Coverings 2013 Conference Brochure by Jamie Hill

Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

P e o p l e p r o d u ct s i n n ovat i o n e d u cat i o n

connecting the Tile + STone Industry Connect with more than 70 sessions and earn free ceus!

Ap r i l 2 9 – M a y 2 , 2 0 1 3 ATLANTA , G A U S A G EOR G IA W ORL D C ON G RE S S C ENTER — H ALL S B + C

Rockwell + Cindy Allen!

See page 9 for details.

The Ultimate

Tile + Stone Experience i s H e ad i n g to Atlanta!

Coverings: A Must-Attend Event Every year, thousands of professionals from all over the world converge at Coverings to uncover the hottest tile + stone products and trends on the market. With more than 900 leading manufacturers and suppliers from all around the globe, free education, live installation demos and dozens of networking opportunities, you’ll quickly discover why Coverings is a must-attend event, year after year.

Atlanta: A Must-Experience Destination With its southern charm and hospitality, authentic cuisine, incredible architecture, cultural treasures and “City Lights and Southern Nights,” Atlanta offers something for everyone.

Coverings + Atlanta: A Perfect Fit Representing over 100 countries from all around the world, Coverings attendees and exhibitors bring a global perspective to Coverings that makes Atlanta, a city rich with entertainment and networking opportunities, the perfect host city.

From a new city to new connections — and new solutions to new speakers — Coverings in Atlanta will be an unforgettable event.

Make plans to attend now. 2 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

Whether you are a specifier, builder, remodeler, distributor, manufacturer, fabricator, installer, contractor or retailer, if you connect with Coverings,

you’ll connect to success.

WHAT’S INSIDE 4 What’s Your Specialty? 5 Installation Design Showcase 6–7 Show Features 8–9 Featured Sessions 10–22 2013 Conference Program

22 Coverings Green Certificate Program 23 General Information 24–25 2013 Exhibitor List 26–27 Hotel + Travel 27 Connect with Coverings

AND REMEMBER, IT’S ALL FREE! REGISTER NOW AT COVERINGS.COM. Register online for free at coverings.com 3

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Specialty? No matter what role you have in the world of tile + stone, Coverings covers it all. ARCHITECT

DISTRIBUTOR

Indulge in the hottest trends and meet innovative manufacturers and one-of-a-kind artisans.

Attend free educational sessions designed to give you insights, solutions and techniques to increase sales. Tap into the lucrative specifier and contractor markets and expand your business.

Earn credits toward AIA and state licensing and certification requirements and choose from dozens of free sessions created for architects.

BUILDER/REMODELER Evaluate thousands of tile + stone types for interior, outdoor, residential and commercial applications. Be inspired by the new and unconventional uses of tile + stone for kitchens, baths, patios, entries, pools, spas and so much more.

DESIGNER Enhance your knowledge and earn free CEUs in more than 70 free conference sessions. Coverings is an AIA/CES provider and an NKBA CEU provider partner. Witness incredible designs conceived by four leading Atlantaarea design firms come to life in the Installation Design Showcase.

FABRICATOR Explore the largest and most impressive stone and machinery display in North America. Assess the latest fabrication equipment and negotiate directly with suppliers.

INSTALLER Tour the show floor, discover new products, relax in the contractor lounge and network with other installers during the Coverings 2013 contractor days. Discover the latest tips of the trade at the live installation demonstrations hosted by TCNA and NTCA.

RETAILER Learn about green building and product standards and how they impact you and your business. Update your retail strategies with tips and techniques on how to make your showroom more customerfriendly and how to motivate your staff to increase sales.

4â&#x20AC;&#x192;Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

CONNECT with inspiration The Coverings 2013 Installation Design Showcase Observe the creative masterpieces that are constructed onsite at Coverings when NTCA Five Star contractors and Atlanta-area design firms are partnered together and collaborate to showcase the synergy between beautiful design and great installation. Watch a bar/lounge, hotel lobby, inpatient room in a women’s birthing center, and a master bathroom being created from inception to completion right on the show floor in booth 5656. Each space will highlight a different design aesthetic and feature tile and stone in a live installation.

Bar/Lounge DESIGNERS: Margaret Nysewander, Associate, and Michael Neiswander, Principal

Design Firm

Installer

Tile Manufacturer

Installation Materials

Hotel Lobby DESIGNERS: Foreman Rogers, Sr. Associate, and Allison Isaacs, Associate

ADVA

Design Firm

Installer

Tile Manufacturer/Distributor

NCED

PRO

Installation Materials

Inpatient Room in a Women’s Birthing Center DESIGNERS: Craig Anderchak, Sr. Project Director, and Mary Porter, Project Director

Marble, Granite Terrazzo and Tile Installations Since 1920

Design Firm

Installer

Tile Manufacturer

Installation Materials

Master Bathroom DESIGNER: Mark Williams, Owner

Design Firm

Tools

Installer

Tile Manufacturer Installation Materials

Backerboard

Fixtures

Transitions & Edge Trim

Linear Drains

Installer Liaison

Wednesday, May 1, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Installation Design Showcase Deconstructed Speakers: NTCA Five Star contractors and Atlanta-area design firm representatives

See session description on page 20.

CONNECT with the free and fresh show features at Coverings Visit coverings.com/showfeatures to learn more.

Coverings Central Be at the center of the tile + stone industry at Coverings Central in booth 6457 at Coverings 2013. This interactive and vibrant area on the show floor is home to social media educational sessions, special product showcase statements, the Internet Café, a bar and the PROJECT: Green display. Social Networking Events! Connect with colleagues every day at 4:00 PM at the Coverings Central bar for these social events: Monday: TweetUp Tuesday: Social Media Social Wednesday: Blogger Bash

Contractor Days

Coverings is THE premier place for tile + stone contractors. Badged contractors can network and relax during the show in the Contractor Lounge, booth 7841. In addition, Contractor Tours will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday and include lunch and happy hour! If you’re a contractor, sign up for a tour when you register online at coverings.com.

2013 Coverings Installation and Design (CID) Awards

Coverings has transformed the TileLetter & NTCA Installation Awards into the CID Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in the design and installation of tile and stone. New for 2013, projects will be judged and awarded separately on technical installation and design. Projects are judged on their levels of creativity, craftsmanship and outstanding use of materials, and achievement in the use of tile or stone within the residential and commercial project categories. Learn more at coverings.com/CID. CID Awards Reception & Ceremony Mark your calendars now and see who wins! Monday, April 29 at 5:30 PM Sponsored by:

6 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

and

PROJECT: Green

Art Tile Village The Art Tile Village is a popular destination at Coverings year after year. Located in the Tile Council of North America pavilion, this space is dedicated to artisans who keep old world traditions alive by crafting handmade art and specialty tiles. You will find one-of-a-kind decorative tiles and accents that will give any project that distinctive and unique touch.

PROJECT: Green PROJECT: Green is back and greener than ever for Coverings 2013! Visit coverings.com/project_green to learn more and stop by the PROJECT: Green display onsite in Coverings Central to see the chosen sustainability projects featuring tile and stone.

The SFA + the New Stone Zone

SCAD Tiled Bench Exhibit Coverings has teamed up with the Interior Design Department at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to create a 10-week student design tiling course for the 2013 winter/spring semester. The students will learn how to design and tile four to six benches that will be displayed at Coverings 2013 and, after the show, be permanently located on the SCAD campus. Stop by the bench exhibit in the hallway between halls B and C and view the students’ work! Thank you to the following companies for providing products and assistance with the course:

The Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA) is an organization dedicated to the education of the fabricator. Located within the new Stone Zone, the SFA will be presenting ongoing demonstrations and educational “how-to” topics in their booth that are specifically designed for fabricators and installers. Stop by the Stone Zone at Coverings 2013 to check out these live demonstrations, attend happy hours, win great prizes and so much more!

Must-See Live Demonstrations

One of the most popular features at Coverings, these live “how-to” classes offer attendees an up-close look at how top contracting pros handle a variety of challenging tile installations. Attendees will see exactly how to install a wide variety of new products and learn techniques to make tile and stone installation more successful. These sessions are sponsored by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).

with knowledge Coverings is the best educational and purchasing event in North America. The FREE Featured Sessions at Coverings 2013 will connect you with the knowledge and information you need to succeed in the tile + stone industry.

1:45 PM–2:45 PM Style, Substance and Color: Major Trends and Directions Speaker: Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute In this complex and information-laden world, there is a multiplicity of resources that inform color and design directions. More than ever before, it is urgent to be aware of future trends as consumers are seeking distinctive styling and considerable substance. Most importantly, colors and combinations must be appealing, evocative, transformative and “on-target.” Join us as Leatrice Eiseman, author of eight books on color, leading color forecaster and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains the directional trends that will help you connect with your targeted customers/clients. Sponsored by: NKBA Georgia Chapter

Tuesday, April 30 9:30 AM–10:30 AM Healthcare Reform Is Reality: How Smart Businesses Are Preparing for the Affordable Care Act

Gene Marks

Speaker: Gene Marks, The Marks Group Join Gene Marks as he reviews the current state of the country’s healthcare system and all the changes that

will affect small and medium-sized companies. He’ll look at the tax effects of this legislation, both corporate and professional. He’ll discuss the ins and outs of the new exchanges that will be coming into place and offer recommendations for making the best use of healthcare expenditures. Business owners have a lot of questions about how healthcare reform will affect their business financially. You won’t want to miss Marks’ 10 significant issues that a business owner needs to consider when projecting his or her company’s health care expenditures over the next few years.

1:45 PM–2:45 PM Trends in Tile: Boundary-Breaking New Looks, New Innovations and New Materials for Indoors and Out Speaker: Jen Renzi, Author, The Art of Tile Advancements in cutting-edge digital technology and the revival of artisanal processes have collided to transform both the look and application of tile, creating limitless opportunities for designers — and opening up new channels for customization. Superthin, superthick, supersmall, supersized — the very format that tile comes in has been pushed to extremes, expanding how and where tile can be installed. And the industry has become a hotbed of innovation, with some of the brightest design luminaries and hottest new talents Jen Renzi will discuss these exciting advancements, from tiles that can be installed without adhesives to chic encaustics and the continued refinement of stonelike porcelain and faux-wood planks. Extending far beyond the traditional applications, Renzi will share cutting-edge residential and commercial installations from across the globe.

