Exhibitors will include a broad range of stone suppliers, who will be showing limestone, slate, granite, marble, sandstone and other materials in tiles, slabs, custom-fabricated pieces, mosaics and more. Suppliers of stoneworking equipment and accessories, stone maintenance and preservation products and installation materials will also be exhibiting. Pavilions and exhibits sponsored by national trade groups and international entrepreneurs from North America, South America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia will display the latest products and services available in the international marketplace.

The Vision 2003 seminar program, held concurrently to the Coverings show, is set to feature over 100 presentations, workshops and speakers as education and professional development opportunities for the attendees of Coverings 2003.

The exposition will cover a space of over 10 football fields, with a center aisle over a half-mile long. Combined with the number of exhibitors and seminars, figuring out what to visit and where can be overwhelming. Along with navigational tools that will be featured at the show, the exposition's Web site, www.coverings.com, features a Virtual Press Room and lists of exhibitors to peruse before going to the show. Attendees can also pre-register and reserve a hotel room at the site.

New innovations

"The Coverings management team immediately recognized the value of this great idea," said William J. "Skip" Mason of Trade Show International, organizer of the annual event. "It can become perplexing for an attendee to schedule a visit to all of the companies, products and services on his or her own personal agenda without getting worn out. Jack Knies' idea provides a quick answer to a tricky task."

In response to the suggestion, Coverings' in-house Information Technology (IT) department is now creating a computer-based locator system for all the exhibits on the massive trade show floor. The IT department went beyond the suggestion of the winning idea and added the capability for attendees to also make a selection from over 100 education classes, seminars and professional workshops being offered at Vision 2003.

Attendees will be able to access the system, named "My Coverings," through the trade show's Web site and develop a personal agenda to navigate the exhibit area and attend seminar classes by clicking any number of exhibits and classes and printing out the results.

The runner-up "Great Idea" prize of $250 was awarded to Mike Ruggio, an account manager with Rohm and Haas, who suggested that a "Survivor's Guide" be provided to attendees, including a handy pamphlet to "highlight strategies for getting maximum value" from attending the trade show.

Due to his suggestion, Coverings is currently developing an easy-to-use guide with timely tips and strategies based on the experiences and feedback of previous attendees. It is scheduled for publication and free distribution to Coverings 2003 attendees, and will point out many of the services and conveniences that are well known to those who have attended the show for a number of years, but may be overlooked or not noticed by relative newcomers.

Event co-sponsors

In the first year of its sponsorship, Italian Marmomacchine Association (AIMM) represents the most important Italian manufacturers of equipment for natural stone processing. "Our co-sponsorship represents a new source to enhance our members' exposures worldwide," said Flavio Mirabelli, AIMM president.

"We appreciate the addition of AIMM to our impressive list of co-sponsors," said Rick Church, chairman of the board of governors of Coverings. "The AIMM co-sponsorship further validates the leadership position that Coverings has assumed for those involved in both natural stone, and the equipment for natural stone processing."

Returning as co-sponsors are the National Association of Floor Coverings Distributors (NAFCD) as well as chapters of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA).

"We are very excited to have the support from all these distinguished associations," said Church. "It signifies the mutual respect and collaboration that exists among these associations, and establishes Coverings as the most important industry show in the Americas for tile, stone and flooring materials."

Keynote speakers

On Monday, March 24, the speaker will be John Graham, president and CEO of Graham Communications, a marketing and consulting firm, which authored the 1998 book, "New Magnet Marketing." He will present "Turning Buyers into Believers," featuring bold ideas on marketing techniques designed to work like magnets in drawing customers.

The speaker on Tuesday, March 25, will be Gary Bradt, whose motivational and entertaining presentation will be based on "Who Moved My Cheese?," the best selling business book. Bradt uses the story to share his passion for helping people change and win with confidence and purpose.

The "Afterburners," a motivational group with a military theme, will present a dynamic keynote address on Wednesday, March 26. For their presentation, "Brief to Win," the fighter pilots will demonstrate that today's business is fast, high-tech and can change direction instantly. Their presentation will be a wake-up call for even the most highly skilled warriors in the business world. It focuses on the importance of briefing the plan to key people before ordering them into a critical situation. Teamwork, discipline, communication, leadership and focus on attention are key topics in this powerful presentation.

