News
Coverings Introduces Expanded Programs and Activations for 2025
March 10, 2025 – ORLANDO – Coverings (coverings.com), North America’s leading international tile and stone showcase and educational conference, has announced today an expanded roster of both new and returning programs and activations for Coverings 2025.
The highly anticipated event, set for April 29 to May 2, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, will unite a global community of distributors, retailers, architects, designers, builders, remodelers, contractors, installers, stone fabricators and other industry professionals for four transformative days of mesmerizing tile and stone exhibits, groundbreaking advancements in products and techniques as well as unparalleled opportunities for networking and business growth.
Coverings 2025 will feature numerous international pavilions hosted by top tile associations and manufacturers, the latest trends, trailblazing product innovations, state-of-the-art machinery, advanced tools and equipment, and other essential industry resources. Attendees can engage in hands-on experiences through live demonstrations, multilingual show floor tours, and other interactive programs, all thoughtfully designed to deliver actionable insights for professionals across every business sector.
“With 26,000 attendees from around the world, Coverings 2025 will be the ultimate destination for tile and stone professionals to stay ahead of emerging trends, generate qualified business leads, and develop strategic insights to maintain a competitive edge,” said Jamie Rich, Coverings show director. “Attendees will have the opportunity to maximize their time, forge valuable connections, and source the latest products from 40 countries—all while achieving a year’s worth of business value in just four days.”
Programming and activations at Coverings 2025 will bring the show’s four key tenets—“Health & Wellness,” “Sustainability,” “Outdoor Spaces,” and “Timeless Luxury”—to life across a show floor stretching nine miles. Engaging activations, creative installations and trend-driven exhibits will captivate attendees, immersing them in unforgettable experiences that showcase how tile and stone elevate design, promote well-being and redefine spaces with eco-conscious style.
A key highlight of Coverings 2025 is the much-anticipated return of The Coverings Lounge (Booth # 4300), a vibrant hub where professionals converge to learn, connect, grow and relax. This centrally located space will deliver engaging sessions at the Trends & Solutions Stage, one of Coverings’ three show floor stages, along with valuable networking opportunities, insightful presentations from tile and stone leaders, and daily happy hours with prize giveaways.
“Whether seeking industry expertise, valuable contacts, or a moment to simply unwind from the bustling show floor, The Coverings Lounge offers showgoers the ideal blend of education, networking and relaxation,” said Rich.
The Coverings Lounge will also feature the I.C.E. House Showhome Experience, an immersive display highlighting the future of home design. This innovative exhibit, a brand-new Coverings programming feature, presents a visual journey through I.C.E. House, a two-year construction and design transformation project being produced by Jennifer Farrell Designs. The experience will include exclusive talks by acclaimed designer Jennifer Farrell, with multi-media displays alongside samples of the materials featured in I.C.E. House.
Farrell will lead “Surface Materials and the Home of the Future – Walk & Talk” sessions from 1-1:30 p.m. EDT, April 29 through May 1, delivering expert insights into the evolving role of surface materials in next-generation home design. The excitement will culminate in a special I.C.E.-House-themed happy hour and prize giveaway May 1 at 4 p.m., celebrating the game-changing concepts presented throughout the week.
“I could not be more thrilled to partner with Coverings 2025 to share the I.C.E. House Showhome Experience with the world,” said Farrell. “Coverings is the largest, most important tile and stone event in North America, bringing the entire globe together to discover the future of design materials. Part of the story we’re telling at I.C.E. House is how the global culture of design is guiding the home of the future, which makes Coverings the perfect partner for telling that story.”
Happy hours and giveaways are back as a beloved feature of The Coverings Lounge, taking place April 30 and May 1, starting at 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere with cold drinks, great company and fun-filled raffles. Participants must be present to win.
The Coverings 2025 Rock Star Awards Ceremony, which will honor the 11th class of Coverings Rock Stars, will take place in The Coverings Lounge April 29 from 4-5 p.m. The ceremony will also announce the inaugural 2025 Coverings Champions, recognizing distinguished tile and stone leaders and their outstanding contributions to the show.
