings, which also includes the world's largest and most international exhibition of ceramic tile, natural stone
and floor coverings. This year's convention, which boasted over 6,000 attendees, was held March 24-27 at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.
According to Anita Bailey, conference coordinator, "The unique depth, breadth and timeliness of the Vision program have become known quantities throughout the global
floor covering industry. It attracts high-quality attendees to the show who head home with up-to-the-minute product and professional knowledge." She adds,
"The benefits of the conference go beyond the learning that each participant receives. The quality and timeliness of knowledge across the industry is advanced and
that leads directly to more business for everyone."
A highly anticipated aspect of Coverings was the annual collection of keynote speakers. This year the popular Afterburners team of top gun fighter pilots gave a
powerful presentation on teamwork, discipline, communication, and attention to detail. Other speakers included Gary Bradt, John Graham, and Tony Brigmon who
collectively covered topics from business principles to the benefits of fun in your life.
A series of roundtable forums led by industry authorities enabled participants to swap ideas with their peers from around the world. Fabricators, retailers, distributors, and
contractors were among those who enjoyed the benefit of forums tailored to individual aspects of the industry. Due to the large international participation at Coverings
, a number of sessions included simultaneous translation services. For those unable to attend this year's event, tapes and CDs of most sessions are available at
www.coverings.com/onlinestore. A new slate of Vision conference sessions will be offered next year at Coverings 2004, scheduled for March 23-26, 2004, in Orlando, Florida.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
The Coverings' Board of Governors, in cooperation with the Orange County Convention Center, has announced revised dates for the 2004 event. Current Board
Chairman, Rick Church stated, "In a continuing effort to be responsive to the desires of the vast majority of our participants, Coverings has been able to secure the dates of
March 23 - 26, 2004 for the next edition of our event."
"Originally scheduled for April, the slightly earlier dates are preferable because not only do they provide more time for manufacturers to be able to fill orders prior to the
summer season, but these improved dates also allow many visitors to enjoy Orlando's weather at a time of the year when many regions are still in the grasp of winter",
added Mr. Church.
Coverings 2004 will be staged at the new, magnificent North / South Complex. Opening in the fall of 2003, this is the newest 1,000,000 square foot facility in the
world and represents a breakthrough in state-of-the-art facilities benefiting visitors and exhibitors alike. Reflecting the availability of the new dates, the show for
2004 will run on a Tuesday to Friday pattern. This provides the added benefit for many of Coverings visitors to be able to remain in the Orlando area and enjoy a
weekend in America's most popular vacation destination.
Mr. Church concluded, "Coverings 2004 promises to be very exciting. Mark your calendar now to ensure that you'll be able to attend our best Coverings ever."
While international events kept attendance figures for Coverings 2003 from setting new records, the big story on the exhibition floor in Orlando was the high quality and
strong buying interests of the thousands who did come. "Most exhibitors I spoke with said those in attendance came with a real intention to buy," says Rick
Church, Chairman of the Coverings Board of Governors and Executive Director of the CTDA. "That gave them more time to spend meeting with existing customers
and cultivating new ones."
Tile industry artisans will demonstrate their creative talents in front of the crowds attending Coverings 2003 and
donate the resulting works of art to a major children’s charity, “Give Kids The World.” Coverings 2003 is
America’s largest trade show for the tile, stone and flooring industry and is scheduled for March 24 –27 at Orlando’s
Orange County Convention Center.
A special area of the trade show’s main floor will be set aside where the artisans will work and apply colorful tile
murals to a set of concrete benches and planters. On the final day of the trade show, the completed benches
and planters will be donated to “Give Kids The World,” a non-profit, 51-acre location in nearby Kissimmee, Florida that
fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses by providing whimsical accommodations during memorable,
cost-free vacations to the Central Florida attractions.
The newly tiled benches and planters will join six other tiled benches that were created at last year's Coverings show
and placed in the “Give Kids The World” Village. They contribute to the enjoyment and smiles of approximately 7,
000 children who are accompanied by family members and treated like VIP's at "Give Kids The World" each year.
