Coverings 2023 Exceeds Tile, Stone Industry Expectations

Coverings 2023 saw a 50 per cent year-over-year increase in attendance, topping organizers’ expectations.

Nearly 27,000 people gathered in Orlando, in April, for the event — a number that rivals pre-pandemic levels. Attendees included industry professionals from all business sectors within the tile and stone industry. More than three-quarters were from the United States, and 23 per cent hailed from other countries.

The four-day exposition and conference spanned 450,000 net square feet of show floor space in addition to the main north and south concourses at the Orange County Convention Centre. The show floor featured global pavilions hosted by the world’s leading associations and product manufacturers. International exhibitors made up 74 per cent of the exposition. They represented 40 countries, showcasing their newest and most innovative ceramic tile, natural stone, tools, equipment, machinery and technology.

The show floor also featured an area of creative displays dedicated to artisans who keep old-world traditions alive by crafting handmade art and specialty tiles.

Involvement with distributors, architects, designers, contractors, installers, fabricators, retailers and others was at an all-time high, with more than 1,000 exhibitors, 24 learning sessions, 95 demonstrations and presentations, nine show floor tours, nine podcasts and many other activations created to address the business interests and growth pursuits of all segments.

Show favourites for learning included the return of Coverings’ extensive offering of educational sessions focused on three tracks: installation and fabrication, materials and trends, and workforce and profits. Insights were shared with the latest information about ceramic tile and natural stone, coupled with resourceful ideas for growing sales and business during the coming year.

This year’s Coverings lounge provided show-goers with a designated and comfortable space to network with peers, hear from industry leaders, gain professional knowledge and attend happy hours with prize giveaways. The four key tenets of Coverings 2023 — health and wellness, sustainability, outdoor spaces and timeless luxury — converged at this centrally located area through various activations, such as live demonstrations, displays, relevant market trends and hands-on activities.

Next year’s Coverings event will take place April 22-25, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta.