In a bid to draw more attendance from Midwest states, organizers of the Coverings meeting said they will begin alternating the event between its present location in Orlando and Chicago. While next year’s edition of the tile and stone show is still scheduled to take place in Orlando, April 4-7, the following year it will move to Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center where it will be held from April 17-20, 2007. Previously, the show was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Show organizers said the move is expected to lure more retailers and designers from areas surrounding Chicago. “The close proximity of major markets and the specifiers in those markets will be of great value to Coverings exhibitors,” said Tamara Christian, president of National Trade Productions which manages Coverings. “At the same time, the diverse nature of the expected attendees will create a meaningful total show experience and, together with the many cultural and entertainment offerings, will make their attendance at the show a profitable and rewarding experience.”

The show is sponsored by Assopiastrelle (Association of Italian Ceramic Tile and Refactories Manufacturers), ASCER (Spain’s Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association), TCNA (Tile Council of North America), CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributors Association) and, NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association). For more information, visit www.coverings.com or phone (703) 683-8500.