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!

IMI/BAC Apprentice Contest Recap

By Admin User • October 14, 2025
The future of the tile industry was on full display in Detroit this September, as apprentices from across the United States and Canada competed in the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest. Hosted by the International Masonry Institute (IMI), this biennial event is the largest of its kind, bringing together the top one percent of apprentices from International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) training programs. Over two days, contestants demonstrated their skill, precision, and dedication across multiple crafts. Each apprentice was challenged to complete complex, real-world projects under strict time limits, with judging based on layout, craftsmanship, neatness, safety, and overall aesthetics. For TCAA members, the Tile category shined especially bright. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners: 1st Place: Mariusz Sarat, ADC 1 of Illinois 2nd Place: Neil Hough, ADC 1 of Illinois 3rd Place: Randall Williams, Local 1 PA-DE These tile champions represent the future of our industry, bringing forward not only technical skill but also the pride and professionalism that define union apprenticeship. Their accomplishments underscore the importance of investing in structured training programs, which provide apprentices with a debt-free path to success while ensuring that we as contractors can depend on a highly skilled workforce. Kevin Trevisan of Roman Mosaic, the employer of third-place winner Randall Williams, shared his pride in Randall’s success: “We are incredibly proud of Randall. It’s exciting to see the future of the tile industry is in good hands with talented apprentices like him stepping up to take their place in the trade.” TCAA congratulates Mariusz, Neil, and Randall on their achievements and extends our appreciation to the IUBAC, IMI, and all training coordinators and contractors who make this contest possible. Events like these reinforce what we already know: the craft of tile setting is in capable hands for generations to come.

A Celebration of Tile, Marble & Terrazzo

By Molly Nation • September 24, 2025
On Thursday, October 16, the New York Hilton Midtown will host A Celebration of Tile, Marble & Terrazzo, a full-day event dedicated to showcasing the artistry, sustainability, and innovation driving the industry forward. Organized by the New York/New Jersey Ceramic Tile Promotion Fund, this gathering brings together architects, developers, contractors, and design enthusiasts to explore the latest trends while addressing critical business and workforce challenges. With sessions ranging from sustainable porcelain slab design to poured-in-place terrazzo specifications, attendees can immerse themselves in both timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge building practices. Beyond the technical sessions, the event fosters collaboration and dialogue. Networking begins with a breakfast buffet and continues through panel discussions on pressing issues like wage theft and insurance fraud, as well as opportunities in rainscreen assemblies and evolving building codes. A buffet lunch will bring participants together in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, while supplier exhibits and CEU-accredited sessions ensure that attendees leave not only inspired but also professionally enriched. Whether you’re an architect seeking CEUs, an owner exploring new market strategies, or simply a lover of stone and tile, this event promises a day of learning, connection, and celebration. Click Here to Register