The Village features 96-villas, a whimsical restaurant, a magical play area, an ice cream palace, a chapel, a movie
theatre, an interactive water park, and even a fishing pond. Each year the Village welcomes guest families from
all 50 states and more than 47 countries.
The major tile associations of the United States, Spain and Italy are sponsoring the project and several tile and stone
companies are donating the materials and artisans. Over 30,000 attendees are expected to attend the trade show.
Attendance is expected to exceed last year’s show total of 30,673 attendees, with 30 percent coming from over 80
different countries outside the United States. Spectacular pavilions and exhibits sponsored by national trade
groups and international entrepreneurs from North America, South America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia will
display the latest products and services available in the international marketplace at Coverings 2003. Scheduled \
for inclusion are a 90,000 sq. ft. pavilion sponsored by Assopiastrelle of Italy; a 70,000 sq. ft. exhibit by the
Trade Commission of Spain, and 25,900 sq. ft. of space sponsored by the Tile Council of America.
Over 100 exhibitors in the Ceramic Tiles of Italy Pavilion will showcase a wide range of designs, from state-of-the-art
porcelains to hand-crafted wall tiles. The Italian tile industry plans to use the Coverings 2003 forum to
announce the winners of the 2003 Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition. A cash prize of $5,000 will be
awarded to the winners in each category (commercial/institutional and residential) on March 25. The annual
award is sponsored by Assopiastrelle, the Association of Italian Ceramic Tile Manufacturers, and the Italian Trade
Commission for excellence in the design and installation of Italian ceramic tile.
The Pavilion of Spain will house 102 exhibitors and showcase the latest technologies from Spain’s ceramic tile industry
and new products designed for the U.S. market. ASCER, Spain’s ceramic tile manufacturers association, and ICEX,
its institute for foreign trade, are sponsors of the pavilion. During the show, ASCER will present the 2003
“Jerry Fisher Memorial Award,” an annual award given to individuals who have contributed to the marketing and
distribution of ceramic tile from Spain in the United States.
The United States pavilion and the Tile Council of America will use the occasion of the huge audience expected at
Coverings to launch the distribution of a new edition of the “Handbook for the Ceramic Industry,” the industry’s
guide for installation methods. The new handbook will also be distributed in an electronic version as a CD.
The Florida venue is readily accessible to international participants as they seek to penetrate the lucrative
U.S. market with their goods and services. Companies thus far scheduled to exhibit at Coverings 2003 come from
38 different countries, with over 80 companies from China on display and over 40 from Turkey. Other countries
not mentioned above with a large number of companies participating include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Israel,
the Philippines, Portugal, and Singapore.
Attendees may think they need a walking stick and a backpack in order to see all the latest products and services from
worldwide firms that are on display in the colossal convention center hall. It has a center aisle that is a
half-mile long, but the Convention Center doesn't allow horses, roller blades or skateboards. Then, of course,
there is the width – 510 feet – creating a labyrinth of corridors connecting the 1,300 exhibitor booths. So what
is a person to do if he or she has a list of several dozen booths to visit? One may ask, “With so many
exhibitors, so many products and such an immense hall, how will I find all those of interest to me? And how
will I get to them?”
One of Coverings’ newest innovations has come to the rescue of busy attendees at this year’s show—a computer-based
locator system for all the exhibits which attendees can use to create a personalized agenda for navigating through the
hall—thus ensuring that they will see the products and exhibitors that most interest them in the most efficient way
possible. Attendees also can attend a selection of over 100 educational courses and professional workshops at
the concurrent Vision 2003 seminar.
Even before arriving at the Convention Center, an attendee can start getting ready by going to the Coverings web site
(www.coverings.com) and clicking on “My Agenda.” Then they simply review the list of exhibitors, products and
seminars, and select the ones in which they are interested. “My Agenda” then lists the seminar times and rooms,
and displays the best order in which to visit the attendee’s “must see” products and exhibits, which can then be
printed out for use at the show.
