Architects designers invited to bring their clients to coverings08

Coverings 2008 is putting out the welcome mat for the clients of architects and interior designers. The premier trade show and conference for tile and stone is extending the opportunity for A+D professionals who are registered to attend to invite up to two VIP clients to accompany them, April 29 to May 2, at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.

With so many new products and resources to discover among Coverings' 1,200 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries, architects and designers who took advantage of the "Bring Your Client to Coverings" program last year, when it was first offered, found it to be a tremendous benefit.

"We've been attending Coverings for years and have always enjoyed being able to 'sneak preview' new product," said Florida-based interior designer Mary Stonaker, of MG Designs. She was joined at last year's show in Chicago by one of her clients. "The program enabled us to bring a client who needed to solidify decisions for a project we were working on. It really helped to be able to have her come to the show and see the choices first-hand."

For Dianne C. Green-Moen, of Studio Partners, an interior design firm in Chicago, it also was a real client perk. "A residential client of mine was looking to remodel two bathrooms and a kitchen, and was so pleased to find out about 'The Bring Your Client' service. It was easy to register her and made her feel special that she was able to attend a trade event plus see the product in person."

Registering a client for Coverings is just as easy as registering your self, all completed online, at www.coverings.com, and at no charge. Once registered, the design professional receives his or her own badge along with the guest client's. The offer is limited to two guests per host designer, and the hosts must accompany their guests on the show floor at all times.

"'Bring Your Client to Coverings' is a program that has definitely resonated with the architect and interior design community who attends the show," said Glenn Feder, president of client events for National Trade Productions, which manages and produces Coverings. "I think the success of this initiative also reflects the intense consumer interest there is in the tile and stone category of materials. The program really answers a need that the A+D professional has to keep the client in the design process. On his or her own, a consumer could easily become overwhelmed by all there is to see at Coverings, so to travel a show of this scope with your designer is the best way to help edit the options and focus in on real choices."

"Bring Your Client" is only one of dozens of customized programs for architects and interior designers at Coverings 2008. Conference sessions are, of course, an integral component and major draw of the show. Speaking to the A+D segment in April will be leading American architects such notables as Gisue Hariri, Chad Oppenheim and a team from VOA Associates/Chicago; interior design experts such as Jamie Gibbs, TV personality Doug Wilson, and the queen of kitchen and bath design, Ellen Cheever. Also headlining are color guru Leatrice Eiseman and trend forecaster Maxine Lauer, both returning to Coverings by popular demand, plus from the world of journalism Katie Weeks, senior editor of Contract, Barbara Dixon, editor-in-chief, Cottages & Gardens magazine, and Alexia Brue, a contributor to Luxury Spa Finder. All A+D sessions yield CEU credits either from AIA, ASID, IIDA or NKBA. Another program benefiting the A+D professional is the Spectrum/Prism Awards, which will be presented on opening night of the show, with more than $30,000 in prize money being awarded for outstanding and innovative use of tile and stone.

About Coverings
Coverings is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. It has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind in the U.S., featuring 1,300 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracting nearly 37,000 distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and growing industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days. For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit website at www.coverings.com or contact NTP at 703.683.8500.