Jen Renzi

Monday, April 29

Leatrice Eiseman

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

CONNECT

8 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

9:15 AM–10:45 AM Leadership and Ethics Speaker: Lieutenant General John F. Sattler (USMC Ret.) Leadership and ethics, what do they mean to you? Hear from a career military officer and an experienced instructor as he shares his experience both on and off the battlefield. Leadership and ethics are key to success in the military. What does it take to be a leader? What role does ethics play? Don’t miss this inspirational presentation. LtGen. Sattler has had a decorated career, serving in various capacities over the years, including Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff from 2006–2008; Commanding General of First Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander, Marine Corps Forces Central Command from September 2004–2006, in which position he commanded all forces in Al Anbar Provence in Iraq. Currently, LtGen. Sattler serves as the Leadership Chairman in the Vice Admiral James Stockdale Ethical Leadership Center at the U.S. Naval Academy.

1:45 PM–2:45 PM Interior Design Magazine Presents David Rockwell + Cindy Allen

Sponsored by:

3:15 PM–4:15 PM The Marketing Diet: How to Improve Your Marketing & Lose Weight!

Marty Gould

Speaker: Marty Gould, Focalize Now Nearly everyone who owns a business struggles with two things: their weight and their marketing. But, crazy as it may sound, there are seven specific things that, if you do them regularly, will guarantee weight loss AND make your marketing more effective. You can improve your health and your company’s, too, if you master these seven simple things. Every attendee will receive a 90-day healthy eating plan developed by Gould’s own personal trainer, the legendary Billy Beck III, a $99 value — FREE!

David Rockwell

Cindy Allen

Speakers: David Rockwell, Founder and CEO, Rockwell Group; Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief, Interior Design Magazine Interior Design, the design authority, shapes the opinions of design professionals while providing boundless inspiration and vital information through compelling coverage of the most ground-breaking projects, products and people in the industry. Interior Design has teamed up with Coverings 2013 to present David Rockwell and Cindy Allen, two industry visionaries who will enlighten, inspire and motivate you for your next sensational design project. Rockwell founded Rockwell Group in 1984, an awardwinning, cross-disciplinary architecture and design practice, based in New York City with satellite offices in Madrid and Shanghai. In 2011, he was included in Architectural Digest’s AD 100; and in May 2010, he was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Who’s

Lt. General John F. Sattler

Who of Food & Beverage in America. He was also honored with the 2009 Pratt Legends Award, the 2008 National Design Award by Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt for outstanding achievement in Interior Design, a lifetime achievement award from Interiors magazine, an induction in Interior Design’s magazine’s Hall of Fame and the Presidential Design Award for his work for the Grand Central Terminal renovation. Lauded as “one of the most influential advocates for the interior design industry,” 2013 marks Allen’s 12-year anniversary as editor in chief of Interior Design Magazine. Since her editorship in 2001, Allen has established herself as a force in elevating the publication’s importance and exposure — strengthening its credentials as the main ambassador of design while proving it’s the vehicle of growth and success for the industry it represents. Allen is an industry champion, promoting both the giants of design and the rising stars. A self-proclaimed design junkie, she brings an unbridled passion for design to the pages of the magazine each month, offering a unique view into design and personal connections to leaders in the industry. Rockwell and Allen currently serve as co-chairs of DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, which is one of the country’s largest supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventive education for those at risk. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear insights and inspiration from two of the biggest influencers in the design industry today!

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Wednesday, May 1

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM Coverings has compiled a stellar lineup of comprehensive tile and stone seminars, engaging panel discussions and hands-on courses for the 2013 conference program. With over 70 sessions presented by the most dynamic presenters and original thinkers in the industry, you will connect with knowledge and success at Coverings 2013.

Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at Coverings 2013!

Use these symbols as your guide through the Coverings 2013 Conference Program: Architect

Earn CEUs by attending Coverings conference sessions. Coverings is an AIA/CES Approved Provider and a NKBA CEU Provider Partner. Check coverings.com/education and the onsite Show Directory & Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide for the most up-to-date information on continuing education for architects and designers. CEU application information will be available onsite. Certificates of completion may be requested and will be distributed post-show.

Builder/Remodeler Designer Distributor Fabricator Installer Retailer Green Certificate Program

Note: Sessions are as of January 8, 2013, and are subject to change. Visit coverings.com/education for the most up-to-date information.

10â&#x20AC;&#x192;Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

1:45 PM–2:45 PM

8:30 AM–9:30 AM

Solving Difficult Substrate Issues

Providing CEUs to Architects & Interior Designers About Natural Stone Speakers: Sarah Kelly, Marble Institute of America; Vincent Moiso, Quarry Collection Experience Level: Mid-Level Want to expand your outreach to architects and interior designers? Have you ever had a difficult time getting an appointment at a large firm in your area? Consider providing Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to the design community. This session will showcase how to position your company as the leading expert on natural stone in your marketplace, how the various CEU programs work (AIA, ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA, NKBA and others) and how to get started giving presentations. This “how-to” explanation will help you get started down the CEU provider path!

8:30 AM–10:00 AM Tile Council of North America: 2013 Version of the TCNA Handbook and Other TCNA Initiatives Speaker: Eric Astrachan, Tile Council of North America Experience Level: All Don’t miss the unveiling of the 2013 version of the TCNA Handbook, one of the most important documents in the tile industry. Used by professionals across the industry, the Handbook ensures quality sales, specification, and installation of tile and stone. Join TCNA to hear the latest methods and revisions you need to know to keep your business up-to-date and successful. This is always a can’t-miss session!

Competing for the Future…Tools for Developing Your Team to Become World Class Performers Speaker: Sandy Smith, Sandy Smith Seminars Experience Level: Leader Leading and managing a small business in today’s economy can be stressful to say the least. Managers must wear multiple hats, learn to multitask, cope with constant interruption and distraction, deal with time pressures and then smile as they interact with a complaining customer. In addition, many small businesses struggle daily to make a profit. This interactive presentation is designed to assist leaders and managers to create an organizational culture whose teams perform at a consistently high level. Sandy’s content is practical in nature with the latest trends in developing high-performing teams. Participants will leave the session with some “real-world” tools to be applied at work.

Speaker: Tom Plaskota, HB Fuller Construction Products Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Nothing adds time and difficulties to a job more than substrate issues. In this interactive presentation, you’ll learn to identify and solve challenging installation issues over substrates such as: very porous concrete; very dense or burnished concrete; metal substrates; irregular surfaces; high moisture concrete; cracked concrete; radiant heat systems; gypsum underlayments; and others. Simplify your installations, save time and prevent costly callbacks by identifying and addressing these substrate issues before they become problems.

Why Epoxy Grout and Bonding Mortars Are Essential to the Tile and Stone Industry Speaker: Alan Kin, Tex Rite Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Get the most from your epoxy grout and bonding mortars. Attendees will achieve an easy-to-understand knowledge for epoxy resin without having a chemistry background. This lecture is based on an easy-to-follow format, balanced understanding for epoxy usage, and jobsite conditions for epoxy grouts and mortars to excel. Whether you have no installation experience, low experience or high experience, individuals will gain more knowledge about epoxies that make them user friendly. Get updated on product usage and improved installation techniques.

Style, Substance and Color: Major Trends and Directions Speaker: Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute Experience Level: All See page 8 for description.

3:15 PM–4:15 PM Sealing Natural Stone, Tile & Grout — Fact & Fiction Speaker: Joe Salvo, Miracle Sealants Experience Level: All Everyone in the stone and tile industry needs to know the basics, as well as how advances in product development impact the industry. Information abounds, but is it the right information? Join this session to learn which surfaces benefit from being sealed; the difference between sealers, finishes and waxes; solvent versus water; the different protection sources used in most sealers and impregnators; how most impregnators work; how to determine effectiveness; and how to determine costs.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Monday, April 29

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Marble Use in the Kitchen Speakers: Joshua Levinson, Artistic Tile; Todd Robertson, Vermont Quarries Experience Level: All Specific to natural stone, many may think that you can only use granite on a kitchen countertop. This session will focus on the use of marble in the kitchen, which is on the rise in the U.S. (note: marble has been used in kitchens for hundreds of years, especially in Europe). With the increasing trend in marble use in kitchens, attendees will learn the different protective treatments required; obtain unique design elements of using marble for a countertop surface; and expand their ability to set the proper consumer expectation.

Water Handling/Management in a Fabrication/Manufacturing Facility — Panel Discussion Panelists: Jim Callaghan and Joe Meyer, GranQuartz; Steve Deberardino, Oldcastle Surfaces Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Join this panel discussion as a fabricator, product engineer, and sales representative all share perspectives about the role of handling water in a manufacturing setting. This isn’t a sales pitch for one product or manufacturer — it is all about issues that need to be considered in your facility. Learn more about current water issues for tile, stone and quartz-based products. Discuss current OEM requirements with regard to PH levels and corrosion on equipment. Understand benchmark requirements in manufacturing for wastewater described by the EPA, municipalities, OSHA, etc., in today’s marketplace. Gain insight into different ways to contain and clean wastewater, recycle technologies available in the market today, and the cost of water vs. cost of dumping. Finally, gain some perspective on your return-on-investment.

Going Linear Speaker: Dean Moilanen, The Noble Company Experience Level: All In the past several years, there has been increased interest in linear drains for use in ceramic tile and natural stone installations. These linear drains are becoming increasingly popular in residential, commercial, hospitality and institutional projects. The features and benefits of these linear drains are numerous. However, the rapid increase in the different types of linear drains now available can lead to confusion and uncertainty as to which type of linear drains will work best for your project needs. In “Going Linear,” we will retrace the history and evolution of this product. We will examine the general features and benefits of the linear drain concept as it applies to tile and stone applications. We will identify significant design and application variables that occur among different linear drain designs. Architects,

contractors and industry professionals will leave this presentation armed with the most current information available on this important product trend.

Profitable Installations with (Very) Large Format Tile Speaker: Larry Rheinschmidt, Rheinschmidt Tile & Marble, Inc. Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Larry Rheinschmidt is a successful NTCA Five-Star Contractor, whose company specializes in mall and large project tile and stone installations. Large-format tile applications are common in the projects his company manages, and he will offer some sound and practical advice for producing a profit. Attention to substrates, managing the workforce, communication with the project team, change-orders and more will be covered.