Fortunately, there are also trams—termed the “Orlando Express”—that carry passengers the length of the floor’s center
aisle, so attendees can count on a free tram ride as they plan their journey between some of the more distant targeted
destinations.
“Coverings 2003 is looking for every possible avenue to improve its services to attendees each year,” said William J.
“Skip” Mason, organizer of the annual Coverings trade show. “The computerized system for traversing the hall
scheduling a personal agenda is the result of our ‘Great New Ideas’ competition which was inaugurated last year.
The new agenda program was developed by our in-house IT team as a direct response to the expressed needs of our
customer-attendees.”
“Great New Ideas” is a contest for exhibitors and attendees who make suggestions for improvements in the show’s
management. Those who submit entries become eligible for cash prizes from Coverings, with a top award of
$1,500.00. Judging of entries is based on the three objectives: (1) increasing the number of attendees, (2)
providing a new service or improving an existing service, or (3) improving Vision, the educational seminar program that
is held concurrently with Coverings.
Other service improvements to last year’s show resulted from the inaugural year of the “Great New Ideas” competition.
They include an improvement in the numerical labeling of the exhibits, with booth numbers clearly marked on the
carpeting in front of each stand, and additional information booths on the floor.
“The Coverings management team immediately recognized the value of this great idea,” said William J. “Skip” Mason,
organizer of the annual event. “In 2003, the trade show floor will have more than 1,300 exhibitors in an area
larger than 10 football or soccer fields with a center aisle that is over a half-mile long. It can become
perplexing for an attendee to schedule a visit to all of the companies, products and services on his or her own
personal agenda without getting worn out. Jack Knies’s idea provides a quick answer to a tricky task.”
In response to Mr. Knies’s suggestion, Coverings’ in-house Information Technology (IT) Department is now creating a
computer-based locator system for all the exhibits on the massive trade show floor. The IT department went
beyond the suggestion of the winning idea and added the capability for attendees to also make a selection from over
100 educational classes, seminars and professional workshops being offered at the trade show’s seminar, Vision 2003.
Attendees will be able to access the system, named “My Coverings,” through the trade show’s website
(www.coverings.com) and develop a personal agenda to navigate the exhibit area and attend seminar classes by clicking
any number of exhibits and classes and printing out the results.
The runner-up “Great Ideas” prize of $250 was awarded to Mike Ruggio, an account manager with Rohm and Haas, who
suggested that a “Survivor’s Guide” be provided to attendees, i.e., a handy pamphlet to “highlight strategies for
getting maximum value” from attending the trade show.
In response to this excellent suggestion, Coverings is currently developing a handy, easy to use guide with timely
tips and strategies based on the experiences and feedback of previous attendees to the giant show. It is
scheduled for publication and free distribution to Coverings 2003 attendees, and will point out many of the services
and conveniences that are well known to those who have attended the show for a number of years, but may be overlooked
or not noticed by relative newcomers.
The “Great Ideas” contest is an annual event and has been successful in obtaining meaningful feedback and suggestions
from the exhibitors and attendees after each trade show and seminar.
"Professionals from Spain and Latin America have been attending Coverings in increasing numbers in recent years,” said
William J. “Skip” Mason, organizer of the event. “We recognize that many of them cannot receive maximum benefit
from the valuable information being presented by some of the most highly regarded industry leaders and technical
experts because of a language barrier. We want to facilitate the communication process so that these experts can
share their knowledge with the global distributors, contractors and merchandisers at the show.”
A selection of the seminars scheduled to have live simultaneous translation include: “The Future of Ceramic Tile
Manufacturing,” presented by leading industry participants from Spain, Italy and the United States; “Like to Double
your Profits?,” sponsored by the National Association of Floor Covering Dealers and discussing all the financial
aspects of running a floor covering store, and “How to Grow your Ceramic Tile and Stone Business,” by industry
consultant, Donato Pampo.
The translation service will also be used during presentations by the prominent keynote speakers who are scheduled each
day of the trade show and seminar, and include:
Most important to many attendees, Vision 2003 is a professional learning experience and a unique opportunity with over
100 complimentary conferences, workshops and seminars led by some of the most highly regarded industry leaders and
technical experts. Many of the courses are directed specifically to natural stone and fabrication techniques and
business practices. Although the final line-up of courses for the four-day seminar is not yet completed, the
following is a sampling of the Vision 2003 courses:
The Chairman of Coverings 2003, Rick Church, said, “We are extremely pleased with the high caliber of the keynote
speakers scheduled to appear at this year’s show. Chris Madden, Vicente Wolf and Leatrice Eiseman are the kind
of industry trend-setters who will capture the attention of our attendees and give additional value and prestige to
our package of educational seminars and the Coverings trade show.” Chris Madden is a regular on the “Oprah Show”
where she has done room makeovers for different viewers and a memorable redo of Oprah’s own personal office space on
the show. Ms. Madden typically brings to her audiences a potpourri of today’s design trends, ways to personalize
a home and a discussion of the unique needs of a woman for her personal space.
Simplicity and integrity best describe the work of Vicente Wolf, who has been renowned in the world of contemporary
design for twenty-eight years. His worldwide interior design projects range from retail and office spaces to
hotels and model apartments. His versatility extends from furniture and carpet collections, bed linens and
crystal to his own line of sterling silver flatware. His photography has recently become well known and an
exhibition of his photographic works opened in October 2003 at the Ralph Pucci Gallery in New York City.
Leatrice Eiseman is an internationally recognized color specialist and has helped organizations and corporations make
the best and most educated color choices for product development, brand imaging, interior/exterior design and other
applications. She is the author of several books, including the award winning “Colors For Your Every Mood” and
“The Pantone Guide to Communicating With Color.” She teaches both fashion and interior design and has shared
her expertise in appearances on CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, HGTV, Discovery Channel and FOX network.
Vision 2003 and Coverings 2003 represent the most important seminar and trade show in the Americas for the tile, stone,
and flooring materials industry.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear:
Scheduled for 9:30 am on each day of the four-day Vision 2003 Conference, the topics will be as follows:
In its first year of sponsorship, Italian Marmomacchine Association (AIMM) represents the most important Italian
manufacturers of equipment for natural stone processing. AIMM President, Dr. Flavio Mirabelli, said, “Our
co-sponsorship represents a new source to enhance our members’ exposures worldwide.” Rick Church, Chairman of
the Board of Governors of Coverings, stated, “We appreciate the addition of AIMM to our impressive list of co-sponsors.
The AIMM co-sponsorship further validates the leadership position that Coverings has assumed for those involved
in both natural stone, and the equipment for natural stone processing.”
Returning as co-sponsors are the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD), as well as chapters of
the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction
Specifications Institute (CSI), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and the Tile Contractors
Association of America (TCAA). President of the Florida Chapter of IIDA, Jaime Canaves, acknowledged Coverings
as “a wonderful opportunity to observe and gather valuable insights into the product knowledge and innovative ideas
that are so essential to today’s interior designer.” Molly Hester, president of the Orlando Chapter of AIA, said
of Coverings, “I encourage architects, interior designers, specifiers, and contractors to attend…there is no other
exciting show like it in the world.”
Roberta LeMoine, the president of the Florida North Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), told
her membership that they “cannot miss this artfully displayed array of products. You will see the best products
brought together from all over the world, truly a delight to the senses.” Roy Siegal, president of the ASID
Florida South Chapter, summed up his view: “Coverings 2003 will be the best show yet.” The Construction
Specifications Institute (CSI) promotes “knowledge for creating and sustaining the built environment.” The
president of CSI’s Greater Orlando Chapter, Joseph P. Morales, encouraged his members “to not only attend the exhibits,
but also access as many of the seminars and discussions as possible.”
Executive Director Patty Nolte of the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA) stated, “We’re proud to support
an industry event so committed to providing the variety and extent of exhibitors, conference seminars, workshops, and
major addresses that Coverings makes readily available.”
“We are very excited to have the support from all these distinguished associations,” added Rick Church, Chairman of
the Board of Governors of Coverings. “It signifies the mutual respect and collaboration that exists among these
associations, and establishes Coverings as the most important industry show in the Americas for tile, stone, and
flooring materials.”
