March 13, 2023 – ARLINGTON, Va. – Coverings (coverings.com), the largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference in North America, has released a sneak peek of new tile and stone products, along with a select preview of installation materials, tools and technology products, that will be showcased at Coverings 2023, taking place April 18-21, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida.

Coverings’ three primary pavilions and sponsors of the show, Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and Tile of Spain, will feature a robust showcase of the newest and most innovative tile, stone and installation products. Showgoers of any tile and stone market segment will be able to source products from these and many other pavilions and displays throughout the duration of this year’s show.

Attendees at Coverings 2023 will have opportunities to see, touch and experience a wide range of new and trend-setting product introductions while engaging with more than 1,000 global exhibits representing 40 countries.

“After more than 30 years, Coverings continues to be the preeminent event for the global ceramic tile and natural stone industry as well as the pinnacle for product innovations and trends,” said Jennifer Hoff, president of Taffy Event Strategies, the show management company for Coverings. “As the number one marketplace for tile, stone, tools, equipment, and machinery, thousands of tile and stone industry decision-makers will be able to connect with and source products from more than 1,000 international exhibitors so they can stay on the cutting edge of the industry.”

The following is a small preview of the newest tile and stone products Coverings 2023 exhibitors will be featuring:

Astrum Porcelain Tiles, by Ceramiche Supergres, is a porcelain stoneware tile collection inspired by one of the most widely used materials in architecture: travertine. Astrum offers a reinterpretation of durable, compact natural stone with a modern taste that is sensitive to the needs of contemporary design. Coverings exhibit booth #2125.

Glass Mosaic has been added to VIDREPUR’s Nature Collection. This new product is made from recycled glass mosaic and is suitable for wet, indoor-outdoor areas, providing innovative solutions for pool, bath, spa, and kitchen design projects. Coverings exhibit booth #5130.

Habana, a new collection from CEVICA S.L., is produced in 8” x 8” porcelain tiles that are suitable for walls and floors with anti-slip properties. Habana comes in a variety of colors and geometric patterns that manage to transform any space with a very personal touch. Coverings exhibit booth #5525.

Kenzo Dec 08, by BESTILE, offers elegance and versatility with eight different wall decors in combination with white and black matte finishes and a variety of sizes in chevron and hexagonal shapes. Coverings exhibit booth #5408.

Matisse Moonstone is a new addition to Anthology Tile’s Artistic Impressions collection. This collection was inspired by old-world traditional hand painting yet created by an inkjet process. These beautiful tiles are made in soft hues with perfectly on-trend colors and a unique satin finish. Coverings exhibit booth #3200.

Millennium™ Porcelain, by Wonder Porcelain, combines the appearance of Byzantine mosaics with the trendy look of Terrazzo. The series features a chic style with a lappato finish and is offered in white and dark grey colors with cool grey tones throughout each. Coverings exhibit booth #2612.

Pastelli, a new collection from Appiani, features small format stoneware tiles designed for unique, intricate mosaic designs for outdoor walls and floors. The stone-effect tiles are available in select colors and small mosaic sizes to present endless design possibilities for both indoor and outdoor settings. Coverings exhibit booth #1037.

Pigmenti, introduced by Lea Ceramiche, is a collection rich in formats and decorative inspiration. Pigmenti provides 12 contemporary nuances at the service of a high-tech soul. Its ultra-thin slabs present a ceramic skin that can even be curved, making it capable of covering not only internal and external walls but also furnishings and architectural volumes. Coverings exhibit booth #1225.

Pluriball, part of the Diesel Living collection from Iris US, is inspired by bubble wrap, bringing a striking, eclectic dimension to tiling with an irresistible appeal. The sophisticated, contemporary spirit of Pluriball is embodied to perfection in a variety of shades and a texture that channels a bold, vibrant style. Coverings exhibit booth #2619.

Rebels, a new collection by WOW Design (WOW USA Inc.) offers a freshness that adds value and identity to any design space. The collection delivers diversity, with various cool-note colors and contrasts in gloss and matte finishes. Coverings exhibit booth #4855.

Revival, the latest collection from EMILGROUP’s Provenza brand, honors the essence of natural material while expressing the beauty of authenticity and uniqueness. Revival is Provenza brand’s reinvention of oak wood with a contemporary form. Coverings exhibit booth #2021.

Rok Candy, by AlysEdwards Tile & Stone, is an organic collection of artistically designed terra cotta wall tile that nurtures and supports any design. It is hand pressed into molds forming hills and valleys; the clay is fired, hand glazed and fired again creating a sugar crystal effect. Coverings exhibit booth #4223.

Roma is the latest collection from Tagina S.P.A., made from some of the richest and most precious materials of the Romans. This series beautifully showcases a multiplicity of genres and styles that merge into unique and original designs while creatively alluding to the distinctive features of the historic and luxurious materials which inspired it. Coverings exhibit booth #1201.

Small, a new collection from La Fabbrica, translates the look of watercolor hues and brush strokes to ceramic surfaces. The white-body wall tiles have a shiny glaze with chromatic variations inspired by the majolica tradition, giving the collection a hand-crafted aesthetic. Coverings exhibit booth #1840.

SOLID+, by UNDEFASA, includes a range of technical, mass-colored porcelain tiles plus flakes, with high-performance features. The collection’s advanced physical, mechanical and chemical properties are achieved through a shaping technology developed to provide a higher density and increased longevity to the tile’s body. Coverings exhibit booth #4623.

Songbird, from Florida Tile Inc., exhibits the look of handcrafted tiles inspired by a joyful, soaring journey through nature. Subtle undulations in the surface are reminiscent of rippling water, drawing your eye and creating a sense of calm. Coverings exhibit booth #3620.

Tycoon – Wave Mosaic, by MILE®stone, combines sophisticated surfaces with precious mosaics, creating eye-catching appeal due to its luxuriously rich details. This natural stone-based collection raises the value of interior design to new levels of style and opulence.

Coverings exhibit booth #3212.

Vulcano, the new collection by AZTECA PRODUCTS & SERVICES, S.L.U., is a composition inspired by the movements of incandescent lava. It is powerfully expressive and is produced by hand to achieve the desired effects. The most intriguing part of the Vulcano Collection is the “gloss-matte” and “double gloss” contrast techniques. Coverings exhibit booth #4818.

A preview sampling of new installation materials, tools and technology products slated for Coverings 2023 includes the following:

GRABO® OTTOVAC – The Electric 8″ Suction Cup, from Russo Trading Co., is a new portable electric vacuum 8″ cup that engages to the surface with the simple push of a button. Coverings exhibit booth #3322.

MEGA Plus Manual Tile Cutter, by Cortag Tools USA, delivers the best and most enhanced features for the ultimate tile cutter with a cutting capacity of up to 71″. Coverings exhibit booth #2640.

PERMACOLOR® Select & PERMACOLOR® Grout, the new-and-improved formulas by LATICRETE, deliver increased strength and enhanced stain resistance while being easy to spread and clean, making installations faster and less labor-intensive. Coverings exhibit booth #3334.

Porcelain Driveway Systems, from Cercan Tile Inc., offers a proven system for installing (dry laying) 2cm (¾”) porcelain tiles on driveways. Coverings exhibit booth #3016.

PROVA BOARD® PLUS, fromPROVA Tile Installation Products by M-D PRO, is now available in 1/8″ thickness among other densities. This lightweight, high-density, quick- and easy-to-install tile backer board is the perfect build-up for listellos and mosaics. It can also be used as an adapter or spacer. Coverings exhibit booth #2903.

Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN-F is a new drain offering from Schluter-Systems that has been specifically designed for floors without a slope. The KERDI-DRAIN-F features a flat, narrow bonding flange with an integrated KERDI collar. Coverings exhibit booth #2925.

USG Durock™ Brand Waterproof Foam Board is USG Corp.’s new lightweight, waterproof and easy-to-cut tile backer, composed of a waterproof extruded polystyrene foam core that’s covered with a fiberglass mesh and a cementitious coated finish for maximum adhesion of any tile, stone or mosaic finish. Coverings exhibit booth #3031.

These and thousands of other products can be seen in-person next month at Coverings 2023, April 18-21, at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida. 