What Every Retailer Can Learn from Apple Speaker: James Dion, Dionco, Inc. Experience Level: All There’s a reason why Apple is the most admired company in the world. And there’s a reason that their sales are north of $6,000 per sq. ft. The reason is that every product is a head turner. However, a rock solid product line is not the only reason why Apple has so many apostles all over the world. Designed to simplify and enhance the presentation and marketing of personal computing products, Apple stores are a feast for the eyes and intended to guide the intellectual and emotional experience of the customer. Nothing is left to chance; every detail matters — including the people they attract as employees and how they get them to join the “life’s work.” And, finally, there are the stories of the stellar customer service. Take a tour behind the scenes and find out what Apple does that you can do, too. No, we don’t want you to copy Apple. All we want is for you to learn how to have a clear, consistent and simple vision to guide you in everything you do in your store.

The American Tile Industry: From Its 19th Century Roots to the Present & Beyond Speakers: Joseph A. Taylor and Sheila Menzies, Tile Heritage Foundation Experience Level: All Take a visual journey from the past to the present with a projection into the future vitality of the tile industry through the Tile Heritage Foundation’s tiles, images and archival collections, documenting the knowledge base of creative and enlightened individuals who have made tiles their business in all arenas over the past 140 years. Everyone active in the tile industry today benefits from broadened knowledge. People, products and business have always been at the heart of the American Tile Industry. In 1987, 25 years ago, the Tile Heritage

12 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

Designers, Build the Buzz: Editors, Bloggers and Social Media Pros Offer Insider Advice on Getting Published Panelists: Industry insiders from the trade press Experience Level: All How do you go about getting your projects published in our digital age? Our panel of influential editors and bloggers will spell out what catches their eye and offer advice on how best to present your work to them. Along with social media pros, they’ll discuss how sites such as Houzz and Pinterest are changing the way you showcase your work and how editors select projects.

The Evolution of Green Standardization and Procurement Panelists: Ryan Fasan, ASCER; Bill Griese, Tile Council of North America; Representative from Confindustria Ceramica Experience Level: All Over the years, green building initiatives have had a profound impact on the architectural marketplace. From voluntary building standards and rating systems to codes and regulations to federal procurement initiatives, it is important to have a thorough understanding of today’s rapidly evolving sustainability demands. This session will provide a tile industry glimpse into the past, present and future of some of today’s hottest green topics, including the continued development of well-known green building standards and rating systems; governmental procurement initiatives and the impact on the industry; the prevalence of multi-attribute sustainability standards and certification programs for products; and the emergence of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Tuesday, April 30 8:00 AM–9:00 AM Installing Tile and Stone in Remodeling Projects: Panel Discussion Panelists: John Cox, Cox Tile, Inc.; Jan Hohn, Hohn & Hohn Tile; Joe Kerber, Kerber Tile, Marble and Stone Experience Level: All 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 who perform this type of work will share their field experience with attendees and answer questions.

Understanding and Using ISO 13007-5 Liquid Waterproofing with ANSI A118.10 Speaker: Dr. Neil McMurdie, MAPEI Corporation Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader In 2012, ISO released a new specification for liquid applied waterproofing membranes that helped design professionals specify the right waterproofing membrane for use under tile assemblies. This new, global specification measures adhesion and waterproofing performance as well as crack bridging properties. Class participants will be trained in the way to get the most out of the two specifications for the optimal product selection and installation recommendation.

Natural Stone Tile: An Overview Speaker: Joshua Levinson, Artistic Tile Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level This one-hour course will familiarize design professionals with the resources available for installation methods and specifying standards for natural stone tile. The session will review the characteristics of natural stone in order to understand how they might affect your project. See examples of common stone tile failures and discuss the best practices to ensure a successful installation.

The Psychology of Price and Why It Matters Speaker: James Dion, Dionco, Inc. Experience Level: All Price is just a number and yet consumers are obsessed with it. Price can have psychological and even physiological effects on human beings — it can infuriate, surprise, sadden or delight us. It can even block the thinking part of our brain, leading us to make poor business decisions. There are almost half a billion dollars in unused daily deals according to some estimates, which is sufficient proof that for some consumers, getting a deal is more important than getting a product. And what are flooring retailers doing to appeal to this consumer? Slashing prices even more! Yet lowering it can have a significant impact on profitability. What should you do instead? There are at least 10 price strategies that you can use to win the customer’s mind, heart and wallet which don’t involve lowering prices, but positioning them in such a way so that the customer truly feels that they got the best deal.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Foundation was formed to research, document and archive the history of tile making in America, creating a repository for information on current manufacturing, distribution and installation — validating the entire industry for the future through its collections of tiles, images and records.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

How Video Marketing Can Help Improve Your Branding & Online Marketing Efforts Speaker: Juliet Sallette, Wolf TMC Experience Level: All In this session, attendees will learn why video marketing is an essential, low-cost marketing initiative that drives online traffic and online exposure and generates awareness of products or services. The session will provide retailers and distributors with examples of how to engage customers and prospects with educational content that promotes their brand, retail location, products and services. This one-hour seminar will include tips on best practices, trends and cost-effective technology that will not break the budget, as well as explore case studies. Attendees will discover the importance of video marketing and branding efforts and how to use video marketing to help generate online buzz; and, most important, how to help their company achieve online leads and publicity by leveraging YouTube and other online marketing channels that can fit into any marketing budget.

Thin Tile Project: From Design to Completion Moderator: Bart Bettiga, National Tile Contractors Association Speakers: Jason Banks, David Allen Company; Representatives from the general contractor and architectural firms associated with the project Experience Level: All Want to learn about the thin tile design and build process from start to finish? Why was thin tile selected? How did the architect, general contractor and tile installer work together? What techniques were used? What was learned in the process? Join this session as we provide a short overview of thin tile and its application before delving into a case study of the Wake County Justice Center by the architect, general contractor and tile installer. All will address the project from design thoughts and functions to selection, coordination and installation methods and tools. The program will detail a completed thin tile job from start to finish. Bring your questions!

Ceramic Tile: An Eco-Logical Choice Speaker: Ryan Fasan, Professional Attention to Tile Installation Experience Level: Mid-Level As one of the oldest cladding materials, ceramic tile inherently has a strong sustainable story. Unfortunately, early green building programs have overlooked it as a preferred green material for various reasons. This session will delve into the many natural benefits ceramic tile provides as a cladding material to illustrate just how green a choice it has always been. Attendees will explore how ceramics currently fit within green building platforms like LEED and propose the possibility of

improving upon existing programs with more thought for durable hard surfaces. Ceramic tile is one of the fastest innovating industries in the building sector and new technology is creating new opportunities for greener buildings on a yearly basis. Don’t be left behind — join Ryan Fasan to explore the new face of this ancient material.

8:00 AM–9:30 AM Fabricators Forum Moderator: Tony Malisani, Malisani Inc. Panelists: Dustin Braudway, Bluewater Surfaces; Marco Duran, Atlas Marble and Granite Experience Level: All This open forum is designed for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to being successful in today’s business economy. In today’s business climate, diversification is a critical step many fabricators are taking. This panel is well versed in both residential and commercial topics and what it takes to be successful in both arenas. Costs, stone supplier relationships, collections, employee development and meeting customer expectations are just a few of the business-related topics that will be part of the panel discussion.

9:30 AM–10:30 AM Setting Proper Expectations with the Design Professional about Natural Stone Speaker: Peter Becker, stone-ideas.com Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Natural stone is in large demand around the world. Yet sometimes the design professionals will simply substitute stone for other materials in the product specification without fully understanding if stone is best suited for that application. This session will focus on the relationship between the stone contractor and the design professional, as well as the proper application of stone in a variety of applications. Learn from perspectives offered by Peter Becker about how you can enhance natural stone’s profile and visibility.

Basics of Travertine Selection, Fabrication, Installation & Maintenance Speaker: Chris Byrd, Interceramic, Inc. Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level This one-hour session is designed for attendees to gain a full understanding of travertine as a building material. Learn more about how to select this natural stone for a variety of interior and exterior applications and how travertine is fabricated and its unique application opportunities to enhance design plans. Obtain information about setting the proper consumer expectation with regard to installation and maintenance.

14 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

Speaker: David Scalise, Tileware Products Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Provoking...an excellent word to challenge potential — defined as “forward cry or call.” That’s exactly what this session will do, lean forward, with as clear a voice as possible and declare what is on the horizon. The industry is now primed with vision and technology to influence and win consumer perception related to the tile shower. In this session, you will learn what trends and technology will redefine shower relevance, where shower money is going, the shower culture and how to influence this agenda.

Tips, Tricks and Landmines in the Field of Green Speaker: Holley Henderson, ASID, LEED, ID+C, H2EcoDesign Experience Level: All Trying to navigate the field of green? Join Holley Henderson as she provides the latest on LEED V4, sustainability at low or no cost and future trends in the industry. This session will provide tips on best practices and future trends in sustainability for tile and stone; tricks to understand the new LEED V4 prerequisites; and get you through the landmines of marketing and positioning products for teams and clients.

1:45 PM–2:45 PM Healthcare Reform Is Reality: How Smart Businesses Are Preparing for the Affordable Care Act Speaker: Gene Marks, The Marks Group Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader See page 8 for description.

Concepts: Where Do I Find My Inspiration? Speaker: Liset Robinson, IIDA, Savannah College of Art and Design Experience Level: All Concept generation and creative thinking are processes that can be learned. They are not as mysterious as they seem. The design process begins with analysis, which leads to elaboration and then moves toward discovery. The process of concept derivation will be discussed, including the exploration of graphic images such as diagrams. Diagrams allow designers to look at things differently in order to expand their thinking. This provides the designer with the ability to re-center visual thinking through the use of abstraction — both functional and conceptual — in order to provide a solution for the client that is unique and purposeful.

10:45 AM–11:45 AM

Contractors Forum: Interactive Roundtable Discussions — Concrete Substrates Moderated & Presented by: National Tile Contractors Association Experience Level: All A tile industry consultant and representatives from the concrete industry, general contracting and tile contracting will present a challenging and lively discussion on installations over concrete substrates. Large format tile, grout width requirements, flatness requirements and more will be discussed by this panel of experts. Bring your questions and be prepared to share your insights — this will be a peer-to-peer exchange!

