Paco Underhill, best-selling author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping," will kick off Coverings 2006 with a keynote speech that will draw on material from his book and his career as a retail anthropologist. His presentation is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 4. Coverings, North America's largest tile and stone show, is set for April 4-7 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

For the past 20 years, Underhill has studied the science of shopping. He is the founder and managing director of Envirosell, a New York-based market research and consulting company. His services have been enlisted by such corporate giants as McDonald's, Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Hewlett-Packard, Toro and Armstrong.

His keynote is part of Coverings comprehensive educational offerings. Over the course of the show, more than 70 free accredited continuing education and live demonstration sessions are slated for tile and stone professionals.

The opening night of the show will feature the annual Spectrum Awards, recognizing the most creative and innovative uses of ceramic tile in both residential and commercial settings. The awards ceremony has gained prominence in the tile industry and is regularly attended by prominent figures in the business. An independent panel of judges from the tile, architecture and design communities will announce the $10,000 grand prize winner and will award an additional $8,000 to winners in other residential and commercial categories. For more information, call (703) 683-8500 or visit www.coverings.com.