Tile, Coverings and Avente Tile - Guest Post for Coverings

A Match Made in Tile Heaven

I've been attending Coverings for over a decade. It's a yearly pilgrimage for me. Although Avente Tile is an on-line retailer of niche products like hand painted ceramic tile and handmade cement tile, I always enjoy and think it is vital to understand and see what the larger players are focused on. Understanding the trends that are driving sales in the US market makes good sense for anybody in this business. Coverings makes it easy with one stop!

Coverings consistently provides insight on what's hot in tile and stone with a well-curated and tightly managed show. You can't afford not to exhibit at Coverings because it is essential in finding new markets. Additionally, I find the show.s well-balanced approach to education is critical for growing my business with current information on marketing and design trends.

Colorful Impressions from Coverings 2012

As a distributor and retailer of tile, here.'s some of what I found memorable at Coverings 2012. I'm a big proponent of color and pattern in design. One of my biggest frustrations has been the ubiquitous "sea of beige and white" tile. This year, I saw something very different at Coverings 2012. I saw color! A lot of color! There was accent color, bold colors and a strong emphasis on patterns.

For the pattern addict who is seeking something unique in bold contemporary colors, go talk to Oscar & Izzy. They premiered their new quarter design line, Organic Origins. Their style is fun, unabashed and original. I'm glad to see tile artisans embracing color.

One of my passions and core business is cement tile. I was very fond of this traditional cement tile pattern (left) in a bold blue. It was a floor installation by Aguayo Cement Tile from the Dominican Republic. Geometric patterns were common in both ceramic and cement tile. Geometric patterns are a strong trend in both commercial and residential applications this year.

ARTO Tile & Brick executes Spanish and Colonial looks with élan. They use classic patterns in fresh colors to create a timeless look. Their Malibu Tiles add interest with the right amount of panache. They pair well with the entire line of Artillo colors and finishes and are available in both concrete and ceramic tiles.

I also saw an emphasis on texture. Stone, cement, or ceramic tile in neutral colors were 'spiced up' with a punch of texture. Texture is a great way to add interest and depth, and it's a trend I like.

An Opportunity to Network, Learn, and Grow

Despite everything you find on the floor show, I have to admit that Avente Tile wouldn't be where it is today without all of the exceptional educational programs that Coverings provides each year. Year after year, I always leave the show jazzed. It's more than the trends in tile. I leave with new knowledge, resources, and networking contacts that the event provides. It's a great opportunity to network with vendors and understand how we can work more effectively together.

In the countless educational programs, I have learned how to market my business online and with traditional methods, too! I've learned how to use blogs and social media from presentations from Simple Marketing Now. I've found new places to showcase my tiles, like the online design resource of Modenus. This network of professionals provides support and resources for just about every endeavor of my business. With over a decade of attendance, I have to admit, I really enjoy the people at Coverings and appreciate the family of support I've found. Thanks, Coverings!

After a decade of learning, I was able to give back to the community with a short presentation in the Coverings Social Media Lounge on How a Social Media Presence Improves Retail Sales. This was a real highlight for me, and it was thrilling to connect with other business owners and share my knowledge with them. I also was fortunate to be part of a special twitter chat, KBTribeChat, discussing what was hot at Coverings 2012. Both opportunities gave me a chance to reflect on how much business has changed in the last decade.

Don't Miss Coverings 2013 in Atlanta

If you've never exhibited at Coverings, I look forward to seeing you on the show floor in 2013. Take the advice of a Covering.s veteran - there isn't a better way to showcase your tile style and find new markets than this event. I always enjoy the hospitality that Orlando provides. However, I am really excited about attending Coverings 2013 in Atlanta. It's a new venue and Atlanta is a fun and colorful city. You'll be sure to find me there from April 29 - May 2, 2013 networking with new exhibitors, learning and re-connecting with my Coverings friends and family!

Until then, if you are looking for hand-painted ceramic tile or cement tile, please visit Avente Tile online or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterst. If you love hand crafted tiles, read our weekly blog Avente Tile Talk.