Trends in Tile: Boundary-Breaking New Looks, New Innovations and New Materials for Indoors and Out Speaker: Jen Renzi, Author, The Art of Tile Experience Level: All See page 8 for description.

3:15 PM–4:15 PM Stone Testing for Dummies

Be Our Guest: Tile and Stone in Hospitality Moderator: TBD Panelists: Pierre Josselin, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA); Patricia Richey, tvsdesign; Karen Teske Blue, The Johnson Studio Experience Level: All From restaurants to hotels, architects and designers throughout Atlanta are being recognized for inspiring designs both at home and abroad. Join this interactive session as our panel shares their motivation, the role tile and stone has played in their work, and future hospitality trends.

Speakers: David Castellucci, Kenneth Castellucci & Associates, Inc.; Chuck Muehlbauer, Marble Institute of America Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Stone testing is an important aspect of the stone and tile industry, yet the difficult part is to know which test is appropriate for the right application. During this fun, interactive session, learn about the relevance of the most widely used test procedures and when they should be utilized. Learn tips on how to explain the technical aspects of stone testing in everyday, common language.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Tile Showers...Provoking Potential

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Why Am I Being Sued When I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong? Speaker: Marc Rosenkrantz, Schechner Lifson Corporation Experience Level: All As a business owner, you must protect yourself and your business from lawsuits that emanate from actions or inactions of your employees and representatives. This session will provide methods and techniques that will help avoid many claims that may lead to lawsuits. Having appropriate insurance and risk transfer programs are critical to minimizing your chance of a suit.

Metrics for the Automated & Un-Automated Fabrication Shop Speakers: Josiah Lilly, Epic Ceramic & Stone; Paul Menninger, Capitol Granite Experience Level: Mid-Level Understanding your metrics and being able to price work for profitability are key for the automated shop to produce a profit at the end of the day. A comprehensive understanding of fixed and variable costs, contribution margins, and per activity man-hours is critical to extrapolating large bids. In this session, attendees will learn to develop a budget based on history and planned sales; sell man-hours and develop a process for tracking; develop metrics against norms in industry; and understand GAP accounting and what it means to banks and other financial institutions who may back the fabricator.

The Importance of Vapor Management in Steam Room Installations Speaker: Bastian Lohmann, wedi Corporation Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Steam room applications are a niche that is growing, and the physics and mechanics required when designing and building these applications safely cannot go overlooked. This session will address the different environments, usage levels and technical equipment a contractor needs to consider before installation begins. Other areas to be discussed include stone and tile selection, command safe installation techniques and proper products employed in the process.

Disaster Relief: Avoiding Installation Failure with Sound Installation Planning and Implementation Speakers: Nyle Wadford, Neuse Tile Service, Inc.; James Woelfel, Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Tile installation failure is the single biggest obstacle to growing the market. NTCA Five-Star Contractors will look at projects where the installation failed and discuss how this could have been avoided. They will also highlight projects that contained the proper planning and skilled installers necessary for success.

Color Theory and Its Application Speaker: Feras Irikat, Oceanside Glasstile/Mandala Tile Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Please join Feras Irikat, design director for Oceanside Glasstile and Mandala, as he examines the impact of light, vision and texture on color in the design environment. Feras will lead a presentation outlining the basics of color theory and psychology, followed by an engaging discussion of how materials such as wood, textiles, glass and ceramics are fully integrated to create and define cohesive, beautiful spaces.

Combining Traditional Advertising/ Marketing and Social Media to Build Your Marketing Plan Speaker: Lisbeth Calandrino, Fabulous Floors Magazine Experience Level: Mid-Level Social media is the new wave of communication. This doesn’t mean that traditional advertising and marketing is out, but smart companies are combining the two. In order to do this, traditional advertising must be presented in a form that’s compatible with social media. To be most effective in embarking on a marketing plan, you must understand the differences and similarities, and how they can work together to reach your goals.

PROJECT: Green Roundtable — Environmental Stewardship Through Tile + Stone Panelists: PROJECT: Green finalists Experience Level: All Each year, PROJECT: Green acknowledges sustainable projects featuring tile + stone which inspire environmental stewardship. This session will bring together representatives from selected projects to discuss how they were able to successfully use tile and stone in their residential, commercial or institutional green building projects. Lessons learned and helpful tips will be shared — all are welcome to attend!

16 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

session to discuss proper restoration and maintenance of stone and terrazzo based on continuous, simple maintenance procedures. Avoid the treacherous cycles of waxing and stripping again and again.

Understanding Merchandising Real Estate Speaker: Nicole Reyhle, Retail Minded Experience Level: Leader From how a customer reacts to a store window display to how a consumer responds to the floor plan of a store, attendees will learn the tricks of retail real estate — and how to make these tricks help increase sales. Using props and displays as part of the seminar, retailers will have a chance to experience the critical components of retail real estate through interactive display challenges, sales scenarios and customer role playing. And, just like any real estate, we’ll identify what’s worth what with regard to retail floor space in retail stores. Questions will be answered, mouths will drop and retailers will walk away with ah-ha moments! Finally, attendees will each have the chance to re-create their own store space with a hands-on game that lets them imagine their store laid out differently.

Wednesday, May 1 8:00 AM–9:00 AM Wholesale/Slab Distributors Forum Moderator: Vincent Moiso, Quarry Collection Panelists: Eric Schigiel, Opustone Natural Stone Distributors; Rupesh Shah, MS International; Jonathan Zanger, Walker Zanger Experience Level: All Back by popular demand! Join us for the fifth annual discussion of strategic issues critical to running successful wholesale/slab distribution companies. This open discussion will cover a host of operational issues, including building strong fabricator relationships, networking with the design community, freight issues and much more.

The Restoration and Maintenance of Stone & Terrazzo Using NO CHEMICALS Speaker: Fred Hueston, Stone Forensics Experience Level: All There are many perspectives about floor maintenance, and this session will present the viewpoint that stone and terrazzo floors DO NOT need a topical coating, of any kind. Waxes, sealers, etc., act as a sacrificial coating grinding the grit and dirt into the surface, meaning every time a force is applied to the floor, it is scratched and damaged. In addition, the chemicals necessary to strip and wax can be extremely hazardous. Naturally polished stone and/or terrazzo uses ZERO chemicals, using diamond abrasives and water, the floor is polished to a high shine and left in a natural state. Join this

Thin Tile Technology & Installation Considerations Panelists: Noah Chitty, StonePeak Ceramics; Neil McMurdie, MAPEI Corporation; Dan Marvin, Florida Tile; Tim Bolby, Crossville, Inc. Experience Level: Mid-Level Reduced thickness or “thin tile” is the new 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 that exist to guide professionals on this latest advancement. Join this panel to discuss the technology and the opportunities it presents for the market, and to take a look at the importance of proper specification, installation considerations, and selection of appropriate installation materials and tools.

The Effect of the Housing Recovery on Ceramic Tile Sales Speaker: Donato Grosser, Grosser Consulting Experience Level: Leader This session will examine the developments in the ceramic tile market following the housing recovery: Who will benefit the most from this trend? How will the distribution system be impacted? How will the future of the industry look? Join Donato Grosser as he presents his annual industry outlook. This session is a not-to-bemissed event!

How to Build Profitable Customers Through Experience Marketing Speaker: Lisbeth Calandrino, Fabulous Floors Magazine Experience Level: Mid-Level How we communicate with customers has changed. It used to be that businesses were in charge of communicating with their customers. Now, customers choose when and how. Customers are doing business with those who provide more than products; they are choosing to give their money to those who also offer a unique shopping experience. To win the profitable customer, you will have to learn to provide your own unique experience. Join Lisbeth Calandrino as she provides proven ideas to bring in profitable customers.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

3:15 PM–4:45 PM

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Artistry Meets Innovation: Designing with the Newest Tile, Stone and Glass Speaker: Joshua Levinson, Artistic Tile Experience Level: All As a result of advancement in technology and production, tile, stone and glass are now available in formats never before available to designers and architects. This CEU session will review some of the newest tile, stone and glass available; showcase how they differ; talk about specifying these products; feature the looks that can be achieved with these new materials; and provide guidance on their installation and care.

Sustainability — For Those Who Haven’t Been Paying Attention! Speakers: Dan Rea, Cold Spring Granite Company; Todd Schnatzmeyer, Indiana Limestone Institute Experience Level: All You’ve been busy managing your business and haven’t kept up with what the stone and tile industry is doing in the sustainability arena. This is the session you’ll want to attend. Get perspectives from a stone industry executive with an architectural background. Learn what the industry is doing in 2013, how it impacts your business, and how you should be communicating with the design community.

9:15 AM–10:45 AM Leadership and Ethics Speaker: Lieutenant General John F. Sattler (USMC Ret.) Experience Level: All See page 9 for description.

9:30 AM–10:30 AM Specification 2.0: Understanding Ceramics to Use Their Full Potential Speaker: Ryan Fasan, Professional Attention to Tile Installations Experience Level: Mid-Level The modern age of ceramic tile began around 1970. Since then, the innovations in aesthetics and quality have jumped by leaps and bounds. In this updated version of “Specification: Facts, Myths & Tools,” we will explore the four types of tile. Production techniques and an easy rule of thumb will be applied to provide simple language to explain choices to clients easily and select the optimal tile for every job. Once a solid foundation of knowledge is built, we can get creative utilizing all the new products available to their maximum potential. As the industry changes, new production and glazing techniques give rise to new materials — it’s up to us salespeople and specifiers to take full advantage of this highly innovative industry. Modern technology, like large formats, slim porcelains, ventilated façades and ceramic

screens, provide nearly limitless potential to grow our specifications outside kitchens and baths or even floors and walls.

A U.S. Case Study in Ventilated Façade: The First Bank and Trust of Skokie Speakers: Joseph Behles, Behles and Behles; Jerry Joyce, Marazzi USA Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Ventilated façade, it isn’t new, but to date it still isn’t a common sight in the U.S. How does it become the choice of the architect for a project? What are the steps necessary to get it installed? What are the benefits over traditional materials? What are the sustainable benefits? From design to completion, the architect behind the First Bank and Trust of Skokie explains how and why ventilated façade was selected and installed in this U.S. project. An overview of ventilated façade systems, including environmental impact, will be presented.

