Events

The Italian ceramic industry places its bets in Las Vegas! | by Cristina Faedi

Following the cancellation of the 2020 show and the US travel ban that effectively prevented European producers from taking part in 2021, the Italian ceramic tile industry will be back in force at Coverings 2022, America’s pre-eminent ceramic tile and natural stone event to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 5 to 8 April.

Last September Cersaie 2021 reasserted its role as the world’s top exhibition for the ceramic sector, while Coverings 2022 remains the industry’s premiere overseas event.
Despite the severe problems caused by soaring gas and freight prices, the Italian ceramic tile industry will be present in Las Vegas in a 58,000 square foot Ceramics of Italy pavilion located in Central Hall. The pavilion will host around seventy Italian companies (representing more than 100 brands), which will be present with their own booths and in some cases in meeting suites.
Amid the current challenges, the industry is finding it far from easy to pick up where it left off back in 2019. Nonetheless, Italian companies have confirmed their tenacity and their determination not to miss this premiere event in one of the industry’s most important export markets.

The Italian pavilion will be carpeted in the country’s signature light blue colour, while floor plans of the pavilion and Ceramics of Italy banners will be displayed at the intersections between aisles.
The Ceramics of Italy institutional area (Booth C6433) will form the hub of the Italian pavilion and will provide visitors with a wealth of information along with traditional Italian hospitality. Designed by e+i Studio, this area will serve as a meeting point and an informal Italian-style reception area fitted out with ceramic tables and benches where visitors can prepare for a busy day with an authentic coffee or cappuccino or enjoy the unique flavour of an Italian ice cream in the afternoon.

But of course new products are the main point of interest at Coverings, and visitors certainly won’t be disappointed. The enormous variety of tiles and surfaces on display at the show will be highlighted in particular at two specific initiatives: the Global Tile Trends session on 5 April at 11.00 a.m. where industry experts will discuss the emerging trends in the ceramic tile market, and a guided Press Tour of the Italian pavilion on 7 April at 10.00 a.m.

The traditional Ceramics of Italy press conference will be held on 6 April at 4 p.m. in Room N245. Following a speech by Emilio Mussini, vice-chairman of Confindustria Ceramica, the winners of the 29th Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition will present their architectural projects involving the use of Italian ceramic tiles, moderated by Confindustria Ceramica managing director Armando Cafiero.
Next, the institutional stand will host an aperitif and the award ceremony for the 32nd Confindustria Ceramica North America Distributor Award.

With its large number of exhibitors and a packed programme of events, Coverings 2022 offers American trade visitors the opportunity to get the latest updates and insights on the Italian ceramic tile industry, including new product trends, the most innovative installation solutions and indoor and outdoor applications.
It will be the perfect opportunity to take the pulse of the industry ahead of the international appointment with Cersaie 2022 in Bologna later in the year (26-30 September).

 

The programme of training sessions

Attendees at Coverings 2022 will have the chance to participate in a robust programme of educational offerings, including numerous sessions qualifying for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and covering three specific learning paths: Installation & Fabrication, Materials & Trends, and Workforce & Profits.
The educational opportunities at Coverings 2022 will focus on the key themes of Health, Well-being and Environment, Timeless Luxury and Outdoor Living Spaces. All educational sessions are designed to provide attendees with the information content they need to excel in today’s highly competitive tile and stone market.
The Installation & Fabrication sessions will offer a wealth of information on industry best practices and cutting-edge techniques for installation and fabrication. Participants will be given the tools, training and technical know-how they need to keep at the cutting edge of the tile and stone industry.
The Materials & Trends sessions will focus on the breathtaking world of tile and stone, offering participants the opportunity to learn about the health benefits of tile, get inspired by the latest trends and achieve concrete results for their business and projects. The Workforce & Profits sessions will help participants discover new and successful practices and tactics to grow and manage their business, benefiting from business-building solutions and strategies for attracting and retaining customers and employees.
The complimentary educational sessions available at Coverings have clear training objectives and cover all segments of the industry.

See the Coverings 2022 Conference Schedule

 

 

March 2022