The Galvanize Lounge (South Hall, Room S222) is set to make its highly anticipated Orlando debut at Coverings 2025, following its successful launch at Coverings 2024 in Atlanta. The lounge, designed as a lively hub open to all Coverings attendees, will unite influential leaders, emerging voices and prominent women’s organizations across the industry. The inclusive space will serve as a catalyst for cultivating valuable relationships, exchanging progressive ideas, celebrating achievements, and exploring new pathways to success, all while empowering women in tile, stone and flooring.
The Galvanize Lounge at Coverings 2025 is proudly supported by National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Orlando, Women of the Flooring Business, Women in Tile, Women in Stone, Women in the Floorcovering Industry, Women’s Alliance of Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA), and Women Who Rock.
Mindfulness workshops will return to both the Galvanize Lounge and The Coverings Lounge, hosted by Gianna Vallefuoco, an artist, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Five Star contractor and mindfulness teacher with Vallefuoco Contractors, LLC. Showgoers attending these concise yet reflective “Health & Wellness” sessions will explore the art and science of thriving, develop resilience through the power of grit, learn practical techniques for maintaining mental fitness in the workplace, and more.
The Distributor Lounge (South Hall, Room 230A), sponsored by the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) is coming back to Coverings 2025 by popular demand. This lauded, off-show-floor space will provide tile, stone and flooring distributors with a dedicated place to relax and recharge. Distributors can visit the lounge to take a break from conducting business on the show floor, unwind between meetings, and enjoy light refreshments and snacks.
The Artisan Showcase (Booth # 4412), a must-visit show floor space for those who appreciate art and craftsmanship of ceramic tile, will reemerge at Coverings 2025 to showcase the timeless beauty of handmade art and specialty tiles from local and regional artisans. Showgoers can create their own custom mosaic tile coasters using products from exhibitors each morning, and watch skilled artisans bring old-world techniques to life through live demonstrations each afternoon. The showcase will also highlight concept boards from Art Tile Village exhibitors, providing an up-close look at one-of-a-kind designs and their talented creators.
Coverings 2025’s three interactive show floor Stages will provide attendees with unparalleled access to knowledge and innovation across a wide range of topics, including emerging trends, practical solutions, and live “how-to” installation demonstrations.
- The Installation Innovation Stage (Booth # 7863) will feature interactive technical tutorials led by NTCA and TCNA members, allowing attendees to see exactly how to install a wide variety of new products and learn techniques to make tile and stone installation more successful. One of the most popular returning features at Coverings 2025, visitors will receive practical training and critical insights into new materials, industry standards, methods, and best processes for delivering superior tile installation.
- The Trends & Solutions Stage (Booth # 4300), centrally located in The Coverings Lounge, will provide in-depth insights regarding the latest product trends and solutions in tile and stone. Exhibitors and industry professionals will deliver short, impactful presentations on new product innovations, business solutions and emerging trends, serving as a key platform for discovering advancements designed to propel industry progress.
- The Fabricator Stage (Booth # 4494), in collaboration with the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and Rockheads Group, will deliver targeted, high-energy presentations on cutting-edge stone and fabrication techniques from industry-leading fabricators. This essential learning hub will offer real-world solutions and pioneering methods designed to enhance tile and stone fabrication processes. Each session, from technical mastery to business growth, will equip stage visitors with actionable knowledge to elevate projects and drive businesses forward. Happy hours at the Fabricator Stage will begin at 3:30 p.m. each day between April 29 through May 1, providing another chance for attendees to network and continue discussions in a relaxed setting.
The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) Cage (Booth # 3691) will return to Coverings 2025 as a key gathering spot for fabricators and other stone professionals. This skill-building area will host daily demonstrations on a variety of fabrication techniques, including working with and fabricating large-format tiles and the increasingly popular gauged porcelain panels. SFA Cage visitors can network, sharpen their skills, stay ahead of trends, and connect with fellow fabricators during happy hours with a keg, beginning at 3:30 p.m., April 29, April 30 and May 1.