"Are We Having Fun Yet," will be presented on Thursday, March 27, by keynote speaker Tony Brigmon. Brigmon will bring his refreshing and interactive motivational messages mixed with creative exercises and energizing music. Attendees will learn how to apply his "Fun Formula" to bring out the best in themselves and others. Formerly with Southwest Airlines, where he earned the President's Award for exemplifying the spirit of enthusiasm, fun and sincerity, Brigmon now spreads the same spirit to wider audiences as a full-time speaker.

Sidebar 1: Stone World to host education sessions at Coverings 2003

Once again, Stone World will be moderating a Fabricators Forum as part of the Vision 2003 education program at Coverings. The session will be organized as a roundtable discussion, which will allow participants to share their professional experiences related to stone fabrication today.

Last year's forum attracted over 200 participants from the burgeoning stone fabrication sector. The session included lively discussions on technical issues such as CNC tooling and edging techniques as well as industry topics such as slab quality and even business ethics.

This year's Fabricators Forum will be moderated by Stone World Editor/Associate Publisher Michael Reis. The Fabricators Forum will be held on Monday, March 24 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. in Room 307A, Session #M10.5. Fabricators of all sizes are strongly encouraged to attend and share their industry experiences as well as their concerns. To suggest topics for the Fabricators Forum, stone fabricators can e-mail Reis at michael@stoneworld.com.

Additionally, Stone World Publisher Alex Bachrach will be moderating a how-to seminar, "The Art of Making a Sink Hole," on Wednesday, March 26, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. in Room 311E, Session #W10.9. This session, which is being presented by Cornel Alb, Research & Development Technician for Alpha Professional Tools, will focus on all types of sink hole applications. The session will include tips and practical information on this aspect of stone fabrication, and it will discuss the best practices for accomplishing various sink hole cuts.

Sidebar 2: Vision 2003 at Coverings

Monday, March 24
Merchandising & Marketing
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #M8.7 Room 308B
Stop Leaving Profits Behind: Explore the Importance of Properly Specifying & Selling Tile and Stone Cleaners and Sealers

Research shows that many tile and stone installations are not being properly sealed or maintained. Find out how important these products are to your business, both in valuable profits and in preventing costly callbacks and unhappy customers.

Presented by: Bill Tran, Vice President, and Fred Jackson, Stone Business Development Manager, Aqua Mix

Monday, March 24
Stone Fabrication
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #M8.11 Room 308D
How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Choosing Your Next Stone Fabrication Machinery

In this seminar, participants will go step-by-step through the process of purchasing fabrication equipment. Topics covered include defining your needs, defining your machine(s) and defining your supplier.

Presented by: Renato Meighas, Vice President of Sales, AGM Machinery

Monday, March 24
Design & Market Trends
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #M10.1 Room 312A

Proper Selection & Maintenance of Stone: A Guide for Designers and Architects

This session will provide practical tips to assist you in the proper stone selection for residential and com-mercial projects. Specifically, this session will cover the following topics: the importance of specifying the proper stone; the key elements in the stone selection process; con-siderations that must be given to maintain the stone surface; the differences between marble and granite; discussion of agglomerate and synthetic materials; hardness differences in stone and how this impacts on its wear and main-tenance; educating the customer on the importance of proper main-tenance; and practical tips to keep customers happy with their stone installations.

Presented by: Fred Hueston, President, NTC Enterprises Inc.

Monday, March 24
Merchandising & Marketing
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #M10.6 Room 311E
Heat Up Your Tile and Stone Sales and Keep Your Feet Warm

Electric floor-warming systems are proving to be an ideal selling tool when it comes to tile and stone. Not only does it eliminate customer's biggest objection, the fact that tile is cold, but it also serves as an easy add-on to tile sales. This seminar takes a closer look at how tile distributors, wholesalers and retailers are using electric floor-warming to increase their sales while providing their customers with the added luxury of comfort. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how floor-warming can be used to market their business and products, how to choose the right system and a basic technical knowledge of how floor-warming systems operate.

