For all of the hundreds of new and exciting discoveries in tile and stone to be found at Coverings 2011, March 1417, at The Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, what will be the ultimate standouts?
That decision is left to Coverings Spectrum Select and a panel of judges charged with recognizing the best and most exceptional products being introduced at the annual international tile and stone show and conference.
Now in its second year, Coverings Spectrum Select is a partnership between Coverings and Contract magazine, and it was created to honor those tile and stone products that reflect outstanding design, engineering and technological innovation, and that set new standards in aesthetics and performance.
The Call for Entries has been issued and is open only to Coverings exhibitors, who may submit up to four candidates in any of the following categories: Artisan Tile/Stone; Porcelain/Ceramic Tile Wall; Porcelain/ Ceramic Tile Floor; Mosaic Tile; Glass Tile; Natural Stone; Installation Material Systems; and, Equipment and Machinery. For a product that might not fit into these eight definitions, the judges will consider prospects classified as Other.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 4, 2011, with entry forms available at http:// www.coverings.com /coverings_spectrum_select. A single entry is $50; each additional is $30. In addition to the completed form, the submission must be accompanied by a typed narrative description of the product plus photography. (Deadline for images is Friday, February 25.)
"The prestige of being a Coverings Spectrum Select choice resonates long after the show ends and is an added value that exhibitors can effectively leverage in marketing their brands," said Jennifer Hoff, president of National Trade Productions, which manages and produces Coverings. "The program is patterned on Contract magazine's Best of NeoCon concept, which is revered in the contract furnishings industry," she explained, "and we're fortunate to be able to apply their level of experience and vision to the tile and stone industry, as well. Coverings Spectrum Select is a badge of distinction that helps bring to light the extraordinary caliber of these materials and tools of the trade."
According to Hoff, it's on the show floor of Coverings in March where the judges' final scrutiny takes place, as they personally visit the exhibit space of each entrant, see the products first-hand, and probe for additional details that may factor in their decisions. This visitation takes place on opening day, Monday, March 14, and the Coverings Spectrum Select honorees are announced the following day-featured in a flyer that is distributed to attendees. Additionally, all "selectees" will receive added exposure in an upcoming issue of Contract, as well as on the Coverings Web site.
For more information on Coverings Spectrum Select, or on attending or exhibiting at Coverings 2011, visit coverings.com or contact NTP, Coverings Show Management, at 703683-8500.
Coverings is an 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 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracting thousands of 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 dynamic 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 and all free of charge.
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