A variety of guided and self-paced show floor tours will be available to Coverings 2025 attendees, providing accessible opportunities to enrich their experiences while discovering the latest products and innovations shaping the tile and stone industry.
The highly acclaimed Contractor Tours will make their return to Coverings, once again presenting contractors, installers, retailers, distributors and specifiers with a firsthand look at the most advanced tools, equipment and allied products throughout the exhibit hall. These one-hour guided tours, hosted by NTCA members, will depart from the Coverings Lounge at 11 a.m., April 29, April 30 and May 1, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Coverings will also introduce a Contractor Tour en Español for the first time this year, offering Spanish-speaking professionals a dedicated opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and explore forward-thinking solutions. NTCA’s Angie Weber will lead the tour, April 30, 3-4 p.m., departing from The Coverings Lounge. Spots are limited, so early arrival is recommended.
Stone professionals attending Coverings 2025 can take part in the Fabricator Trends Tour: New and Innovative Products from the Marketplace, led by Tony Malisani, owner of Malisani Inc. This specialized tour, designed specifically for fabricators and other stone professionals, will guide attendees through the latest technology and fabrication solutions, concluding with a networking happy hour at the Fabricator Stage. The tour is scheduled for April 30, 3-4 p.m.
Coverings is also offering its popular Audio Tours for a more flexible and self-guided way to explore the show floor. Participants can take in the exhibit hall at their own pace, choosing from four curated tour options aligned with Coverings’ core themes: “Health & Wellness,” “Sustainability,” “Outdoor Spaces” and “Timeless Luxury.” Each tour highlights key exhibitors and noteworthy displays, enabling attendees to personalize their experiences based on their specific interests. Now available in both English and Spanish, Coverings’ Audio Tours are more accessible than ever before.
Visit the Coverings website for more information about the lounges, stages, tours, educational sessions, and other special programs at Coverings 2025. Register to attend Coverings 2025 by visiting Coverings.com.
Manufacturer
Soake Pools Partners with Slipstream to Elevate At-Home Wellness
The Leading Precast Plunge Pool Manufacturer Partners with Slipstream to Bring Swim Technology to Its Premium Plunge Pools
Pembroke, N.H. — April 22, 2026 — Soake Pools, the leader in luxury precast plunge pools, announces a new partnership with Slipstream, the first portable swimming machine that transforms any pool into an endless swim lane. This collaboration introduces Slipstream’s advanced drop-in swim current system as a seamless enhancement to Soake Pools’ premium concrete plunge pool offerings, creating a powerful, new option for water fitness at home with space-saving convenience.
Slipstream’s battery-powered, portable system transforms virtually any compatible pool into an active swimming environment with a fully adjustable speed current that is both wide and smooth. The easy, tool-free setup allows users to install or remove the device in seconds, making it a flexible and accessible upgrade for both new and existing pool owners.
The partnership further diversifies Soake Pools’ Fitness & Wellness program by expanding the range of options available to customers beyond the existing Complete Static Swim System. The distinct experiences offered by the Static Swim and Slipstream enhance the versatility of exercise in Soake Pools.
“This partnership allows us to offer our customers an entirely new way to enjoy their Soake Pool,” said Karen Larson, co-founder of Soake Pools. “By integrating Slipstream, we’re expanding the possibilities for water exercise while collaborating with a like-minded company that shares our commitment to helping homeowners create a truly personalized wellness experience at home. After hosting a unit in our Experience Center, it quickly became one of the most popular features for guests to try, reinforcing the strong demand for this type of offering.”
As part of the partnership, Soake customers will receive an exclusive $250 discount on Slipstream systems. Owners and prospective Soake Pools customers can fill out an online form to receive their offer, which can be stacked onto any active sales.
