(ALEXANDRIA, VA. – MARCH 2013)–Coverings 2013, the tile and stone industry’s largest international exposition, offers an extraordinarily wide-ranging conference program comprising more than 70 free sessions, many aimed specifically at builders and remodelers.
When The Ultimate Tile + Stone Experience comes to Atlanta for the first time, April 29-May 2, 2013, there will be more than 900 exhibitors showing an unrivalled range of innovative products and technologies. But builders and remodelers often cite the free conference sessions, which are categorized by professional-experience level ranging from novice to corporate leader, as a primary reason for attending the tile and stone super show.
In addition to the Featured Speakers previously announced, session topics of particular interest to the building and remodeling community include the emerging technology of reduced thickness or ‘thin tile’; best sustainability practices for tile and stone; and the differences between installing tile in remodeling and new-construction projects.
Here are details of some of these not-to-be-missed sessions:
Thin Tile Technology and Installation Considerations. Reduced thickness or ‘thin tile’ is the emerging technology capturing the attention of the entire tile industry. Continued education on these products is a must, as there are currently no manufacturing and installation standards to guide professionals on this latest advancement. Tim Bolby of Crossville, Inc., Noah Chitty of StonePeak Ceramics, Dan Marvin of Florida Tile, and Dr. Neil McMurdie of MAPEI Corporation discuss the technology, the opportunities it presents for the market, and the importance of proper specification, installation considerations, and selection of appropriate installation materials and tools. Wednesday, May 1, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
Installing Tile and Stone in Remodeling Projects: Panel Discussion. Remodeling projects account for a significant amount of tile and stone consumption, and are very different from new construction and commercial projects in many ways. Many tile contractors who specialize in this type of work must be knowledgeable and proficient in other trades, and know how to put a team together to meet the customer’s expectations. NTCA five-star contractors John Cox of Cox Tile, Inc., Jan Hohn of Hohn & Hohn Tile, and NTCA Executive Director, Bart Bettiga, will share their field experience and answer questions. Tuesday, April 30, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
Marble Use in the Kitchen. Joshua Levinson of Artistic Tile and Todd Robertson of Vermont Quarries will focus on the use of marble on kitchen countertops, a practice on the rise in the US. Attendees will learn the different protective treatments required; appreciate the unique design possibilities of using marble for countertops; and expand their ability to set the proper consumer expectation. Monday, April 29, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM.
Tile Council of North America: 2013 Version of the TCNA Handbook and other TCNA Initiatives. Eric Astrachan of the TCNA unveils the latest TCNA Handbook, an important document that’s used by professionals across the industry and ensures quality sales, specification and installation of tile and stone. Hear what you need to know to keep your business up-to-date and successful. Monday, April 29, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM.
Stone Trends 2013. Vince Marazita of Marazita & Associates delivers the FIFTEENTH ANNUAL ‘State of the Industry’ presentation on the direction of the dimensional stone market in the US, a crucial topic in these lean construction years. This session will cover information, sourcing, marketing and application trends in the stone industry over the last year, including examples of award winning projects recognized for their use of natural stone. Thursday, May 2, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
Tips, Tricks and Landmines in the Field of Green. Holley Henderson, founder of H2 Ecodesign, provides the latest on LEED V4, sustainability at low or no cost and future trends in the industry. This session includes tips on best practices in sustainability for tile and stone; tricks to understand the new LEED V4 prerequisites; and advice on marketing and positioning products for teams and clients. Tuesday, April 30, 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM.
Other programs of particular interest to architects and designers include:

Style, Substance and Color: Major Trends and Directions. Monday, April 29, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM.
Sealing Natural Stone, Tile & Grout: Fact & Fiction. Monday, April 29, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM.
Natural Stone Tile: An Overview. Tuesday, April 30, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
Ceramic Tile: An Eco-Logical Choice. Tuesday, April 30, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
Artistry Meets Innovation: Designing with the Newest Tile, Stone and Glass. Wednesday, May 1, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
Innovative Technology for the Tile Trade. Wednesday, May 1, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM.
Installation Design Showcase Deconstructed. Wednesday, May 1, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.

For the full conference program go to www.coverings.com.

About Coverings
Coverings is the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. It features exhibitors from more than 50 countries and 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 segments of the industry, with more than 70 informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions throughout the show, all free of charge.
Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, as well as journalists and bloggers who cover this vital and dynamic industry.
Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER), Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and The Tile Council of North America (TCNA). The show is managed by National Trade Productions.
Coverings 2013 will be held April 29-May 2, at Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information visit www.coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-706-8257.