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!

By Admin User September 16, 2025
The International Masonry Institute (IMI) and the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA) are partnering to host an educational seminar, Modern Tile Finishes: Designing & Detailing for Project Success, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia, PA. This program, designed for architects, interior designers, and contractors, will review best practices for tile assemblies in commercial spaces, including design and installation options, industry standards, and real-world case studies. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn two AIA LU/HSW continuing education credits. Highlights include Scott Conwell’s presentation on The Materiality of Tile and a panel discussion featuring project team members Britni Lettsome, Joe Battaglia and a representative from Mosaic and Tile who recently completed a tile retrofit of the Visitor Center itself. Planning for this event has been a true collaboration between TCAA and IMI, with a focus on creating a meaningful regional program for members. With a capped attendance of 60 participants, the seminar promises to be an engaging and intimate opportunity for industry professionals to network, learn, and discuss innovative approaches to tile design and installation. Schedule: 8:00 – 8:30 AM 30 minutes Registration, Breakfast, Networking 8:30 – 8:40 AM 10 minutes Welcome, Introductions 8:40 – 9:40 AM 60 minutes “The Materiality of Tile” 9:40 -9:55 AM 15 minutes Questions, Coffee Break + Networking 9:55 -10:40 AM 45 minutes Independence Visitor Center Panel Discussion 10:40 -10:50 AM 10 minutes Question and Answer 10:50-11:00 AM 10 minutes Closing remarks Speakers: The Materiality of Tile Scott Conwell , FAIA, FCSI, LEED AP Director of Industry Development International Masonry Institute Independence Visitor Center Panel Britni Lettsome Associate VP of Operations IMIWEB.ORG | 267-596-0180 Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center Joe Battaglia Business Agent, BAC Local 1 PA/DE Representative, Roman Mosaic and Tile IMI Staff: Casey Weisdock (Organizer + Facilitator) Scott Conwell (Presenter) Cindy Lanoue (Support) TCAA Staff: John Trendell Maggie Trendell Event Details: 📅 Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 📍 Location: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
July 29, 2025
The Tile Contractors’ Association of America is excited to participate in the 2025 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest hosted by IMTEF! Location: Huntington Place Convention Center, Detroit, MI Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Event Info: https://imtef.org/iac/ Join us for a hospitality suite and welcome reception, open to all local industry partners and contractors. Meet the next generation of union craftworkers and celebrate excellence in the trades. TCAA will also host guided tours of all 8 competition areas, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the skills and dedication of this year’s top apprentices. This is a fantastic opportunity to network, connect with peers, and support our shared mission to elevate union craftsmanship and training. Stay tuned for more details at www.tcaainc.org. We look forward to seeing you in Detroit, MI!