Social Media and appealing to the female consumer proved to be popular topics for the educational sessions during the recently held Surfaces show in Las Vegas.

Christine Whittemore of Simple Marketing Now, led the "Social Media 101" course, where an overview of various online tools, such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, etc., was offered. "Listening to the conversations taking place in these online markets will enable you to eventually become more actively involved - and relevant - to current and future customers," Whittemore stressed. She also underscored the importance of keeping Websites and/or Social Media accounts updated with fresh content. "Women are the majority of social media users (84%). To appeal to women, you must present yourself or your company in an information-offering mode, in-store and especially online." You can read the full story in the upcoming March issue of our sister publication, National Floor Trends.

It's also worth noting that Christine and I finally met each other, face-to-face, just prior to her session. Prior to that, we had been following each on Twitter.

With Surfaces' conclusion comes Coverings. Organizers of the show have prepared and implemented several new items for the 2010 program, including: Coverings Select, which recognizes outstanding new tile, stone products; a well-rounded educational line-up; Project: Green; and more. Not only will we be at the show, but we'll also supplement show coverage with Coverings Insider, a Website featuring the "inside info" on what to do and see, late-breaking news, photos, events, schedules, products, videos and more. If you're registered for Coverings 2010, then you'll receive an enewsletter announcing the site's official launch, so look for it in your inbox. I hope to meet many of you at the show!

Lastly, with the March/April issue of TILE, you'll notice a new section - Green Matters - where all things Green (news items, features and products) will be showcased. I welcome your contributions in making this section successful.

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