Coverings: The Keynotes of Chicago
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An exceptionally comprehensive conference program of notable and respected speakers are set for Coverings this month.
The global tile & stone exposition’s conference program includes more 70sessions, addressing a broad range of crucial topics facing the industry, during the show’s run from April 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The show curates its educational sessions into tailored tracks for each segment of attendees – distributors, retailers, architects, designers, fabricators, installers, builders/remodelers, and professionals seeking green education – though every course is made available to all attendees and exhibitors.
The Coverings conference component has been continuously ranked as one of the show’s most valuable features and has been a critical element since its inception in 1990, as the robust schedule of programs yields unparalleled education and, in most cases, the benefit of highly valuable CEU credits.
The foundation of the 2016 conference program rests on four outstanding keynote sessions by the following influencers and experts representing a diverse cross-section of industries: Shawn McCadden, remodeling industry specialist; Edie Cohen, Deputy Editor of Interior Design Magazine; Andrew Fay, President of The Gettys Group; and Bart Bettiga, of the National Tile Contractors Association.
Shawn McCadden will discuss “Industry Challenges into Opportunities and Opportunities Into Profits” on April 18 at 8 a.m. The remodeling industry specialist will explore how industry professionals can differentiate their businesses in today’s fast-changing and demanding marketplace..
Edie Cohen will host “Interior Design Magazine’s Power Panel – Exploring the Cross-Market Pollination of Design” on April 19 at 8 a.m., which will showcase top designers from all sectors of interior design including residential, hospitality, workplace and health care. Panelists include David Grout (Gary Lee Partners), Todd Heiser (Gensler), Eileen Jones (Perkins + Will), Jordan Mozer (Jordan Mozer & Associates) and Neil Schneider (IA Interior Architects).
In his keynote at noon on April 19, sponsored by Contract Magazine, Andrew Fay will present on “The Future of Hospitality Design” and outline how The Getty’s Group examines global trends and design’s impact on guest experiences. Fay will explore how the use of tile and stone can be featured to express highly individualized, branded design “stories.”
Bart Bettiga of the National Tile Contractors Association will sit down with three of the tile and stone industry’s leading consultants for “From the Field: A Perspective and Industry Update from Recognized Consultants” on April 20 at 8 a.m. Dave Gobis of TileLetter, Richard Goldberg of PROCON, and Donato Pompo, a ceramic tile and stone consultant, will engage in an open conversation exploring the state of the industry as it relates to the field. Discussions will center on specifications, quality control and overall quality of installations in the commercial and residential spaces.
Space at each 2016 keynote session is limited, so to ensure a seat and meal service. Iinterested attendees must register in advance and secure their attendance with a nominal registration payment.
Additionally, during the 2016 show, Coverings will present eight featured sessions that provide additional insights into the tile and stone industry:
“Color/Design at a Crossroads: Finding the Most Directional Trends” – Leatrice Eisemen, Pantone Color Institute; April 18, 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
“Getting Published: Hot Off the Press” – Paul Makovsky, Editorial Director of Metropolis, will moderate a panel of editors from Dwell, K+BB, Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago and Architectural Record; April 18, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
“Rethinking Retail: 10 Ways to Ignite Your Business in Today’s Modern Retail World” – Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, Retail Minded; April 18, 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
“Economic Outlook for Interior Design – Leveraging a Growing Marketplace” – Randy Fiser, CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers; April 19, 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
“Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)” – Wayne Kurzen, The Kurzen Group; April 19, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
“Stone Trends 2016” – Vincent Marazita, Marazita & Associates; April 20, 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
“Management of Delay and Disruption and Proactive Strategies for Tile Contractors” – Tommy A. Conner, Superior Tile & Stone, and Tim Fitzgerald, Construction Industry Professional; April 20, 10:30 a.m. – noon.
For the 2016 show, Coverings has incorporated conference program sessions into its showfloor activities, including live guided tours; curated presentations in the Social Media Lounge (Booth 4031), including a first-time Software Showcase which will feature demonstrations of technology and software solutions; and segment-focused roundtable conversations in the Appreciation Lounge (Booth 4448) and Contractor Lounge (Booth 8539).
Learn more about the keynote and featured sessions and explore the comprehensive Coverings conference program schedule by clicking here. Secure attendance at keynote sessions while registering to attend Coverings, for free, at coverings.com.
Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributor 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.
For more information, visit coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-706-8257.
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