9:30 AM–11:00 AM Know Before You Import: US Customs Classification of Building Stone Speaker: Jacob Bunin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Experience Level: Mid-Level Importers of building stone should be familiar with the applicable tariff provisions and rates of duty before they import the merchandise. Importers often assume certain incorrect provisions apply and plan their pricing incorrectly. Knowledge of the principles of tariff classification is crucial to American importers and foreign shippers of stone. Jacob Bunin of U.S. Customs will explain distinctions in the classification of building stones under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule based on the identity of the stone (marble, granite, etc.), and distinctions based on the degree to which the stone is worked. He will discuss the applicability of NAFTA to stone produced in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. In addition, he will explain the procedures one should follow when requesting a ruling on tariff classification. The rulings program allows an importer or foreign shipper to determine the proper classification of a product prior to importation.

10:45 AM–11:45 AM Promoting with Pinterest Moderator: Paul Anater Panelists: Pinterest promotion winners Experience Level: All Pinterest is all the rage, but how do you jump on board? How can you use it to promote yourself and your business? Where do you find what to pin and how do you pin? Join our panel of expert pinners, all gathered through the Coverings 2013 Pinterest promotion, as they discuss the ins and outs of how they use Pinterest to promote their brand and their business. Plan to actively

18 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

3:15 PM–4:15 PM The Marketing Diet: How to Improve Your Marketing & Lose Weight!

Selling and Marketing Green the Easy Way Speaker: Paul Bumblauskas, PFC Services Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Finally, an easy way to demystify the drivers of the green buying decision. Understand green from your customers’ perspective as we swiftly take participants through the seven drivers of the green decision. Using these seven drivers, anyone can relate to customer needs, and this process works whether you sell business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C)! This unique and practical green session will immediately drive more sales and profit. As an added benefit, manufacturer green programs will become more meaningful as you will be able to translate their objectives into satisfying your customers’ needs every time!

Speaker: Marty Gould, Focalize Now Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader See page 9 for description.

Managing a Successful Family Business Moderator: Tony Malisani, Malisani Inc. Panelists: Michelle Goetzinger, Blume’s; Michael and Jeremy Twiss, Columbia Stone Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader Working in a family business can be a challenge. Why are some businesses successful, while others struggle? What are the best practices? Join a panel of stone professionals from three different family businesses as they share their experiences, positive and not so positive!

1:45 PM–2:45 PM ANSI’s Response to ISO 13007 Speaker: Leigh Hightower, MAPEI Corporation Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader With the implementation of ISO 13007 making it easier to delineate the performance characteristics of specific setting materials, it became necessary to develop modifications to the existing ANSI standards to establish some kind of equivalency between the two specification entities. The ASC A108 committee has produced modifications to ANSI A118.1 and ANSI A118.4 and, in addition, has developed a new specification, ANSI A118.15, to address the needs of the industry by providing the ability to specify specific products with clarity in a non-proprietary way. This presentation will compare the new specifications, their similarities and differences with ISO 13007.

Innovative Technology for the Tile Trade Presenter: National Tile Contractors Association Experience Level: All Join us in this new and interactive demonstration session where you will view up close the latest in technology for the tile trade! NTCA will provide live demonstrations of the latest technologies, providing attendees the chance to view, touch and ask questions.

Interior Design Magazine Presents David Rockwell + Cindy Allen Speakers: David Rockwell, Founder and CEO, Rockwell Group; Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief, Interior Design Magazine Experience Level: All See page 9 for description.

Advanced or Task Specific Certification — Phase II of CTEF Certification Program Speakers: Bart Bettiga, National Tile Contractors Association; Scott Carothers, CTEF; others TBD Experience Level: All The tile industry has recognized the need for certification of installers for some time; and now, for the first time ever, specific skills required to be a successful tile installer will be offered in a certification developed, recognized and supported by the entire tile industry. Representatives of the organizations that worked to create the certification program will be on hand to explain the process and the importance of supporting this effort.

New Ideas for the Management of the Installation-Based Business Speaker: Paul Bumblauskas, PFC Services Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader This session will feature 10 management techniques that must be implemented to optimize the value of any installation-based business. Drawing on many years of experience and research, we will contrast installation businesses with product providers. This must be done whether you provide both or not! Those engaged in the installation business must be experts at “conversion,” including not only the process of changing raw materials into finished designer goods, but also with optimizing the logistics experience. We will also reveal important financial techniques that are followed by the best installation-based companies, and we will share an approach to financial information that will convert meaningless financial data into powerful sales and management information that will immediately drive more sales and profit.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

participate — bring your questions and ideas — this is your chance to unlock the mysteries of Pinterest and show your Pinfluence!

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

3:30 PM–4:30 PM Selling Tile: The Internet, the Industry & the Consumer Moderator: Christine Whittemore, Simple Marketing Now, LLC Panelists: Steve Slutzah, Westside Tile; Bill Buyok, Avente Tile; Tom Carr, Pan American Ceramics; Dave Milanowycz, Florida Tile Experience Level: All Join this interactive panel discussion on how the Internet is influencing the sale of tile to the consumer. From strict sale policies to reduced prices and no sales tax, the Internet has created a new frontier for the industry to navigate. Join the discussion and learn from all of the players how the Internet is affecting the industry and the consumer.

The 10 Essentials to Selling Interior Designers and the Decorative Trade Speakers: Barbara Marini, FASID, ASID International; Chris Ramey, Affluent Insights and The Home Trust Experience Level: Leader There are some very serious “dos” and “don’ts” when selling to interior designers. This forum, led by Barbara Marini, FASID, president of ASID International, and Chris Ramey, president of Affluent Insights and The Home Trust, will review exactly what you need to know to ensure you successfully serve this most important customer.

Green Squared® — North America’s Standard and Certification Program for Tile Product Sustainability Speaker: Bill Griese, Tile Council of North America Experience Level: All The Green Squared standard ushers in a new, more meaningful conversation when it comes to tile and green building. It requires product sustainability in all aspects, from raw material extraction to end of product life management. Gone is the need to evaluate singleattribute sustainability claims like recycled content or low VOCs. Green Squared requires both, plus a host of additional properties to ensure balanced, thorough product assessments. This session will break down the technical criteria of the Green Squared standard and will explain how the Green Squared Certified mark facilitates marketplace specification and identification of products with the full range of social and ecological attributes most important to the North American green building community.

Installation Design Showcase Deconstructed Speakers: NTCA Five Star contractors and Atlantaarea design firm representatives Experience Level: All Meet with the Atlanta-area designers and NTCA Five Star Contractors of the Installation Design Showcase and learn what it takes to pull together these annual vignettes in just five days. During this one-hour interactive session, you will tour the four unique spaces of the showcase — a bar/lounge, hotel lobby, inpatient room in a women’s birthing center and a master bathroom — and discover every detail of the spaces. From the types of tiles chosen and why to the thought-process behind the designs to the exceptional installation techniques, the participants will leave no stone — or tile — unturned. Press, attendees and exhibitors are all invited to the session and the Installation Design Showcase Reception immediately following at 4:30 PM in the Showcase.

Thursday, May 2 8:00 AM–9:00 AM Exotic Stones — Expectations, Issues and Resolution Tips for Fabricators Speakers: Filippo Emanuel, Tenax USA; Ron Hannah, Cadenza Corporation Experience Level: Mid-Level Due to technology/process advances, the industry has seen an explosion of exotic stones which has added to the appeal of natural stone among consumers. Sometimes, the same technology that helped bring that stone to market is a struggle for the fabricator. Join this session to learn about exotic stone, how it is classified, and the new technology for quarrying and processing. Understand how to recognize slabs — the good, the bad and those that could cause major headaches. From fixing color issues and variances to edge polishing differences in colors, you will walk away with the knowledge you need to work with this growing trend.

Ready-to-Use or Premixed Grouts and Their Place in the Trade Speakers: Steve Taylor and Leigh Hightower, MMSA Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level Join representatives from the MMSA to learn the history of grout and ceramic tile before delving into the most recent developments in pre-mixed, ready-to-use grout. This session will detail the similarities and advantages of everything from the latest ready-to-use grout to traditional cement and epoxy-based grout. Understand

20 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

by their collective experiences, so we will review everything in the context of the broad luxury segment; including the most effective current marketing and merchandising strategies.

8:00 AM–9:30 AM How to Market Your Showroom Online Speaker: Eric Edelson, Fireclay Tile Experience Level: Mid-Level/Leader If you ever wanted to learn how to better market your showroom online, this is the session for you. Online marketing is not new. Yet many in our industry are slow to respond to the demands on the modern customer who discovers, researches and purchases online. While we are far from being Amazon.com, we can all dramatically improve the way we market our showroom or business online. The focus of this session will be tips and tricks to marketing your showroom online. The goal is not to spend unnecessary money, but take key action steps that are free or inexpensive and will ensure your company has a strong presence and that your customers will find you. All attendees will also receive Eric Edelson’s free guide on How to Market Your Showroom Online.

Demystifying the Design Professional and Manufacturer Relationship Speakers: Michael P. Johnson, Michael P. Johnson Design Studio; Lira Luis, ALLL Experience Level: Mid-Level Finding the right product for a project is equally as important as finding the right manufacturer to work with on a project. A designer’s idea is only as good as the products he/she specifies, as well as how the manufacturer executes this idea. Recent advancements in tile have allowed designers more opportunities for creativity. However, unless these advancements are communicated to designers and designers adopt these into projects, they remain just another product to sell. What happens when the innovative product is embraced by the designer, applied on a project that meets the client’s basis of design, and delivers the design objective? How do those projects turn out as a result? This seminar will present several case-studies and will examine the best practices related to the designer– manufacturer relationship and how both sides can benefit from the process.

Best Practices for a Business-toBusiness Content Marketing Strategy Speaker: Vincent Moiso, Quarry Collection Experience Level: Leader This presentation will focus on best practices for businesses selling to other businesses on how they can incorporate a content marketing strategy into their current marketing plan. Attendees will learn what a content marketing strategy entails, as well as how to maximize ROI from such a strategy. Content marketing is one of the hottest trends in marketing today. Using the right marketing channels to get your message out to your customers is vital to success. This presentation will provide the path to a current and successful strategy using not only general business best practices, but best practices from within the tile and stone industry. Learn what other leading tile and stone industry professionals are using to promote their products and educate their customers.

