In today’s marketplace, maintaining best business practices and successful tactics requires continued education from industry leaders, which is one of the goals for Coverings 2014. This year’s show, taking place in Las Vegas, April 29-May 2, offers a robust platform of experts speaking on a range of topics – all free of charge.
Seminars are organized into customized tracks for each segment of attendees – distributors, retailers, architects, designers, fabricators, contractors, builders and professionals seeking green education – yet remain open to all attendees, based on their individual areas of interest. Among the lineup are four keynote speakers including Eric Astrachan (above left), Robert Bacon (above right), Lauren Rottet (below left) and Sheldon Yellen (below right).
Eric Astrachan will discuss “Hot Issues in Tile Standards and Design” on Tuesday, April 29th at 12:30 p.m. He will examine standards-based issues, trends and potential liabilities in a fast-paced visual presentation. Attendees will be advised on emerging concerns and legal liabilities, as well as what is and isn’t working for thin tiles, along with design trends.
Additionally, Robert Bacon will explore “Natural Stone & Green Design” on Tuesday, April 29th at 3 p.m. The session will share how the stone industry continues to reduce environmental impacts through technology advancements and responsible manufacturing and shipping processes. Historical uses of natural stone that have stood the test of time will be discussed, and attendees will learn how key characteristics of stone satisfy elements of green building standards.
Interior architect Lauren Rottet will present some of the nation’s most highly awarded hotels and offices on Wednesday, April 30th at 12 p.m. The projects, designed by Rottet Studio, showcase creative use of materials including tile and stone. The seminar is titled “Rottet Style with Stone and Tile” and is sponsored by Contract magazine.
Rounding out the keynote sessions is Sheldon Yellen, who will present “Breaking Through Barriers by Putting People First” on Tuesday, April 29th at 9 a.m. He will discuss how he took a $5 million company to a $1.5 billion global force by putting people first. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how his employees have built a culture of loyalty and compassion and explore how taking the long view, by focusing on the welfare of families of workers and of customers, can reap word-of-mouth business opportunities.