“Recognizing the strong alignment between both brands, we saw an opportunity to bring our fitness capabilities and deliver a differentiated solution to Soake Pools customers,” said James Murdock, Founder of Slipstream. “We’re promoting performance and overall wellness while redefining what’s possible in the at-home pool industry.”
With a shared focus on health and personalized fitness, Soake Pools and Slipstream are bringing the benefits of low-impact exercise and performance swimming to more homeowners than ever before.
To learn more about Soake Pools and Slipstream, please visit soakepools.com and swimslipstream.com.
About Soake Pools: Karen and Brian Larson, Co-Founders of Soake® Pools, created the company from the ground up in 2014, deeming them the first company to offer hand-tiled precast concrete plunge pools for the home. Today, Soake Pools is the leading prefabricated plunge pool manufacturer in North America, designing luxury, space-saving pools for year-round use and enjoyment. The team proudly continues its legacy, revolutionizing the industry, offering a steady stream of new dimensions, unparalleled luxury finishes, and a litany of safety, aesthetic, and user-friendly functionalities. Each Soake Pools plunge pool is made to order in New England using state-of-the-art tiles and proprietary concrete, entirely customizable, delivered pre-built and ready to install. Designed to be enjoyed year-round, Soake Pools are equipped with the adjustability for a hot dip in the winter and a cold, refreshing plunge in the summer, and can even provide athletic training with resistance system offerings. Soake Pool’s bespoke, monolithic concrete design offers accessibility in both size and pricing, sustainability in terms of the saltwater contents, lower water usage, and variable speed pumps, offering flexibility with countless physical and mental wellness benefits and, undoubtedly, increased home value.
About Slipstream: Slipstream Swim Machines is redefining the at-home swimming experience with a new generation of portable, high-performance swim technology. Created by James Murdock—the innovator behind Endless Pools—Slipstream represents over 30 years of advancement in swim-in-place systems, delivering a smoother, more natural current in a powerful, easy-to-use design. Engineered for simplicity and versatility, Slipstream’s battery-powered swim machines can be placed in virtually any pool—inground or above-ground—without the need for construction, wiring, or permanent installation. The system creates a consistent, adjustable current suitable for all levels, from beginners and families to competitive swimmers, triathletes, and rehabilitation users. Designed to remove the barriers of traditional swim systems, Slipstream combines portability, quiet operation, and performance in a lightweight format that brings year-round swim training and low-impact aquatic fitness into the home. By eliminating the need for shared lanes, travel to pools, and flip turns, Slipstream enables a continuous swim experience that is both convenient and highly effective. With a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and user-focused design, Slipstream Swim Machines is leading the next evolution of swimming—empowering individuals to train, recover, and enjoy the water on their own terms.
News
Landmark Aquatic Taps Waterpark Industry Veteran Craig Nielsen
With 25 Years of Hands-On Experience and an Owner-Operator Perspective, Nielsen Brings Unmatched Expertise as Landmark Enters the Next Era of Waterpark Innovation
Landmark Aquatic is pleased to now have Craig Nielsen as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Nielsen founded and led CEM Aquatics for over 25 years before CEM’s acquisition by Landmark in early 2026. Bringing a rare blend of design, construction, and owner-operator experience to Landmark’s leadership team, Nielsen’s elevation to this role signals Landmark’s commitment to leading the waterpark industry through what Nielsen calls its most exciting period of transformation yet.
Nielsen has watched the waterpark industry evolve from the ground up. “In the early 2000s, the model was remarkably consistent — flume slides, tube rides, lazy rivers, and a snack bar,” he recalls. “The most sophisticated technology on the property was probably the water chemistry controller.” The first seismic shift came when brands like Great Wolf Lodge inverted the traditional waterpark model, making the indoor waterpark the hotel’s core amenity rather than a side attraction. “Suddenly, a family destination that once operated 90 days a year was generating revenue 365 days a year — making it a fundamentally different business.”
