Coverings 2007 Draws a Host of Co-Sponsors

Alexandria, VA, February 19, 2007–The most important professional organizations in the design, flooring and building trades—from the AIA to the USGBC—are rallying to support Coverings 2007 and urging their members to attend when it convenes in Chicago, April 17-20, at McCormick Place Convention Center.

Hailed as the ultimate tile and stone experience, where more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 65 countries showcase their newest and most notable products, and where a jam-packed schedule of 75 free seminar sessions are conducted—most offering CEU credits, Coverings attracts a diverse constituency. Architects and interior designers, builders and remodelers, distributors and retailers, fabricators and installers comprise the 33,000+ attendees. This year, though, more than ever before, these professionals will find that their trade associations are aggressively endorsing the show, taking on sponsorship roles and forging other types of partnerships.

Onboard officially as co-sponsors are: American Institute of Architects [AIA], Chicago; American Society of Interior Designers [ASID] Illinois; Chicago Floorcovering Association [CFA]; Construction Specifications Institute [CSI] Chicago Chapter; International Interior Design Association [IIDA] National Chapter; International Interior Design Association [IIDA] Illinois; National Association of the Remodeling Industry [NARI] Greater Chicagoland Chapter; International Masonry Institute [IMI] Chicago Chapter; Tile Contractors Association of America [TCAA]; Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada [TTMAC]; Tile Heritage Foundation; and, United States Green Building Council [USGBC] Chicago Chapter. 

“These professional organizations are adding muscle to the message of how important and valuable Coverings 2007 is in helping to build business for attendees—no matter whether they specify tile and stone, sell it or install it,” commented Tamara Christian, CEO of National Trade Productions, which produces and manages the show. “This year, more than ever before, we’re forging partnerships with the leading associations, and their influence is reflected in the surge in pre-registration.”

“IIDA Illinois is proud to be a co-sponsor of Coverings 2007.  Our IIDA chapter is a regional resource that supports professional education, knowledge sharing and the expansion of interior design markets.  Coverings champions our mission by presenting our membership with excellent opportunities to learn, network and be inspired by new design ideas utilizing tile and stone. It is a partnership that truly brings great benefit to our chapter,” said Kris Salter, president, IIDA, Illinois Chapter.

Joyal Watkins, president of ASID Illinois, concurs. “ASID Illinois is pleased to co-sponsor Coverings, the premier tile and stone event.  We are looking forward to the many excellent programs and events related to Coverings.  ASID is committed to supporting the many positive ways that interior design can affect and change lives. Coverings, one of the most important trade shows offered to our industry, will aid in those efforts.”