To view all Coverings 2023 exhibitors prior to the show, visit the detailed online exhibitor list and show floor map.

For more information and to register for Coverings 2023 at no cost, visit coverings.com.

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Coverings’ Social Media:

Facebook: facebook.com/CoveringsShow

Twitter: @Coverings, #Coverings2023

Instagram: instagram.com/CoveringsShow

Vimeo: Watch Coverings videos

LinkedIn: Coverings LinkedIn showcase page

Blog: coverings.com/blog

About Coverings: Coverings is the largest and preeminent ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and exposition in the United States and North America. It features exhibitors from 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world, with more than 1,000 exhibitors.

The exposition and conference, with more than 30 years of successful history, serve as a valuable and complimentary continuing education resource for all segments of the industry, with dozens of educational opportunities throughout the show. Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders, real estate developers, as well as journalists, reporters and bloggers who cover the vital tile and stone industry.

Key sponsors of the show are Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association of Spain (ASCER)/Tile of Spain, Tile Council of North America (TCNA), National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), and Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA).

The show is managed by Taffy Event Strategies.

For more information about attending, sponsoring or exhibiting at Coverings 2023, contact Taffy Event Strategies at 571-313-5801 or [email protected]

For press registration, photos, content, and interviews, contact Eberly & Collard Public Relations at 404-574-2900 or the email addresses at the top of this release.

Featured image: 2 VIDREPUR – Nature Collection Glass Mosaic – TOS

(SARASOTA, Fla.) – The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) recognized 13 companies who received more than 25 awards of excellence in the organization’s annual Design Awards competition. The winners were announced during the 51st annual Everything Under the Sun Expo.

The annual FSPA Design Awards program gives FSPA members an opportunity to enter their pools, spas and water features for judging on workmanship, soundness of design, beauty, practicality and safety. Categories customized for Florida pool construction divide the entries by size, type of construction and features. Winners were selected by the Design Awards Committee, a volunteer group of decorated professionals in the pool and spa industry.

Lucas Lagoons of the Manasota Chapter won Best in Show for their aesthetically astounding pool paradise. The group garnered a total of 10 awards, including four Gold Awards.

Other winners included Ike’s Carter Pool Companies from the Broward Chapter, which garnered five awards including a Gold Award and Technical Achievement. Best Pools of Brevard from the Space Coast Chapter won the “Salt Life” Award for their unique Florida-shaped pool.

In addition to pool and spa design, the organization recognized the Tops in Trucks, recognition for fleet graphics in the pool industry. POOLfection of the Tampa Bay Chapter was the Small Fleet Winner and Master Touch Pool Services of the Palm Beach Chapter was the Large Fleet Winner.

“The FSPA’s annual Design Awards recognizes the excellent craftsmanship, engineering feats, innovative use of technology, and outstanding quality within Florida’s pool and spa industry,” said Elizabeth McMurray, FSPA Executive Director. “This year’s winners represent just a small portion of the incredible pools, spas and water features that builders and their teams are crafting every day around our state.”

A full list of winners is detailed below. Pictures are available upon request. For more information, please e-mail [email protected]

• Almar Jackson Pools, Inc. – Tequesta, FL (Palm Beach Chapter)
Gold Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over

• AquaTech Pools GC – Nokomis, FL (Manasota Chapter)
Bronze Award – Residential Pool 250-500 square feet
Gold Award – Residential Pool 250-500 square feet

• Best Pools of Brevard – Melbourne, FL (Space Coast Chapter)
“Salt Life” Award

• CM Custom Pools Design – Ormond Beach, FL (East Central Florida Chapter)
Gold Award – Residential Pool Restoration

• East Coast Pools & Spas – Ormond Beach, FL (East Central Florida Chapter)
Silver Award – Residential Pool Vanishing Edge

• Ike’s Carter Pool Companies – Oakland Park, FL (Broward Chapter)
Bronze Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Silver Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Gold Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Technical Award – Residential Pool Vanishing Edge
Bronze Award – Residential Pool Vanishing Edge

• Indigo Pool Patio BBQ – Venice, FL (Charlotte Harbor Chapter)
Bronze Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over