8:00 AM–10:00 AM Stone Trends 2013 Speaker: Vince Marazita, Marazita & Associates Experience Level: New to Profession/Mid-Level From countertops to skyscrapers, the use of natural stone is a well accepted building material in the U.S. Especially in these lean construction years, it is crucial to understand the direction of the market for dimensional stone. Get an overall view of the market and market trends by attending this 15th annual “State of the Industry” presentation on the dimensional stone market in the U.S. This session will cover information, sourcing, marketing and application trends in the stone industry over the last year, including examples of award-winning projects that have been recognized for their use of natural stone.

9:30 AM–10:30 AM A Sales Seminar for Fabricators Who Hate Sales

Six Essential Strategies to Creating Passionate Customers Speaker: Chris Ramey, Affluent Insights Experience Level: Leader This fast-paced, interactive and entertaining presentation will begin by defining and demonstrating the distinction between affluent and luxury customers. Providing counterintuitive insights and a fresh perspective from the most recent research, we will illustrate how it affects flooring consumers. The session will consider that affluent consumers judge companies

Speaker: Thomas Robinson, ANO, Inc. Experience Level: All Many in the stone industry are business owners who know production and how to create a quality product — but do not know sales. If you are looking for more sales to help pay your overhead and generate long-term profits, then this session will provide you with a great foundation. Learn to recognize that all employees and all processes are part of the sales process and create a framework for your business. Come prepared to develop strategies for sales success in your fabrication business.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

the compositional differences and the curing mechanism of each type of grout and garner advice on installation of ready-to-use grout and the benefits to the end customers.

2013 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

9:30 AM–11:00 AM Tools That Can Help the Tile Contractor Add Profit to the Bottom Line Speaker: Michael Whistler, NTCA Experience Level: All All tile contractors need to create a level line around a room on occasion, and a water level is a tried and true method. What if there was a quicker way to produce the same result? This would mean lower labor costs! Join this session to learn the latest in tools and methods to find hidden profit dollars for your company.

Social Media and Business: Creating Content to Engage, Build and Grow Customer Relationships

Advanced Google SketchUp Speaker: Alex Oliver, Igloo Studios Experience Level: Mid-Level Whether you’ve been using SketchUp for years or you’ve recently begun to learn to use the program, this course is designed to make you aware of some of the more intermediate and advanced features of SketchUp that will help you take your 3D design and presentation skills to the next level. We’ll deconstruct how to properly use groups, components, layers and scenes to keep your model well organized and highly functional. Additionally, we’ll demonstrate tips and tricks for working with CAD drawings inside of SketchUp and how to take information out of SketchUp for use in creating construction documentation.

Speaker: Melissa Harrison, Allee Experience Level: All The new era of business means being accessible and engaging online. Learn how to build a creative online content strategy using social media tools to connect with your customers and, ultimately, drive sales. Those utilizing push marketing need not apply; businesses must adapt to online conversations that showcase their expertise and products all while accommodating what the audience wants. Learn how various social media channels are used; how they can be effective for your business; and how to keep it all together, consistent and relevant. We’re talking best practices, case studies, examples and a whole lot of templates that you and your team can take back to the office to start developing your own online content strategies using social media.

CONNECT WITH SUSTAINABILITY Coverings Green Certificate Program Introduced at Coverings 2010, learn the latest in sustainable design as it pertains to tile and stone at Coverings 2013 and earn the Coverings Green Certificate of Completion. Complete at least four of the eight core sessions listed below and you will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion in the Coverings Green Certificate Program.

Core sessions include:

• The Evolution of Green Standardization and Procurement • Ceramic Tile: An Eco-Logical Choice • Tips, Tricks and Landmines in the Field of Green • PROJECT: Green Roundtable — Environmental Stewardship Through Tile + Stone

• Sustainability – For Those Who Haven’t Been Paying Attention! • A U.S. Case Study in Ventilated Façade: First Bank and Trust of Skokie • Selling and Marketing Green the Easy Way • Green Squared® — North America’s Standard and Certification Program for Tile Product Sustainability

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PEOPLE PRODUCTS INNOVATION EDUCATION

CONNECTING THE TILE + STONE INDUSTRY Connect with the event that gives you access to the right people, products, innovation and education all in one location. GENERAL INFORMATION

EXHIBIT HALL HOURS

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

Monday, April 29

10:00 AM–5:30 PM 1000–1730

Tuesday, April 30

10:00 AM–5:30 PM 1000–1730

Wednesday, May 1

10:00 AM–5:30 PM 1000–1730

Thursday, May 2

10:00 AM–3:00 PM 1000–1500

If you are from a country requiring a visa to visit the United States, you are advised to apply for your visa a minimum of 120 days before your visit. For more information on visa requirements, visit coverings.com.

AGE POLICY No one under the age of 16 will be allowed into the Coverings 2013 exhibit hall unless accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult assumes full responsibility for the person under 16 and must sign a waiver at registration.

QUESTIONS? For registration assistance, please contact us at 877-303-0712 or Coverings@compusystems.com. For general show information, please contact us at 703-706-8257 or info@coverings.com.

Register today for FREE at coverings.com and check the box to receive email updates on the can’t-miss educational and networking events taking place at Coverings 2013.

COVERINGS

Global Porcelain Solutions Inc. Global Stones Ltd. GMC SpA Golden Dragon Stone Co., Ltd. Gong Loon Building Materials Limited Graiman CIA LTDA Graniser Granit Seramik A.S. Granite City Tool Granitex SpA GranitiFiandre GranQuartz L.P. Green Mountain Soapstone Groves, Inc. Guan Yun Enterprise Co., Ltd. Guangdong Jinying Import & Bruno Lucchetti Marmi e Creative Tile Marketing, Inc./ Foshan Bright Decoration Export Co., Ltd. Graniti Srl Saitrav Material Co., Ltd. Bundles SRL CREST Foshan Castel Import & Export Guangdong Kito Ceramics Co., Ltd. Burakhan Marble & Travertine Crossville Inc. Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Goodsense Campolonghi Italia SPA CSG (Xiamen) Stone & Tile Foshan City Debang Architactwd Decoration Candia-Valpanaro Co., Ltd. Decoration Material Materials Co., Ltd. Canteras Valsan S.A./CTM Dancik International, Ltd. Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Tulip Mosaic Capexil Danesi Cargo Srl Foshan City Roytile Trading Company Caribbean Coral & Marble DanTile Co., Ltd. GV Service, Inc. Casalgrande Padana SpA Del Corona & Scardigli Foshan CTC Group Co., Ltd. Castel USA, Inc. Demo Mosaic Industrial Foshan Davinci Ceramic Tiles H.B. Fuller Construction Products CastleRock Tools LLC Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. Haddad Group for Marble & CCPIT Building Materials Dharajyot Stone Art Foshan Domily Glass Craft Granite Sub-Council Diamax Industries Co., Ltd. Handan Keydesign Co., Ltd. Ceramic Tile Distributors Diamut Foshan Dongpeng Ceramic Hangzhou Kasaro Decorative Association (CTDA) Dimpomar — Rochas Co., Ltd. Material Co., Ltd. Ceramica Colli Di Sassuolo Portuguesas, Lda. Foshan Emart Building SpA Discar, Inc. Materials Trading Co., Ltd. Hangzhou Mingfeng Tools Co., Ltd. Ceramica Del Conca SpA Dom Ceramiche Foshan Fenme Building Hangzhou Nabel Group Ceramica Rondine SpA Dongguan City Wonderful Materials Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. Ceramica San Lorenzo, USA Ceramics Industrial Park Foshan Global Bridge Building Happy House SRL Ceramica Sant’ Agostino SpA Co., Ltd. Material Co., Ltd. Haussmann Natural Stone Ceramica Vallelunga, Srl Dorado Soapstone Foshan GP Import & Export Hebei Mountain Stone & Tile Ceramiche Ascot SpA Dry-Treat, Inc. Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. Ceramiche Caesar SpA DSA-Deutsche Steinzeug Foshan H&P Enterprise Heka Product Ceramiche Cerdisa, Gruppo America, Inc. Co., Ltd. Henraux SpA Ceramiche Ricchetti Dyna Foshan Hudson Economics Heshan City Biyu Stone Ceramiche Gardenia Orchidea Easyway Stone Co., Ltd. and Trade Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. SpA Eclipse Stainless Foshan Lanto Building High Speed Technologies, Inc. Ceramiche Refin SpA Eco Egypt Group Material Co., Ltd. Hirsch Glass Corp Ceramiche Ricchetti, Gruppo Edimax Astor Gruppo Beta Foshan Laurio Building HK Rimini Building Materials Ceramiche Ricchetti SpA Material Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. Ceramiche Serra SpA EGE SERAMIK Sanayi ve Foshan LONGART Building HOFO Global Co., Ltd. Ceramics of Italy Ticaret A.S. Decoration Materials Home Stones Industry Limited Cercan Mosaic Egypt Expo & Convention Co., Ltd. Cerindustries Spa Authority (EECA) Foshan Love Song Decoration Homeowners Marketing Services Champion Building Materials El Batal Modern Co. for Material Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Yisheng Co. Ltd. Marble and Granite Foshan Mainland Imp & Exp. Decoration Material Chemcore Industries Inc. EL Shrouk Co. for Sawing Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. Chengdu Weil-Shine Trade & Processing Marble & Foshan Monalisa Industry Honglei Stone Co., Ltd. Company Granite Co., Ltd. Hongpeng Marble Mosaic Chengdu Yage Art Stone E-Lands Ceramics Foshan Nanogress Co., Ltd. Co. Ltd. Eleganza Tile, Inc. Porcellanato Co., Ltd. Huamei International Chengdu Zaijian Decorating Elite Building Products Foshan Oceanland Ceramics Huayu Stone Materials Co. Elite Displays and Design, Inc. Co., Ltd. Huidong Hexingtai Industry China Shaanxi Cenefit Imp. & ElMorsy for Marble & Granite Foshan Pamase Ceramics Co., Ltd. Exp. Co., Ltd. Elysium Mosaics Inc. Co., Ltd. China Stone Ltd. Emilceramica SpA Foshan Prestige Mosaic Artist Huijin Stone (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Hurok Marble Cibola Glass Works Energie Ker Factory Husqvarna Construction Cisa Ceramiche, Gruppo Epicor Software Corporation Foshan Sodi New Decorative Products Ceramiche Ricchetti Estraba Spa — Gruppo Caucci Material Co., Ltd. Icon Stone, Inc. Classic Marble Company Eurograniti Srl Foshan Tenglas Construction Idea Ceramica CNBM International Everstone International Materials Co., Ltd. Idealmarmi SRL Corporation Pty. Ltd. Foshan Yingcheng Trading Ilksernit Antik Mermer Ic ve CNS Fabrication EXPOCASA-PRIMI Co., Ltd. Dis Tic A.S. Coatings By Sandberg CERAMICHE Foshan Yixin Stone Co., Ltd. COEM — Fioranese Fangyuan Lola Ceramics, Inc. FoShang Single-Heated Quartz Ilva S.A. Images In Tile USA, INC. Cogemar Srl Fico Industrial Co., Ltd. Stone Co., Ltd. Industrie Ceramiche Piemme Color Rite, Inc. FILA Chemicals USA Fotiles Ceramics Co., Ltd. Spa Conic Collections Ltd. Fin Pan, Inc. Fujian Pengxiang Industrial Inland Diamond Products Co. Contractor Appreciation Fincibec Spa Co., Ltd. InnoChem LLC Lounge First Marble Fujian Province Hualong Installation Design Showcase Contractor Lounge Flooring Empire Group Machinery Co., Ltd. Integra Adhesives USA Inc. Cooperativa Ceramica Florida Tile, Inc. FUJIWA GROUP USA, INC. Interceramic D’Imola FLORIM CERAMICHE SpA and Fushan International Interglobo USA Coraldom, C POR A Florim USA Marketing Consultant Intermac Core Continental Florina Industry Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. International Stones India Cosa Marble Co. Flow International Corporation G.R. Marmi SRL Pvt. Ltd. Cosmos Granite Focus Technology Co., Ltd. Gabriella Revestimentos International Wholesale Cotto D’Este FoloniStone — Bunyee Industry Ceramicos LTDA/CTM Tile, LLC Country Floors (Fujian) Co., Ltd. Gallos Marmoleria S.A. Interstyle Ceramic & Glass Ltd. Cover Source Foshan B&B Ceramics, Ltd. Gaoyao Yushan Ceramics Intertile Comercio Coverings Central Foshan Bazara Building Industrial Co., Ltd. Internacional CR Studio 4 Materials Co., Ltd. Gemini Saw Company, Inc. Iris US Creaciones Practicas SA de CV Glastone Co., Ltd.

