Architects and interior designers are once again encouraged to bring their top clients to Coverings. The show, set for April 29 to May 2 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will continue the popular “Bring Your Client” program that was launched last year in Chicago as a means of building better relations between the design community and those who retain their services.

The program, which allows each showgoer to bring two VIP clients, is one of several highlights expected at what promises to be a very busy show.  More than 1,200 exhibitors from 100 countries are expected along with a schedule that includes some 80 educational sessions. In addition, the meeting will feature the annual Spectrum (ceramic tile) and Prism (natural stone) Awards as well as keynote presentations from six speakers.

Speakers slated include the noted architects Gisue Hariri and Chad Oppenheim, interior design expert Jamie Gibbs, TV personality Doug Wilson, and kitchen and bath designer Ellen Cheever. Also slated: color expert Leatrice Eiseman and trend forecaster Maxine Lauer. The educational program includes sessions designed specifically for distributors, installers, retailers, builder-remodelers, architects, fabricators and designers. The sessions offer continuing education credits. There are also evening networking events and live installations on the expo floor’s main stage.

One lucky show goer will win a 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy motorcycle that boasts a 1582cc twin cam engine, retuned exhaust system, 200mm wide rear tire and custom chopped rear fender.

Coverings 2008 is sponsored by several national and international associations, including: National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), ASCER (Spain’s Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association), Confindustria Ceramica (Italian Association of Ceramics), (Association of Italian Ceramic Tile and Refractories Manufacturers), Tile Council of North America (TCNA), and Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA).

For more information on registration or attendance, visit www.coverings.com or call (703) 683-8500. Plans call for Coverings 2009 to return to Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, from April 21-24.