The major trade show will take place March 24-27, in Orlando,
Florida. “This is a very significant co-sponsorship,” said an enthusiastic Skip Mason, President of TSI,
managing company of Coverings. “It denotes the mutual respect and cooperation that exists between this trade
association and the most important industry show in the Americas. It further strengthens Coverings’ position and
will expand our reach to even more exhibitors and attendees.”
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
June 19, 2003: Coverings, North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Coverings announced the official opening of its annual search for the best, new “great ideas” for the 2004 edition of the world’s largest exposition for ceramic tile
and natural stone to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, March 23-26, 2004. Cash prizes will be awarded for your thoughts and
suggestions on ways to make the international trade show more visitor and/or exhibitor friendly. Now’s the time to put your “great idea” down on paper. The
2004 great ideas grand prize winner will receive $1,500 for the “best” idea and $250 for each runner-up.
Entries are not limited to length or number of ideas. Ideas should be submitted, no later than November 30, 2003. Send to: Coverings 2004 Great Ideas Contest,
11940 US Highway One, Suite 200, North Palm Beach, FL 33408; by fax to 561.776.7466; or by e-mail to contest@coverings.com.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
May 21, 2003: Coverings, North Palm Beach, FL - USA
VISION 2004, the conference program held concurrent with Coverings, the international exposition for the ceramic tile, natural stone and floor covering industries, has
announced a call for conference topics. Vision 2004 is looking for individuals interested in presenting seminars, workshops or roundtable discussions as part of the
professional development program. Presenting a seminar is an excellent opportunity for industry representatives to share their knowledge and expertise in a respected
forum.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
April 21, 2003: Coverings, North Palm Beach, FL - USA
STRONG INTEREST IN STONE TOPICS SEEN AT VISION 2003 CONFERENCE HELD AT COVERINGS - More Than 6000 Participants Attend the Four-Day Educational
Event
April 21, 2003: Coverings, North Palm Beach, FL - USA
THOUSANDS EXPAND KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE BY ATTENDING VISION 2003 CONFERENCE PROGRAM AT COVERINGS - Wide Variety of Seminars &
Workshops Attract More Than 6000 Participants
April 17, 2003: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
COVERINGS SECURES “MARCH 23 – 26” DATES FOR 2004!
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
April 15, 2003: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
BUYERS SET A BUSY PACE AT COVERINGS 2003
More Than Twenty-Six Thousand Turn Out to Find the Best and Latest Products from 1457 Exhibitors
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
January 13, 2003: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
COVERINGS 2003 AND THE TILE AND STONE INDUSTRY MAKE DONATION TO GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com. Media contact at Give Kids The World is Kristin Weissman, (407) 396-1114.
December 23, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Would you like to cross international borders, continents and vast oceans in a single day? Coverings 2003
, North America’s largest trade show for the tile, stone and floor covering industry, provides the opportunity to see a
worldwide array of customers and the latest in global products and services in one location, Orlando’s Orange County
Convention Center, on March 24-27, 2003.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
December 17, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Coverings 2003, America’s leading trade show for the tile, stone and flooring industry, will occupy an indoor area
larger than 10 football fields at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center March 24 to 27, 2003. With more than
1,300 exhibitors occupying the entire main exposition hall of the convention center, it is among the 40 largest trade
shows held in the United States, according to Tradeshow Week’s Data Book.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
December 10, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Jack Knies of East Coast Tile Distributors gave an idea to the management of Coverings that wins the $1,500 first prize
in Coverings’ annual “Great Ideas Contest,” and will help future attendees at the massive trade show plan an efficient
and time-saving agenda. Coverings is America’s leading trade show and education conference for the tile, stone
and flooring industry, Mr. Knies’s idea to “create a click-able, printable list of exhibitors with their stand numbers
and an agenda to visit this personalized list” is being implemented for Coverings 2003, scheduled for March 24-27,
2003 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
December 4, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Vision 2003, the professional education seminar of Coverings 2003, will feature live simultaneous translation
from English to Spanish of its key speaker presentations and a variety of instructional sessions scheduled to be held
at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on March 24-27, 2003. Coverings 2003 is the leading
international trade show for the tile, stone and floor covering industry with 1,300 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees
expected to attend.
Vision 2003 will have over 100 complimentary seminars, workshops and courses over the four-day period. A daily
selection of courses and presentations will have the live simultaneous translation service.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
November 21, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Vision 2003, the annual program of educational seminars, will offer free workshops and courses of direct
interest to stone fabricators and others involved in the natural stone industry who attend Coverings 2003 at Orlando’s
Orange County Convention Center on March 24 - 27, 2003. Vision 2003 is the educational conference linked with
Coverings 2003, the once-a-year display of the latest in stone and fabrication equipment by worldwide firms, and the
western hemisphere’s largest annual gathering of fabricators and others in the natural stone business.
Coverings will also feature the much-anticipated announcement of the 2003 winners of PRISM, the International Natural
Stone Design Competition. PRISM is in its fourth year and draws entries from around the globe for creative
excellence in the use of natural stone in design and architecture. Winners of this prestigious industry award
will be announced on March 26, the third day of the four-day conference. Entries are judged on the basis of
outstanding creativity, originality and the ability to meet the technical and functional requirements of the project.
Coverings is accepting entries and has set a deadline of December 16, 2002. The contest has a $10,000 top
award and awards of $2,500 and $1,500 in separate residential and commercial categories. Additional information
and free on-line registration for Vision 2003 is available at www.coverings.com.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
November, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Vision 2003, the program of seminars being held at Coverings 2003, America’s leading trade show for the tile, stone and
floor covering industry, will feature a daily program of educational workshops and speakers during the trade
exposition at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on March 24-27, 2003. Vision 2003
announced today that three of America’s most prominent design professionals will be featured at the exposition’s
Designer Luncheon Series:
The featured design professionals will make their presentations at the Vision 2003 lunchtime programs to be held each
day at 12:30 p.m. Vision 2003 also includes a full daily schedule of other speakers, presentations and
educational programs for the attendees of Coverings 2003. Over 80 sessions will cover varied subjects related
to such specialties as merchandising, management, design trends, installations, and technology as they relate to the
ceramic tile, natural stone and floor covering industry. The trade show and seminars are expected to draw 30,000
visitors during the four-day period.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
November, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
Nationally renowned speakers will be featured each day at Coverings 2003, America’s leading trade show for the tile,
stone and floor covering industry, and the accompanying Vision 2003 educational seminars. The trade show and
seminar will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on March 24-27, 2003.
“Those who participate in Coverings 2003 will receive a great deal of benefit as these experts share their creative
ideas and contemporary thoughts to help them in today’s competitive business world,” said the Chairman of Coverings
2003, Rick Church, as he confirmed the attendance of each keynote speaker.
Vision 2003 features over 80 other presentations, workshops and speakers as educational and professional development
opportunities for the attendees of Coverings 2003, America’s foremost tradeshow for the tile, stone and flooring
materials industry.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
October, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
The International Tile, Stone, and Flooring Exposition, announced eight
co-sponsors for this year’s edition of the giant event taking place March 24 – 27, 2003 at the Orange County
Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. While one of the sponsors is new, the other seven have previously
participated in the world’s largest annual trade show and educational forum of its kind.
For more information, contact Coverings at info@coverings.com
September 5, 2002: Coverings,
North Palm Beach, FL - USA
The prestigious technical and promotional organization, Italian Marmomacchine
Association (A.I.M.M.), who serves the stone and allied sectors, has confirmed their co-sponsorship of Coverings 2003,
the International Tile and Stone Exposition.
“Our partnership with Coverings will enable us to provide our members with the best resources for enhancing their
exposure worldwide,” added Dr. Flavio Mirabelli, President of the Italian Marmomacchine Association. With more
than 250 members, A.I.M.M. encompasses some of the most important manufacturers and users of machinery and other
equipment for natural stone processing.
