Coverings Offers Break-Through
Online Matchmaking Service

Even before Coverings exhibitors and attendees head to Orlando for the April 4-7 show, they can begin networking and get a jump-start on doing business together with access to a free online Matchmaking Service. Designed specifically for the Coverings community, this innovative search program connects buyers and sellers. Moreover, it promises time savings and efficiency for all Coverings visitors and represents a valuable sales opportunity for exhibitors. The online Matchmaking Service is accessible at www.coverings.com/matchmaking and will be available year-round.

“The Coverings Matchmaking Service is truly a beneficial resource for both attendees and exhibitors,” said Tamara Christian, president, National Trade Productions and Coverings show director.” The service is a powerful and user-friendly online program that not only helps Coverings attendees develop a strategy for covering the show, but also generates sales leads to exhibitors. By using the online tool, attendees can create a ‘must-see’ exhibitor list and even pre-arrange show appointments. Attendees can maximize their time and experience at Coverings by using this tool before they arrive in Orlando.”

Attendees can search by exhibit category and by specific product or service directly related to their business. The innovative system then matches attendee search results to exhibitors who offer those specific products or services. Attendees can email their results to colleagues and contact exhibitors immediately. In turn, exhibitors receive email leads from attendees who request additional information or want to arrange a meeting at the show.

“Staying in touch and connecting with industry contacts and colleagues has never been easier,” added Christian. “Attendees can contact exhibitors directly with just a click of a button. This highly innovative networking service benefits the Coverings community by connecting buyers and sellers not only during the show, but throughout the year as well.”

Organizations sponsoring Coverings 2006 include ASCER (Spain’s Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association), Assopiastrelle (Association of Italian Ceramic Tile and Refractories Manufacturers), CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributors Association), NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) and TCNA (Tile Council of North America).

Coverings is also co-sponsored by the Marble Institute of America, American Institute of Architects (Orlando Chapter), The American Society of Interior Designers (Florida North, Florida South and Florida West Coast), International Interior Design Association (Florida Chapter), the Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada, the Tile Contractors’ Association of America and the Tile Heritage Foundation.

For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP at 703.683.8500.