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2026-2027 Build It Better Series

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:52:48 GMT

Build It Better: Sponsorship Opportunities

The Build It Better sponsorship program, developed by the International Masonry Institute (IMI), offers organizations a strategic platform to support workforce development, industry training, and innovation in the masonry and construction sectors. The initiative focuses on strengthening the pipeline of skilled labor by investing in education, hands-on training, and outreach programs that elevate the quality and sustainability of construction practices. Sponsors play a key role in supporting training centers, apprenticeships, and educational resources that directly impact contractors, craftworkers, and the broader built environment.

Through tiered sponsorship levels, companies receive a range of visibility and engagement benefits, including brand recognition, access to industry events, and opportunities to connect with a highly targeted audience of professionals. The program is designed not only as a marketing opportunity, but as a meaningful investment in the future of the industry—aligning sponsors with efforts to improve safety, performance, and long-term workforce capacity. Build It Better positions sponsors as active contributors to advancing construction excellence and addressing the skilled labor gap.

Coverings 2026 Recap

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:54:18 GMT

Coverings 2026: Where the Industry Adapts—and Where Standards Are Built

Coverings 2026 brought the tile and stone industry together once again, showcasing the latest in products, installation systems, and design trends. But beyond the booths and demonstrations, this year’s show reflected something more important: a clear-eyed understanding of where the market stands—and what it will take to move forward. From the TCNA Press Breakfast to conversations across the show floor, the message was consistent. The industry is in a period of recalibration. Consumption is down, competition is tighter, and global supply chains continue to shift due to tariffs and sourcing changes. These pressures are not temporary; they are actively shaping how contractors operate. Success in this environment is not about waiting for conditions to improve—it’s about adapting in real time.

Manufacturers are responding accordingly, with innovation that directly supports the field. Advancements in large-format tile, installation materials, and sound mitigation systems are being developed with efficiency, durability, and jobsite performance in mind. For contractors, these are not just new products—they are practical tools that help offset tighter margins and rising expectations. Amid these shifts, one theme remained constant throughout the week: qualified labor is the foundation of the industry.

The Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) was proud to represent signatory contractors at Coverings, engaging with suppliers, partners, and industry leaders to ensure the voice of the installer is not just included, but prioritized. As products and specifications become more complex, the demand for skilled, trained professionals continues to grow. Quality installation is not optional—it is essential. Workforce development was also front and center. Industry-wide initiatives, including the Tennessee Workforce Initiative, underscore the urgency of building and sustaining a strong labor pipeline. For TCAA members, this is already a priority. Contractors who invest in training and apprenticeship programs are not only strengthening the industry—they are positioning themselves to meet demand, maintain quality, and stay competitive.

Just as important were the relationships strengthened throughout the week. Coverings continues to serve as a critical space for contractors and suppliers to connect, align, and problem-solve together. In a market where conditions can shift quickly, those relationships are a real advantage. While the show floor highlights innovation, another key part of Coverings happens behind the scenes—where the standards that guide the industry are developed.

Each year during Coverings, industry leaders convene for the ANSI ASC A108 Committee meeting, one of the most important yet often unseen gatherings shaping tile installation in the United States. This committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the national standards that define installation methods, material performance, workmanship, and long-term durability. These standards are the backbone of quality, consistency, and risk reduction across the industry.

TCAA plays a vital role in this process by representing the perspective of qualified labor contractors. By bringing real-world jobsite experience into the standards-setting process, TCAA helps ensure that these guidelines are not just technically sound, but also practical, enforceable, and aligned with how work actually gets done in the field. This includes providing input on key updates related to mortar coverage, substrate preparation, and clarifying the division of responsibilities between contractors and design professionals. At the same time, the committee continues to address emerging materials and systems, including foam core backer boards and field-fabricated tiling kits, while refining language to reduce ambiguity and improve consistency across projects.

If Coverings is where the industry sees what’s next, the ANSI A108 meetings are where the foundation is built.

The takeaway from Coverings 2026 is straightforward: the path forward will be defined by adaptation, collaboration, and a continued investment in people. TCAA remains committed to supporting contractors who lead in these areas and to advocating for the value of qualified labor—both on the jobsite and in the standards that guide it.

Chicago Commercial Construction Forum

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:23:28 GMT

Chicago Commercial Construction Forum

September 24, 2026, Obama Library - Chicago, IL

Join IMI and TCAA to discuss projects that are defining Chicago's future and require strong coordination, smarter execution, and reliable trade partnerships.

Click here for More Info & Registration Information: Chicago - Commercial Construction Forum

Event Overview

Panel Discussions

Building Better Through Collaboration
Focus on improving coordination between designers, contractors, and trades to drive project success
Designing for Performance & Resilience
Exploring material selection, building envelope performance, and long-term durability
Innovation in Construction Practices
New technologies, methods, and approaches improving efficiency and quality in the field
Bridging Design Intent & Constructability
How to ensure designs translate effectively into buildable, cost-efficient solutions
Workforce & Industry Challenges
Addressing labor, training, and maintaining quality craftsmanship in today’s market

Speakers

Industry leaders representing architecture, engineering, construction, and development sectors
IMI technical experts and construction professionals sharing applied field insights
Design professionals focused on high-performance building systems and materials
Contractors and project stakeholders bringing real-world project experience

Flooring Sustainability Summit 2026

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:56:58 GMT

Flooring Sustainability Summit 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

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:41:04 GMT

Tile Grouts & Expansion Joints webinar

The performance and longevity of a tile installation depend on choosing the right grout, designing effective movement joints, and maintaining the assembly over time… and of course choosing a qualified tile contractor. To learn more, we invite you to join IMI’s webinar on Tile Grouts & Expansion Joints on May 19.

We’ll take you through the grout categories defined in the ANSI A118 standards, including Standard Cement, High Performance Cement, Epoxy, and Premixed Grouts. Each of these offers distinct characteristics that affect color consistency, cleanability, abrasion resistance, and durability. We’ll also look at how grout selection influences both performance and aesthetics, from color choice and joint width to alignment and layout.

Then, learn the expansion joint requirements outlined by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), including best practices for spacing, perimeter detailing, and movement accommodation. Finally, review recommended maintenance procedures, from initial cleaning and grout haze removal to sealer application and routine care, to ensure lasting performance, safety, and visual appeal.

To register, visit https://info.imiweb.org/tile-grouts-expansion-joints-webinar .

Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) 2025 Recap

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:13:51 GMT

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.

IMI/BAC Apprentice Contest Recap

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:59:58 GMT

IUBAC/IMI Tile Apprentices Crowned Champions at International Contest

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

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:34:32 GMT

A Celebration of Tile, Marble & Terrazzo

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

Continuing Education for BAC Signatory Contractors

joy@joyofmembership.com (Joy Duling) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

IMI Continuing Education
Learning Opportunities for Signatory Contractors

Click "View Learning Opportunities" to check out upcoming webinars, or to register to view previous "on demand" webinars.
Be sure to check back periodically for additional education opportunities.

Each of the programs listed are registered with AIA for 1.0 Learning Units (LUs) , and some qualify for HSW and/or IDCEC CEUs. BAC tile and stone contractors receive 1.0 hours toward IMI Contractor College and TCAA Trowel of Excellence continuing education requirements. Presenters provide certificates for self-reporting to all attendees

For more info contact Scott Conwell (IMI) sconwell@imiweb.org (630) 396-3144 - www.imiweb.org