• Lucas Lagoons – Sarasota, FL (Manasota Chapter)
Best In Show
Silver Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Silver Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Gold Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Gold Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over
Silver Award – Residential Spa
Gold Award – Residential Spa
Bronze Award – Residential Water Feature
Silver Award – Residential Water Feature
Gold Award – Residential Water Feature

• Master Touch Pool Service – Coral Springs, FL (Palm Beach Chapter)
Tops-in-Trucks Award – Large Fleet

• Nautilus Pools – Port Charlotte, FL (Charlotte Harbor Chapter)
Gold Award – Residential Pool Vanishing Edge

• POOLfection – Wesley Chapel, FL (Tampa Bay Chapter)
Tops-in-Trucks Award – Small Fleet

• Poolwerx Beaches – Jacksonville, FL (Northeast Florida Chapter)
Gold Award – Residential Pool – Fiberglass

• Trusted Pool and Spa LLC – Parrish, FL (Manasota Chapter)
Silver Award – Residential Pool 501 square feet and over

The Florida Swimming Pool Association is a trade association for the pool and spa industry in Florida. There are approximately 750 member businesses in 16 Chapters across the state. Members are required to abide by a code of ethics and to be properly licensed and insured. FSPA provides the industry with access to continuing education courses, information on current trends and issues, and an arbitration program and government relations representation. FSPA is governed by a Board of Directors.

Featured Photor: (from L to R): Don Cesarone from Lucas Lagoons pose with FSPA Board President Don Ball upon receiving the Best in Show Award at the 2023 FSPA Design Awards.

Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code Seeks Volunteers to Fill TRC and TSC positions for MAHC review process and 5^th Edition voting cycle ahead of Vote on the Code 2024

Maricopa, Ariz. – The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is seeking volunteers for its Technical Review Committee (TRC) and Technical Support Committees (TSC), as well as two individuals to serve as TRC Chair and Vice Chair. Filling these positions is a critical part of the Model Aquatic Health Code’s (MAHC) update and Change Request (CR) process, due to kick-off in April 2023.

About the Technical Review Committee and Technical Support Committees: The TRC is composed of 13 members, six of whom are from public health, two from academia, and five from various aquatics industry sectors. TRC volunteers are responsible for reviewing submitted CRs, including the technical and scientific data or other references submitted to support proposed changes. Additionally, the TRC is responsible for determining if a CR meets MAHC style and scope guidance, as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information, click here.

There are seven TSCs: Design & Construction; Disinfection & Water Quality; Injury Prevention, Risk Management, & Safety; Lifeguarding & Bather Supervision; Operation & Maintenance; Recirculation & Filtration; and Ventilation & Air Quality. The TSCs are formed with 16 volunteers responsible for key components in the CR review process and examining the technical merit of CRs, including existing technologies and methodologies, scientific information gaps, and outlining data needed to support MAHC revisions. For more information, click here.

How to Apply and Time Commitment: Only CMAHC members are eligible to serve on CMAHC committees. To apply to be a TRC or TSC committee member, click here. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 31. If you are not a current CMAHC member but would like to serve on the TRC or TSC committees, click here to learn more about joining CMAHC.

Anticipated time commitment across committees is approximately two and a half hours per month for meetings, and another two hours per month for independent review work. The scope of work would begin in late April or early May, with most work ending by November.

Plans for Vote on the Code 2024: The MAHC (4^th Edition) review and CR process will kick-off in April 2023 and culminate with CMAHC membership voting for changes to be made to the 5^th Edition at the Vote on the Code conference, scheduled to take place in February 2024. For more information and to stay updated on conference details, click here.

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About CMAHC: The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) was created to manage updates to, and promote voluntary adoption of, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), the only all-inclusive national model pool code. The MAHC is kept sustainable, current, and complete because the people who use it also research, develop, discuss, and vote on proposed changes through membership in the CMAHC. The CMAHC submits proposed changes to CDC, advising how the MAHC needs to change to keep up with the latest science and best practices. Throughout the year, CMAHC staff educate local and state authorities, aquatic facility owners and operators, designers and builders, manufacturers, and suppliers about the MAHC and the potential it provides to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone. Learn more at https://cmahc.org.