ALEXANDRIA, Va. C Coverings 2009 drew 22,000 in registered attendance for its April 21-24 run at McCormick Place in Chicago.



National Trade Productions, the Alexandria-based producers of the stone-and-tile exhibition, were quick to point out that the numbers only tell half the story in its May 14 announcement of the the Chicago results.



Admittedly, there was some uncertainty and skepticism going into the show, said Glenn Feder, NTP president of client events. But, what were hearing repeatedly from our exhibitors and guests is that Coverings was totally up to par and exceeded their expectations. Were confident that as the housing market rebounds in 2010, Coverings will reflect this uptrend, as well, and theres enthusiasm for the return of the show to Orlando next year.



This years attendance marks a significant decline in Coverings attendance, which peaked at a registration of approximately 37,000 for the 2007 inaugural Chicago event. Last years Orlando show drew more than 35,000.



In 2010, Coverings is set for April 27-30, and returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando