Valencia, Spain – For the 24th year, Tile of Spain will bring one of the largest foreign delegations to Coverings, offering visitors a glimpse at the most advanced ceramic tile technology the world has to offer. From March 14-17 at Las Vegas’ Sands Expo & Convention Center, architects, designers, distributors and contractors can visit the 19,800-square-foot Pavilion of Spain. Here, guests will get a front row seat to experience the cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and diverse architectural solutions from Spain. The 2011 Spanish delegation will consist of more than 40 ceramic and stone manufacturers, a 25% increase in exhibitors over the previous year.
A walk through the center of the Spanish pavilion brings visitors to Tile of Spain’s information and hospitality booth #2326. The booth holds a variety of resouces including the pavilion directory – your guide to the must-see Spanish exhibitors at Coverings – and the latest issue of Ceraspaña, Tile of Spain’s quarterly magazine. Audiovisual presentations will run throughout the show including the recent Tile of Spain Award-winning architectural and design projects and an overview of Spanish innovation, design and technology. In addition, guests can savor authentic tapas and sangria.
With a tour of the Spanish Pavilion, visitors will come to understand why Tile of Spain touts the message “Yes, We Choose Spanish Ceramic.” Spanish tile is the ceramic of choice not only because of the products’ progressive designs but also because of Spain’s unrestrained creativity, capacity to innovate, constant technological initiative and responsibility to the environment.
DAILY ACTIVITIES IN THE SPANISH PAVILION
- Tile of Spain annual press conference – Tuesday, March 15 from 10 am to 1 pm. Topics include the state of the Spanish ceramic tile industry and “Experience 2011” a much anticipated preview of emerging trends in ceramic tile presented by Patti Fasan.
- Daily educational seminars – Attend “Balance-Rebalance,” daily educational seminars geared towards retail ceramic sales associates, presented by Patti Fasan, Tile of Spain’s ceramic tile consultant. Full details below.
- Wine and Tapas – Savor authentic Spanish tapas, sangria and other refreshments every day of the show from noon to 2 pm. Additionally during show floor Happy Hours, stop in to the pavilion for an Afternoon Delight, a sampling of authentic Spanish dessert chocolate con churros.
SOCIAL NETWORKING INITIATIVES
Tile of Spain will be sending updates directly from the show floor via Twitter (@TileofSpain) and Facebook. Additionally, Tile of Spain will soon launch www.spaintilesusa.com, a US-based microsite geared specifically towards the wants and needs of the US market. A blog component will provide regular in-depth information regarding the latest trends and technology from Spain.
EDUCATIONAL FOCUS
Tile of Spain has for more than 10 years devoted a significant amount of energy and resources to continuing education within the U.S. ceramic tile industry. This educational focus continues with several seminars given by Patti Fasan and partner Ryan Fasan offered at Coverings, including:
At the Tile of Spain Pavilion: Balance – RebalanceSuccess in the past two years has taken resolve, courage and a flexible game plan. While calmer waters are hopefully on the horizon for 2011, you must continue to be adaptable and ready to balance and rebalance strategies, assumptions and viewpoints. Join us at the Tile of Spain Pavilion: we will strategize, reveal new competitive advantages, identify permanent consumer shifts, needs and desires and arm you with the “street smart” tools you must acquire to succeed in 2011 and beyond.
Mon, March 14: 12:15-12:45 pm, 1:15-1:45 pm
Wed, March 16: 12:15-12:45 pm, 1:15-1:45 pm
Thurs, March 17: 12:15-12:45 pm
Conference Programs:
- Strategies to Improve Market Share Over Competitive Products
Tuesday, March 15: 9:15 – 10:15 am - The Edge: The Latest Innovations in Tile
Tuesday, March 15: 2:45 – 3:45 pm - Ceramic Tile Specification: Facts, Myths & Tools
Wednesday, March 16: 9:15 – 10:15 am - Environmental Ceramic Tile: Gray Area or Green?
Wednesday, March 16: 10:30 – 11:30 am
ADDITIONAL HONORS
The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is honoring Tile of Spain ceramic tile consultant Patti Fasan with the prestigious Joe A. Tarver award for long term service to the tile industry. She is the 9th recipient of this award and the first woman to receive this recognition. The 8th Annual TileLetter Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 16th immediately after the show closes at 5:30 pm, in Room 501 at the Venetian Las Vegas.
The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER) is the private organization whose primary objective is to support Spain’s ceramic tile manufacturers and the industry as a whole by stewarding and promoting the Tile of Spain brand worldwide. A strong global leader, the ceramic tile industry of Spain comprises 220 manufacturers concentrated primarily in the province of Castellón. For more about tile produced in Spain, contact Tile of Spain Center at the Trade Commission of Spain, 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Call 305-446-4387 or visit tileofspain.com