Coverings 2008 reports fall in attendance

The 2008 edition of Coverings, the most important tile and stone show in North America, came to an end in Orlando on 2 May. The end-of-show figures reveal a fall in attendance compared to the 2007 event, which was held for the first time in Chicago (35,000 visitors compared to last year's 37,000).
However the show reported 3.8% growth over the 2006 edition which was also held in Orlando, demonstrating the importance of the ceramic sector in these areas of the country and above all, as the organisers point out, the sector's important role in remodelling and commercial building. Compared to 2006 there was a 56.6% increase in numbers of visitors from the remodelling sector, a 41% increase in contract professionals, and a 40% increase in architects and designers.

The attendance figures reflect the difficult situation in the US property market.
According to the latest projections from Morgan Stanley published in April, the downturn at the end of 2008 will be 20% compared to last year's 19%. According to the analysts, 2009 will also see a contraction, although much smaller (estimated fall of 3%).

This difficult economic situation has prompted NTP to postpone the opening of "Coverings L.S. boutique", a travelling show promoting excellent products which was scheduled for 19 to 20 November in Long Beach, California. The new dates have not yet been announced.

Coverings 2009 will be held in Chicago from 21 to 24 April 2009.