Coverings 2025 Recap
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
TCAA members made a strong showing at this year’s Coverings conference, held in Orlando, FL. As North America’s largest international tile and stone exhibition, Coverings 2025 brought together thousands of professionals for several days of innovation, education, and celebration of excellence across the ceramic tile and natural stone industry.
Highlights from the Event:
TCAA Member Recognition
We are thrilled to congratulate Bourbon Tile & Marble of Chicago, IL—this year’s CID Award winner in two categories:
- Commercial Stone Installation for Tre Dita Restaurant
- Commercial Ceramic Tile Installation for Wind Creek Casino Chicago Southland
These honors spotlight the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to qualified labor that our members bring to every job. These award-winning projects remind us that beautiful, high-performance installations start with professional contractors who invest in training and excellence.
Learning & Leadership
TCAA representatives participated in educational sessions focused on labor force development, sustainability in installation practices, and the use of AI in project planning. Members also connected with IMI representatives and discussed how architectural firms and installers can work more collaboratively to improve specification and execution.
Workforce Development & Advocacy
Throughout the conference, TCAA engaged in conversations about promoting careers in tile setting, expanding apprenticeship programs, and strengthening contractor-architect partnerships. The event served as an ideal platform to reinforce TCAA’s mission to promote qualified contractors and union labor. We are excited to take this learning to Chicago for the Chicago Tile Expo on May 22nd.
Influencing Industry Standards – ANSI Participation
TCAA continues to lead through its involvement in setting industry standards. During Coverings, TCAA participated in key ANSI A108 Committee meetings, Kevin Trevisan represented TCAA & collaborated with manufacturers, installers, and technical experts to review and update installation standards that affect every corner of the tile industry. During the A108 Meeting, there was a discussion of Ryan Marino's article regarding the recent updates to the A108 standards. Click here to read the article entitled, “Tile Industry in Transition: The Evolution of Standards”.
Topics included:
- Clarifications around substrate preparation and gauged porcelain panel installations
- Updates to mortars and adhesives classifications
- Refinement of language to improve clarity and jobsite communication
Our voice at the ANSI table ensures that contractor expertise and field realities are reflected in the standards that guide design, specification, and installation. This commitment to high standards is a cornerstone of what TCAA represents.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to build on the energy from Coverings 2025 and continue elevating the value of TCAA membership through events, training, and advocacy. If you connected with a new architect, manufacturer, or distributor at the show, don’t let the momentum fade, keep the conversation going and share your experience with our team!
