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!

Flooring Sustainability Summit 2026

By Admin User • January 19, 2026
The Flooring Sustainability Summit is a premier national convening dedicated to advancing sustainability, transparency, and innovation across the flooring and broader built-environment industries. The Summit brings together manufacturers, contractors, designers, architects, sustainability professionals, policymakers, and trade association leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue around shared challenges and opportunities. By creating space for collaboration across sectors, the event helps align industry efforts toward more responsible material sourcing, manufacturing, installation, and end-of-life practices. At the heart of the Summit is a forward-looking program that blends thought leadership with practical application. Through keynote presentations, expert panels, and facilitated discussions, participants explore how sustainability frameworks translate into real-world decision-making across the flooring supply chain. Topics commonly addressed include life-cycle assessment, embodied carbon, material health and transparency, circular economy strategies, ESG reporting, workforce considerations, and the evolving policy landscape influencing sustainable construction. Key Event Details: Dates: July 15–16, 2026 Location: Washington, D.C. Venue: The Mayflower Hotel Registration Opens: February 2026 In addition to educational programming, the Summit emphasizes connection and recognition. Attendees benefit from structured networking opportunities that encourage collaboration between industry leaders and emerging voices. The event also features the Project Design Award Program, which celebrates outstanding residential and commercial projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainable flooring design and performance—providing recognition without an entry fee and spotlighting best-in-class applications of sustainable materials. Why Attend: * Engage directly with industry leaders shaping sustainability standards * Learn about emerging tools, metrics, and policy drivers * Share best practices and lessons learned across sectors * Gain insight into future trends affecting flooring and green building The Flooring Sustainability Summit offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a shared vision for a more resilient, transparent, and sustainable flooring industry. Whether you are involved in manufacturing, design, installation, or policy, the Summit provides actionable insights and connections that help move sustainability from intention to impact.

Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers Orientation - Seattle, WA

By Admin User • January 11, 2026
IMTEF, TCAA, and BAC Local 1 (Washington & Alaska) are pleased to present a one-day Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) Orientation and Training Workshop for Seattle-area signatory contractors, installers, foremen, and owners. This workshop is designed to help employers and craft professionals better understand the ACT certification process while reinforcing nationally recognized installation standards and best practices. Participants will gain practical insight into certification requirements, review critical mock-up details, and strengthen their knowledge of the TCNA Handbook and ANSI A108 standards. Event Details Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: IMI Training Center South Seattle College 6737 Corson Ave S, Building D Seattle, WA 98108 Cost: FREE – Sponsored by IMTEF, TCAA, and BAC Local 1 (Breakfast and lunch provided) Program Overview This one-day program provides installers, foremen, and owners with: An overview of the ACT certification program and requirements Hands-on exposure to ACT mock-ups and critical installation points A practical review of TCNA Handbook and ANSI A108 standards Insight into how ACT certification supports quality installations, reduced risk, and consistent project performance The workshop is ideal for contractors preparing their workforce for ACT certification, foremen seeking a deeper understanding of testing expectations, and installers interested in advancing their professional credentials. Agenda 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. Breakfast (Provided) Attendee and staff introductions 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. History of the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) ACT program overview, certification process, and requirements 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Break 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. IMI Training Center tour ACT mock-ups: critical points review and installation approach 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Lunch (Provided) 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. TCNA Handbook & ANSI A108 standards review Registration is CLOSED . Please complete the registration form no later than Tuesday, February 3, 2026. For more information about ACT certification, visit the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) website: https://www.tilecertifications.com/