Presented by: Bart Bettiga, Executive Director, NTCA; Janice Smith, Marketing Manager, NuHeat, Inc.; Michel Trudel, Trade Show Coordinator, Flextherm, Inc.; Tom Duve, President, NAC Products

Monday, March 24
Stone Fabrication
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #M10.5 Room 307A
Fabricators Forum

The practical session will be organized as a roundtable discussion, which will allow participants to share their pro-fessional experiences related to stone fabrication today.

Topics include CNC tooling and edging techniques as well as industry topics such as slab quality and business ethics. Fabricators of all sizes are strongly encouraged to attend and share their industry experiences as well as their concerns. To suggest topics for the Fabricators Forum, stone fabricators can e-mail Stone World Editor Michael Reis at michael@stoneworld.com.

Moderated by: Michael Reis, Editor, Stone World Magazine

Monday, March 24
Stone Fabrication
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #M10.9 Room 311G
From the Earth to Your Home - Processing Granite Countertop Slabs

This informative seminar deals with how granite is quarried, finished, shipped, received at a fabricators facility, processed into a usable product and installed in the end user's home. Learn how granite is cut into blocks, then sliced into slabs and finished prior to shipment. Fabrication techniques are discussed, as well as installation techniques.

Presented by: Kevin Padden, Vice President, IMC - Arizona

Tuesday, March 25
Design & Market Trends
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #TU8.1 Room 308A
Stone Trends 2003

This seminar will present a statistical overview of market segments, main "rainmakers," and supplying countries channels of distribution in the U.S. and market forecasts for the near future.

Presented by: Vince Marazita, President, Marazita & Associates

Tuesday, March 25
Stone Fabrication
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #TU8.10 Room 311E
Designing a Stone Fabrication Shop

Are you opening a new stone shop or moving an existing one? What are the best shop layouts and configurations? What power requirements will you need? What about location regulations concerning disposal of slurry and wastewater? This seminar will give you the information you need to make sure the design of your new shop runs smoothly and efficiently.

Presented by: Keith Graves, Stone Division Manager, H.E. Satterwhite, Inc.; Kevin Padden, Vice President, IMC - Arizona; Fred Hueston, President, NTC Enterprises Inc.

Tuesday, March 25
Stone Fabrication
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #TU8.11 Room 308C
Natural Stone Characteristics: Protection, Maintenance & Rest-oration

This session will provide a workable knowledge of where stone comes from, how it is extracted, how it is processed before being brought to market. Rarely is there "defective stone," but more often then not, "defective expectations" of what the stone is supposed to look like and what it is supposed to take to protect, maintain and restore it.

Presented by: Joe Salvo, Vice President, Miracle Sealants Co.

Tuesday, March 25
Stone Fabrication
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #TU10.10 Room 311A
Adding Stone Restoration Services

Are you in the stone and tile business and have been thinking about adding stone restoration to your services? The stone refinishing and polishing business can add substantial profits to your bottom line. This seminar will cover what it takes to enter this lucrative business, including equipment needed, systems available, and much more.

Presented by: Fred Hueston, President, NTC Enterprises Inc.

Tuesday, March 25
Stone Fabrication
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #TU10.11 Room 308D
Granite vs. All Those Other Tops

In this seminar, attendees will look at the qualities of granite versus competing countertop materials. Attendees compare the characteristics of the materials and discuss the practicalities of each.

Presented by: Joe Ranzoni, President, Ranzoni Inc.

Wednesday, March 26
Specification & Installation
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #W8.10 Room 307C
Sealing Tile, Grout & Natural Stone: Facts and Fiction

In this session, participants will receive information concerning sealers, finishers, waxes, and impregnators including how they work, what they contain, solvent versus water, different protection sources, costs, performance and which surfaces benefit from being sealed.

Presented by: Joe Salvo, Vice President, Miracle Sealants Co.

Wednesday, March 26
Stone Fabrication
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #W8.11 Room 311G
Stone Flooring Failures

The rate of stone installation is increasing, and with that can come an increase in installation problems. Failures such as cracking, de-lamination, de-bonding and spalling are all problems that can occur with stone flooring. In this session, participants will look at the causes of these failures and will discuss how to avoid them. In addition, proper inspection and testing procedures for evaluating a stone installation failure will be underlined.

Presented by: Fred Hueston, President, NTC Enterprises Inc.