Today, the competitive field has widened dramatically. Hotel chains, casino operators, cruise lines, and mixed-use real estate developers are all investing in waterparks as proven drivers of occupancy and revenue. Nielsen speaks from firsthand experience as co-owner of Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin and Cowabunga Park in Henderson, Nevada. “Consumers today are often selecting their vacation resorts based on the waterpark offerings,” he says. “The secret is out — waterparks attract people, and everyone is building them.”
Looking ahead, Nielsen points to surf parks, next-generation adventure rivers, and AI-powered guest experiences as the defining frontiers of waterpark development. “Surf parks today are where indoor waterpark resorts were in the early 2000s — those who embrace them in the next three to five years will have a significant first-mover advantage,” he says. On technology, Nielsen is equally bullish: “AI is already improving everything from water chemistry to pump operations.
Soon, interactive AI experiences that track guests, create competitions, and reward participation will become the norm — it’s genuinely exciting.”
It is precisely this convergence of technology, capital, and consumer appetite that Nielsen intends to help Landmark Aquatic navigate. “Technology, capital, and a genuinely evolved consumer appetite for water-based experiences are converging in a way I haven’t seen in 25 years,” he says. “The barriers that once limited this industry — seasonality, demographic reach, geographic constraints — are all disappearing simultaneously. The wave is building, and I’m proud to help Landmark ride it.”
About Landmark Aquatic
Landmark Aquatic is a premier provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance, with more than six decades of industry leadership. Serving clients nationwide, Landmark delivers construction-led solutions supported by its CPO-certified AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions.
Contact info:
Website: www.landmarkaquatic.com
Email: [email protected]
News
RENOLIT Offers Natural Pool reinforced PVC membrane
RENOLIT is pleased to offer its ‘Natural Pool’ collection of reinforced membranes specifically developed to be used on ‘natural’ or ‘bio’ swimming pools and ponds. Manufactured without biocides or fungicides, this product is completely compatible and safe to use with plants and aquatic life. The ‘Natural Pool’ product is a non-toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pool membrane created to help builders and landscape designers easily offer this trending ‘natural swimming pool’ to environmentally conscious consumers.
A natural swimming pool is a constructed body of water that replicates the conditions found in naturally occurring ponds or lakes and optimizes these conditions to provide high water quality for bathers. The system is often completely chemical-free, with no devices that disinfect or sterilize the water (e.g. UV, ozone, ionizers, etc.).
For the most successful ‘natural swimming pool’ applications, the pool interior needs to be non-porous. As a result, a PVC membrane is ideal rather than plaster or gunite which are both porous and allow excessive biofilm growth, making it difficult to keep the pool clean.
Natural swimming pools are becoming more popular as consumers demand more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Advancements in biofiltration and PVC membranes are making these pools more accessible and efficient. Learn more at https://renolit-alkorplan.com/collections/natural-pool
Phone number: (219) 324-6886 I Website: https://renolit-alkorplan.com/
Location: LaPorte, Indiana
-
Pool News2 weeks agoThe Current State of the Backyard Pool Industry: Short Film Holds Up a Mirror
-
Pool News3 weeks agoRising Fuel Costs Are Hitting Pool Pros Where It Hurts Most
-
Pool News3 weeks agoPOOLCORP Strengthens Retail Strategy With New Chemical Systems and Pool360 Unlocked
-
Pool News3 weeks agoThis Summer, A Pool Floats in NYC: Update on + POOL Project
-
Pool News3 weeks agoRolls-Royce Recreates One of Rock’s Most Infamous Poolside Legends
-
Equipment Supplies3 weeks agoSpring Fling: New Robotic Pool Cleaners Making a Splash in 2026
-
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies3 weeks agoBuilding Trust With Water Quality
-
Safety3 weeks agoElectrical Safety for Pool Pros: OSHA Guidelines Every Technician Should Know



























Make extra profit every week… This is a great part-time job for everyone… Best part about it is that you can work from your home and earn from 1000-5000 Dollars each week .….. Start today and have your first payment at the end of the week…
Copy Here…… rebrand.ly/joincashapp1