EXHIBITOR LIST Visit coverings.com/exhibitorlist for the most up-to-date list. 2P Trading Srl Abdeen Stone Group Abitare La Ceramica ABK Group Industrie Ceramiche SpA. Accessibility Resource Center ADI Stones LLC Agarwal Marble & Art Stone/ CTM Akgun Seramik/Dura-tiles Al Sakhr Al Arabi for Marble & Granite Alabama Stone Aleno Tile Limited Alex Tiles & Alex Marmo for Marble and Quarries Alfagres S.A. Alimoglu Mermer Granit A.S. Alpha Professional Tools AlysEdwards Tile & Stone American Bullnose Company American Express Open American Marazzi Tile American Restoration Tile Inc. American Tile Source Americana Granitos do Brasil Ltda Amerisink Anatolia Tile and Stone, Inc. Andean Stone Company Andrade Group Anfacer-Brasil Ceramic Tiles ANS Impex Pvt. Ltd. Antolini Luigi & C. SpA AP Lazer Machines Aprile USA Inc. ARO Granite Industries Ltd. Artistic Tile Arto Brick & CA Pavers Arvex Italstyle S.R.L. Arvicon International Asian Granito India Ltd. Assimagra-Associacoa Portuguesa dos Industriais de Marmores, Granitos e Ramos Afins Atlas Concorde B.A. Schmidt Arts & Enterprises Bacci Marmi/CTM Basaltina S.R.L. Bati-Orient Beckart Environmental, Inc. Bedrosians Beijing Metals & Minerals Corp. Beijing Stars Stone Co., Ltd. Belenco Bella Vista Tile Bellavita Tile, Inc. Bellcomb, Inc. Benissimo Systems/Surface Art Inc. Bestview International Company Bien Seramik Blanke Corporation Blick Industries Bold Living Color Bonotti Stone Trading Intl. Bostik, Inc. Braxton Bragg Breton S.p.A. British Ceramic Tile Brothers Mosaic, Inc.

24 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

Ish Mosaics and Tiles Island Stone ISO Marble Italdiamant USA Inc. Italgraniti Group SpA Japan Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Assoc. Jas Forwarding Inc. JDD Industry Co., Limited Jerusalem Marble A. Grebelsky Jiangxi Golden Maple Jade Co., Ltd. Jingmen Feiyue Commercial Trading Co., Ltd. JMS/Jurassic Stone John H. Best & Sons Inc. Julipedra Kale Italia SRL Socio Unico Kaleseramik AS Kanaflex Corporation Kangli Stone Co., Ltd. Shuitou Nanan Karamehmet Mermer San. Tic. Ltd. Sti KDrills Keen Decorative Production Co., Ltd. Ken Mason Tile Keramikos Kertiles LLC Keystone Tile Inc. Kings-Wing Imp. & Exp. (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Klein and Company, Inc. Kraft Tool Company Inc. Kur Marble La Fabbrica SpA Lackmond Landmark Metalcoat Inc. Lanka Walltiles PLC Laser Products Industries LATICRETE International, Inc. LEA North America, LLC Legend Pacific International Limited Lenz Ceramic PVT Ltd. Leonardi Group Leya Decoration Material Co., Ltd. Lighthouse Natural Stone Lilywork Ceramic Ornament, LLC Litokol Live Installation Demonstration Stage Long Victory Intl. Convention & Exhibition Lotus Business, LLC Lourdes Industrias Ceramicas Lowitz & Company Loxcreen Flooring Group Luria’s Tile & Stone Action-Pak M.S. International Madhucon Granites Limited Magratex Ltda. Majolica Group Maniscalco Manroyce Global Ltd. Manzi Marmi Srl MAPEI Corporation Marble Arch Ltd. Marble Institute of America (MIA) Marble Systems Marca Corona 1741 Marcolini Marmi Spa Margraf SpA MarMe Tile & Stone Marmi Graniti Favorita SpA Marmi Orobici Graniti SpA Marmifera, SA DE CV Marmo Meccanica S.P.A. Marmoles de Honduras, S.A. Marmonil Marmor SG SA Marmores Galrao Marmotech, S.A. Marvit McIntyre Tile/Trikeenan Tileworks

Medas A.S. Medicine Bluff Studio Mediterranea Mediva Art Tile and Stone Collections MegaCera USA Merola Tile Somerset/ SomerTile Metaphor Bronze Tileworks Metropolitan Ceramics Milstone Marble Works Minera Deisi Ming Stone Supplier Inc. Minmetals Int’l Advertising & Exhibition Miracle Sealant & Abrasives Mirage Granito Ceramico SPA Mirgroup, Inc. Mixed Up Mosaics Mocapor- Comercio E Industria De Marmores LDA ModaCrete Moraware Mosa.Tiles. Mosaique Surface Inc. MR Direct International MVC — Mármores de Alcobaça, Lda. N.S. Granite & Marble Nande Quartz Stone Co., Ltd. Nanjing Huakang Solid Surfaces Co., Ltd. National Gypsum Company National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) NCC Tiles Inc. New England Thinstones New Zhongyuan Ceramics Import and Export Co., Ltd. of Guangdong Ningbo Zhenhai Tongji Decoration Co., Ltd. Noble Company Northstar Ceramic Trading, LLC Northwood Machine Oceanside Glasstile Onyx Tile & Bath Distributors Optimum Onyx Marble Origin Tile/Avenue Mosaic Original Mission Tile Original Style Limited Orro Mosaic OYG Glass Spar Decoration Materials Co., Ltd. Pacific Granites (India) Pvt. Ltd. Panaria Ceramica Park Industries Inc. Pavigres Ceramicas, SA Pearl Abrasive Pellegrini/Miles Supply Pera Tile Petra Antiqua s.r.l. Pimar Pivot LLC Pokarna Limited Porcelanite Lamosa Powerline Imports Pratt & Larson Priental Mosaic Prodim USA Progress Profiles S.P.A. PROJECT: Green Display Prolex Flooring USA, Inc. Protecto Wrap Company Prussiani Engineering QFloors Qingdao Situ International Trading Co., Ltd. Qixing Stone Co., Ltd. Quanzhou Topmax Stone Industry Development Co., Ltd. Questech Corporation QuickShelf (Wheeler Tile & Company) Quintessenza Stoneworks Raimondi Tools USA — Donnelly Distribution LLC. RAINBOW POWER LLC., USA RBI Natural Stone

