Italian Pavilion at Coverings to Feature 100+ Brands, Trend Tours, and More
Ceramics of Italy – Rendering of Installation Design Showcase vignette for Coverings 2015
In less than two weeks, tile and stone specialists and enthusiasts will head to Orlando for the 26th edition of Coverings —the industry’s largest international exposition in North America. From April 14-17, 2015, the Orange County Convention Center will open its doors to industry experts, architects and designers for four days of inspiration, professional development, and networking.
In the heart of the expo, Ceramics of Italy will present one of the largest international contingents at the show, organized by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) with support from the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. With over 100 influential Italian brands exhibiting new tile and installation products and a central stand that doubles as an industry information hub and Italian-style café, the Ceramics of Italy Pavilion will serve as the ultimate source for design inspiration, technical innovation and hospitality at the show.
Piazza Ceramica
Once again, the Ceramics of Italy booth (4823) will be transformed into Piazza Ceramica —a show-stopping, topography-inspired exhibit melding contemporary Italian design with the vibrant energy of Orlando. Designed by e +i studio and built by A &M, the entire 3,000 square foot space will be an inspiring display of design and craftsmanship showcasing a range of ceramic and porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde, Ceramiche Caesar, Emilceramica, Floor Gres, Lea Ceramiche and Marazzi. The floor tiles, set on a raised flooring system, will be waterjet cut by Stratos to create an undulating pattern and focal point of the design. The installation and maintenance of the space will be facilitated by grout, nosing and cleaning products donated by Mapei, Profilpas, and FILA Surface Care Solutions.
The piazza will offer attendees a reprieve from the busy trade show floor and a place to enjoy all things Italian-made. Glittering, tile-clad mounds will flank both sides of the open piazza and house the ever-popular café, coffee bar, and information booth. Below the tiered seating above, Italian culinary duo Carlo Donadoni and Graziano Sborggio, of Miami’s Spuntino Catering, will prepare coffee and pastries for breakfast, authentic Italian cuisine for lunch, and an open aperitivo in the afternoon every day.
Later in the week, attendees can learn about the latest “Trends in Tile” —where Italian manufacturers lead the way—with Christine Abbate, Marianne Cox, and Ryan Fasan on Thursday, April 16 at 2:45pm in Room S320ABC.
VIP Tour
Following the success of previous years, Ceramics of Italy will host special VIP Tours during Coverings, offering an insiders’ look into the Italian ceramics industry. On Tuesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 16 from 1 3pm, registered industry professional will be treated to an authentic Italian lunch, special goodie bag and presentation on the latest design trends and technical innovations, followed by a guided walking tour of the Ceramics of Italy Pavilion.
Installation Design Showcase
Demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between beautiful products, imaginative design and expert installation, Ceramics of Italy will participate in the sixth edition of the show’s annual live attraction: the Installation Design Showcase. Over the course of four days, a team of Five Star Contractors from Michael’s Custom Tile will build a high-end resort bathroom from the ground up in booth 461B. Designed by Florida-based architect Diana Chase, AIA, of HHCP Architects, the chic, California rustic vignette will showcase naturalistic tiles from a number of Italian companies including Cotto D’Este Kerlite, Marca Corona, NovaBell and Rex Ceramiche. Showcasing the versatility of Italian porcelain, the tiles will be installed on the floors, walls, steps and countertops in addition to less conventional uses such as furnishings. Keeping with the bath’s luxurious feel, the vignette will feature fixtures and furnishings from Hansgrohe and Axor. All tiles will be generously donated by the various manufacturers and Specialty Tile Products, and all grout and setting materials will be provided by Mapei.
Follow the distinguishable “Ceramics of Italy” trademark throughout the show to find products of superior quality, durability and environmental responsibility or visit here to discover new products and companies with the Ceramics of Italy Pavilion Guide. For live updates, follow Ceramics of Italy on Twitter and Instagram (@CeramicsOfItaly). For more information about the Italian tile industry or to find a local distributor, visit www.italytile.com.