Wednesday, March 26
Technology
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #W8.12 Room 308D
How the Internet is Changing the Stone Industry

Internet technology has fueled growth and generated efficiencies in almost every industry over the past decade. This seminar looks at these changes in the stone industry and the implications for you. The Internet is used as a tool to streamline marketing efforts, create visibility in the supply chain, transfer information and save time and money. It affects everything from the customer's range of choices to the cost of material and freight. In fact, it not only affects the way we conduct business, but also widens our markets exponentially. This seminar will discuss these changes and will allow you to begin or continue to think about how your business should position itself. In addition, there will be a live demonstration of Internet-based tools to assist your company in marketing, locating, purchasing and procuring stone products.

Presented by: Haydn Cutler, CEO, stonelocator.com

Wednesday, March 26
Stone Fabrication
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
Session #W9.4 Room 307D
(Full Session Ends 10:30 am)
Introduction to Stone Restoration

In this hands-on demonstration participants will be involved in the complete restoration of a marble floor using lippage removal abrasives, polishing abrasives and polishing powders. An open forum for questions and answers related to stone maintenance and restoration will follow the demonstration.

Presented by: Mark Calvillo, Stone Care Director; Michelle Wagner, Stone Pro Sales; Dan Devlin, President; Raul Navarrete, Sales Associate, Hard Rock Tool

Wednesday, March 26
Design & Market Trends
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #W10.1 Room 312A
Introduction to Stone Design

This is "Stone 101" - a survey course with an overall view of the production and supply in the dimensional stone industry. Discussion will include: stone selection; engineering considerations; ASTM tests: aesthetic considerations; horizontal substrates and surfaces (countertops); wet areas; stair treads; vertical and interior cladding.

Presented by: Scott Lardner, Marble Institute of America

Wednesday, March 26
Merchandising & Marketing
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #W10.8 Room 313
How to Grow Your Ceramic Tile and Stone Business

In this seminar, participants will discuss topics which include: strengths and weaknesses of the industry, potential problems, quality control, training and education, marketing, and having a strategic plan.

Presented by: Donato Pompo, President, Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants

Wednesday, March 26
Stone Fabrication
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #W10.9 Room 311E
The Art of Making a Sink Hole

This seminar will cover all types of sink hole applications. Tricks of the trade will be discussed and best practices for accomplishing various sink hole cuts will be presented.

Presented by: Alex Bachrach, Publisher, Stone World; Cornel Alb, Research & Development Technician, Alpha Professional Tools

Wednesday, March 26
Stone Fabrication
10:45 - 11:35 a.m.
Session #W10.10 Room 311G
Restoration and Maintenance for Marble, Granite, Travertine and More

In this seminar, attendees will learn the difference between restoration and maintenance of stone floors, how to restore stone floors and how to maintain stone floors. In addition, industry myths will be dispelled. A hands-on demonstration will con-clude the session.

Presented by: Paul Lundberg, Director of Sales & Operations, VMC Technical Assistance Corp.

Thursday, March 27
Specification & Installation
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #TH8.9 Room 311E
Thin-Set Mortars - What's the Difference?

The various types of thin-set mortars used to install ceramic tile and stone will be reviewed and contrasted in this session. The presentation will begin an explanation of what a thin-set mortar is and why it is the best choice for installation of ceramic tile and stone. The focus of the session will be on the latest technologies in higher per-formance thin-set mortars and what this means to the tile installer. Also covered will be the traditional thin-set mortars that have been used successfully for years and why these may not be the best products to use in some of today's demanding installations. A description and explanation of higher performance, polymer-modified thin-set mortars will be presented, educating the installer on what to look for. The types of installations that require the use of these premium mortars will be reviewed.

Presented by: Steve Taylor, Director of Technology, Custom Building Products

Thursday, March 27
Stone Fabrication
8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
Session #TH8.10 Room 311C
Water, Air & Power Requirements for Your Fabrication Shop

Are you planning to set up a new shop, or planning to add more equipment? This seminar is a must to get you started off on the right foot. Topics covered include the typical water, air and power requirements for the most commonly used fabrication equipment. In addition, ways to meet those requirements in a normal shop situation will be explored.

Presented by: Keith Graves, Stone Division Manager, H.E. Satterwhite, Inc.; Kevin M. Padden, Vice President, IMC - Arizona; Fred Hueston, President, NTC Enterprises