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 December 22, 2025
The IMTEF Winter/Spring 2026 Training Calendar is now available, offering a robust lineup of instructor-led, continuing education, and certification courses designed to strengthen skills across the construction industry. This season includes highly sought-after OSHA 500, 502, and 510 courses; Foreman and Mentorship Matters training; Historic Masonry Preservation; and multiple Train-the-Trainer opportunities. Classes are held at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, Maryland, with both in-person and online options available. Class sizes are limited to ensure high-quality, hands-on learning, and many courses have prerequisites or required orientations, so early planning is encouraged. In addition, the calendar features specialized continuing education and certification programs such as ABAA Air Barrier Certification, IMI Concrete Repair, Welding certifications, MSHA training, refractory courses, and advanced masonry systems including adhered veneer and rainscreen installation. Registration is available online and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend signing up as soon as possible to secure your spot. For questions or guidance on course selection, contact Serenia Holland, Director of Education Operations, at 301-291-2105 or sholland@imtef.org.
By Admin User November 13, 2025
Tile Solutions Plus 2025: A New Chapter for the Tile Industry The sun rose over the Arizona desert as hundreds of tile professionals from across the country gathered at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix for this year’s Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) conference, held October 27–29, 2025. What began over a decade ago as Total Solutions Plus has officially entered a new era — rebranded as Tile Solutions Plus , a name that reflects the industry’s collective momentum and forward focus. For members of the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) , this year’s TSP was more than just a conference, it was a reunion, a learning lab, and a powerful reminder of what collaboration can accomplish. A Gathering of Expertise and Energy From the opening session, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm. Contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and educators all came together with a shared goal: to advance craftsmanship, elevate business practices, and strengthen relationships that sustain the tile industry. Educational sessions offered something for everyone, from technical deep dives into installation standards and new materials to business seminars focused on leadership, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Workshops like Family Succession Planning for Contractors drew large crowds, underscoring the importance of preparing the next generation of leadership in this evolving trade. Beyond the Classroom But the learning didn’t stop in the meeting rooms. Attendees bonded over the annual golf tournament , enjoyed hikes through the desert trails , and took in the architectural brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West during an evening networking tour. These shared experiences captured the true spirit of TSP, professional development balanced with connection and community. In the exhibit hall, manufacturers and suppliers showcased the latest in tile technology, tools, and materials. For TCAA contractors, it was an opportunity to connect directly with innovators and suppliers shaping the products they rely on every day, exchanging ideas and insights that will carry back to job sites across the country. TCAA’s Voice and Vision throughout the conference, TCAA’s presence was felt. Members participated in roundtables and discussions, ensuring the voice of union tile contractors remained central to conversations about quality, training, and workforce development. The event also highlighted how partnerships across the industry can elevate standards and strengthen the entire ecosystem. As one attendee noted, “TSP always reminds us that while we may come from different corners of the industry, we all share the same foundation: pride in our craft and a drive to keep improving.” Looking Ahead As TSP 2025 came to a close, the rebrand to Tile Solutions Plus felt symbolic, a fresh name for a future built on collaboration, innovation, and craftsmanship. For TCAA and its members, the event reaffirmed the association’s leadership role in shaping the tile industry’s next chapter. The countdown to TSP 2026 has already begun as we turn our sights to Miami. With the promise of another opportunity for TCAA members to learn, lead, and build the future of trade together. If you are passionate about a certain topic, you want to see covered please reach out to our staff or board to share your thoughts as we start the planning process for next year.