The activity on the Coverings show floor is non-stop, from the minute the doors open at 10 a.m. until end of day, 5:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and until 3 p.m. on Thursday. A special exhibit that actually begins to take shape ahead of the official start day is a combination demonstration /exhibit- the Installation Design Showcase (Booth 178). Helping to illustrate the skills and proficiency of professional installers- and underscoring the value, quality and integrity of their workmanship- the live-action installation will be happening through Tuesday as NTCA Five-Star members work on the creation of three concept bathrooms by leading designers. Coverings visitors will be able to view the progressive evolution of these inspirational vignettes to their completed state.
Another special exhibit will feature the winning entries in the PROJECT: Green competition, a program with Environmental Design + Construction magazine that recognizes outstanding tile and stone projects where sustainability was a driving goal.
Live demonstrations are a daily part of the Coverings schedule. And, of course, the conference series is jam-packed with more than 70 training and education sessions-all free and many offering CEU credits.
As the day winds down, there's a tremendous networking opportunity when Coverings hosts Happy Hours, Monday through Wednesday, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. This is an occasion to enjoy a wine or beer, connect with colleagues right on the show floor, and finish up a few last visits and meetings.
Registration for Coverings is free. For more information, visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP, Coverings Show Management, at 703-683-8500.
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 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.
ABK is showing Woodway, a porcelain gres tile that so accurately resembles actual wood planks, it's mindboggling. Employing the most advanced digital technology available in tile glazing, ABK is able to simulate the texture, veining and knots of real wood. Twelve wood looks are offered.
New OMAX CNC equipment and the FLOW dynamic water jet are two new equipment offerings that attendees can inspect at the March 2011 Coverings Trade show in Las Vegas.
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