Red Rock Tileworks Regent Stone Products, Inc. RFMS, Inc. Rocks Forever Inc. Rocky Tile Ltd. RollMaster Software RSG Stones Rubi Tools USA Inc. Ruipedra SA Rydon Business Projects & Services SA. GE. VAN. Marmi SRL Sabine Hill Safeharbor Software, Inc. Saint-Gaudens Salem Stone Sampco Samsung Radianz Quartz Sark Tile Sassomeccanica SRL Saudi Marble and Granite Factory Co. Saudi Marmo Company Savema SpA Savino del Bene USA Inc./ General Noli Savoia Italia SpA Sawtrax Mft SCAD Bench Exhibit Schluter Systems Seed Decorative Material Co., Ltd. Serenissima Cir Industrie Ceramiche SpA Settecento – Mosaici e Ceramiche d’Arte SGM, Inc. Shanghai Best-Look Int’l Co., Ltd. Shanghai Demao Building Material Co., Ltd. Shanghai Fond Share Building Material Co., Ltd. Shanghai Jingquan Industrial Trade Co. ShangHai Rachoo Industry and Trade Co., Ltd. Shijiazhuang Guanyu Industrial Shine Import Export Inc. ShinHeung Stone Co., Ltd. Shunsen Industries Corporation Sichuan Baoxing Zhengxing Marble Co., Ltd. Sicis SRL Sintesi Ceramica Italiana — Gruppo Ceramiche Gresmalt SK Stones Inc. Skarlis Marble S.A. Skudo Distribution USA Pty. Ltd. Slabsmith Sogutsen Seramik AS Solancis-Sociedade Exploradora Pedreiras, SA Sorkun Marble Ltd. Spain Pavilion Stanza International, LLC. Status Ceramics Stone & Equipment Stone & Pewter Accents/ Lunada Bay Glass Stone Fabricators Alliance Stone from Spain Stone Mosaics Stone Profit Systems Stone Showcase Inc. Stone Terroir Stone World/Contemporary Stone & Tile Design Stonebridge Stone-ERP, LLC Stoneline Group, LLC StonePeak Ceramics, Inc. Stonexchange Stoneyard.com Stover’s L.L.C. Strong Ace Ltd. (A Ceramica)

Super Building Material Co., Ltd. Supergres Surfaces Tagina Ceramiche D’Arte SpA Tar-mak USA Inc. Taw’s Group TCNA Art Tile Courtyard TCNA Product Performance Testing Laboratory Tecno Art Marmi TENAX USA Tendenzza Teresa Marble Corporation Terra Verre Terraferma USA Corporation Terramar Inc. Teseo Marmi Texas Cement Products, Inc. Thai Ceramic Co., Ltd. — Cotto Tiles Studios Thassos.com The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) The Tiles of India Thor Granitos E Marmores Tile and Stone Blue Book Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Tile Edizoni Tile EZE Tile Heritage Foundation TILE Magazine Tile of Spain Tile Optima Tile Partners for Humanity Tiles Couture Tob Stone Co., Ltd. Topcu Tile & Stone Trama/Mygsa/CTM Travertine Bros. Travertini Paradiso Srl Travertinos Laguna S.A. de C.V. Tre Emme/Landi Group Trend Surplus Development, Ltd. Troxell USA Turkish Ceramic Promotion Group Tuscan Leveling System Tyrolit Vincent North America Ukey Industrial Co., Limited Umpas Seramik A.S. Un Rayito de Sol Unicom-Starker SRL Unicorn Tile Corp. United Stone Beijing Co., Ltd. USG Corp. Vereinigte Marmorwerke Kaldorf GmbH Vermont Quarries Corp. Vetriceramici De Mexico S De RL DE CV Vickers Industrial Co., Ltd. Victory Glass Building Material Co., Ltd. VIEWGRES Co. Ltd. Visoft Vitromex VMC Technical Assistance Corp. Voguebay Vorona LLC WAKEI — Japan Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association Walgar Sanitary Co., Ltd. Wedi Corporation Wholesale Tile by Aguayo Wilson Industrial Electric, Inc. Win-Stone Industries Wizard Enterprise World Rocks India WSL International Business Co., Ltd. WTC USA, LLC Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co., Ltd. Xiamen Andresen Import & Export Co., Ltd.

Xiamen Asiangain Imp. Exp. Trading Co., Ltd. Xiamen Baoda Import & Export Trade Co., Ltd. Xiamen Black Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Chenghui Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Chitrust Import & Export Co., Ltd. Xiamen Dalei Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Daming Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Daysun Industrial Co., Ltd. Xiamen Dragon Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Eastone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Elite Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. Xiamen Good-do Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. Xiamen Hengfayuan Trading Co., Ltd. Xiamen Hengyi Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Hezu Import & Export Co., Ltd. Xiamen Huangchang Import and Export Co., Ltd. Xiamen Ioka Trading Co., Ltd. Xiamen Jetboat Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. Xiamen Jinghuang Stone Industry Co., Ltd. Xiamen King Day International Corporation Xiamen Ling Yun Yu Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. Xiamen Lotos East Import and Export Co., Ltd. Xiamen Messen Building Material Co., Ltd. Xiamen Nangang Stone Imp. & Exp. Ltd. Xiamen New Stone Trading & Producing Co., Ltd. Xiamen Risheng Stones Co., Ltd. Xiamen Roc Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Scient Stone Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. Xiamen Shenji Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Sifang Group Co., Ltd. Xiamen Smarter Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Stone Enterprise Group Co., Ltd. Xiamen Stone-Metal Trading Co., Ltd. Xiamen Sun Green Trading Co., Ltd. Xiamen SUV Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Vesen Stone Corp. Xiamen WanFu Trade Co., Ltd. Xiamen Xinglei Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Xingyi Trade Co., Ltd. Xiamen Xinyan Trade Co., Ltd. Xiamen Yeyang Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. Xiamen Zhongfeng Stone Co., Ltd. Xiamen Zhongguanshi Stone Industry Co., Ltd. Yantai Diany Saw Mfg Co., Ltd. Yekalon Industry, Inc. Yip Wah Marble Group Limited Yixing Everising Stone Industry Co., Ltd. Yixing Jieda Stone Co., Ltd. Yixing Jinxi Marble Technology Factory Zhanjiang Fumao Ceramics Co., Ltd. ZIBO Jin Mao Ceramic Co., Ltd. Zibo Karry Import and Export Co. Zongyi Stone Development Co., Ltd.

Exhibitor list as of December 26, 2012.

Centennial Ln NW

al Way NW

Linden Ave NW

e NW

Linden Av

BANK OF AMERICA

Jun ipe r

Peachtree

W Peachtree

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COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES

Centenni

Linden Ave NE EMORY CRAWFORD LONG HOSPITAL

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401

Baltimore

249C

Mills St NW

St N

St g

Sp r ing

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Parker St NW

Hunnicutt St NW

Mills St NW

St NW alt W on St

bam

Courtland St NE

Peachtree Center Ave NE

Peachtree St NE

Spring St NW

St ee

NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER

YOUTH ART CONNECTION

HURT Hurt BUILDING Plz SE

Gil

ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Hurt Park

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Visit coverings.com/hotel or call Travel Planners directly at 800-221-3531 or 212-532-1660 to book now.

COVERINGS 2013 HOTELS 1 Atlanta Marriott Marquis

$189–$229

2 Hilton Atlanta

$169–$249

3 Omni Hotel at CNN Center • Headquarters hotel of CTDA and NTCA

$210–$230

• Join Omni’s FREE Loyalty Program and receive free Internet and other great benefits

4 Westin Peachtree Plaza

$165–$205

FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE Complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided from the Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta and the Westin Peachtree Plaza to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). The Omni Hotel is within walking distance (one block) of the GWCC.

26 Coverings 2013 Conference Program + Event Guide

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Reserve your Atlanta hotel rooms with Coverings’ Official Housing Provider, Travel Planners, and receive exceptional service, low rates and no service fees. Book your Coverings 2013 hotel rooms by April 4 to lock in the special rates below! RICHARD B. RUSSELL

ATLANT HERNDO

AUBURN AVE RESEARCH LIBRARY

Edgewood Ave SE

Woodruff Park

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GA STATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Auburn Ave NE

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John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE CANDLER BUILDING

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OMNI-DOME WORLD CONGRESS CENTER

Ellis St NW

W t N Wil li eS

PHILIPS ARENA

PHILIPS

Philips Arena/CNN Center

W ay

N St

John Por

Courtland St NE

Pl N

Andrew Young Internation

Peachtree Center Ave NE

Philips Dr NW

St N

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tta

Mangum St NW

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International Plaza

CNN CENTER

W tN

INTERNATIONAL DECK

W alt

Andrew Young International Blvd NW

Nas

SOUTHERN COMPANY AMPHITHEATER

John Portman Ave

DONOR TRIBUTE WALL

Park

N1 PEACHTREE CENTER

Andrew Young International Blvd NW

Equitable Pl NE

VISITOR CENTER

BUILDING

FOUNTAIN OF RINGS

METRO ATLANTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ll W ay

Baker St NE

MERCHANDISE MART

GIFT MART

John Portman Ave

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APPAREL MART

GARDEN PAVILION EAST

401

Baker St NW

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GARDEN PAVILION NORTH

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Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW

Baker St NW

N St

PARK ADMINISTRATION

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER

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New World of Coca Cola

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Simpson St NW IMAGINE IT! THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

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BUILDING B BUILDING C

Georgia Dome Dr SW

249A

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

Simpson St Nw

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Dome

r Pl N E

W Peachtree Pl NW

Simpson St NW

GEORGIA DOME

Ale

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Jones Ave NW

249B

Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW

Pine St NW

Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW

Lovejoy St NW

Parker St NW

Mcafee St NW

Luckie St NW

tta St

estern Ave NW

Hunnicutt St NW

Marie

hn St NW

Pl NW

N2 CIVIC CENTER

Courtland St NE

Center St NW

249D

Pine St NW

W Peachtree St NW

orthyards Blvd NW

Northside Dr NW

278

Spring

Centennial Olympic Park

orth Ave NW

Tech

ech Way NW

UNAUTHORIZED HOUSING Please be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than Travel Planners that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of Coverings 2013. We have been made aware of other housing companies or travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you, or your company, to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts. Reservations made through these “pirate” agencies or companies will be at your own risk. If you are contacted by one of these pirate companies, please notify Coverings immediately at mnpeake@ntpshow.com. Visit coverings.com/hotel for additional information.

SUITE UPGRADE PROMOTION Registered Coverings attendees and exhibitors who book a room at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta or Westin Peachtree Plaza by April 4 through Travel Planners will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive one of two incredible upgrades: • One upgraded five-night stay in a onebedroom suite at the Westin Peachtree Plaza with complimentary parking. OR • One upgraded five-night stay in a onebedroom suite at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis with complimentary parking.

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TRAVEL DISCOUNTS Coverings has teamed up with a number of transportation providers to provide attendees special rates and discounts: • Delta Air Lines is offering up to a 10% discount off applicable airfares for Coverings 2013 flights. • Atlanta Airport Shuttle is offering a $2 discount on roundtrip service from the airport to downtown. • Print out a Southern Hospitality Savings Card and receive discounts and special offers at popular Atlanta establishments. Visit coverings.com/travel for details on these discounts and more!

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