Flooring Sustainability Summit 2025 Recap
IS IT THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
John Trendell, Labor Committee Chair
The second annual Flooring Sustainability Summit was held in Washington DC, July 16 & 17. There were almost 250 attendees representing all different types of flooring and all aspects of the industry from architects to manufacturers to installation. Once again, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) put on a first-class program of experts, workshops, and speakers. In attendance representing TCAA were Ed Conners, president of the Greater NY and NJ Tile Contractors Association and myself. Our partners, IMI and IUBAC, were well represented with four participants.
The first portion of the program was a discussion of the changing landscape of sustainability. While there was common agreement that market driven forces are always the preferred impetus to providing well-built healthy buildings using sustainable materials and practices, public policy certainly can provide additional help in meeting these goals.
Right now there are federal initiatives for less regulations but that does not preclude state and local interests in sustainability. There is also the AIA materials pledge which adheres to good sustainable practices. And most encouraging, private practices in sustainability are growing.
During one of the panel discussions I heard, at least for me, the most interesting comment of the entire program from a gentleman representing union labor. He pointed out that labor represents anywhere from 40-60 percent of the cost of flooring. So, without a qualified well-trained workforce, green initiatives and proper design fail. Absolutely!
The final keynote speaker was an architect with both a cautionary and positive outlook for the future of sustainability practices going forward. We have not done enough. But a simple question he poses to all his clients, do you want a safe, secure, and healthy building for the people and for our environment?
So, as I suggested in the title, how do we go about reaching our goals? Of course, it doesn’t matter how or what methods we use. In fact, a multi-pronged set of actions, taken on by all of us, will help insure that we are doing the right things to build great buildings the right way.
I look forward to our continued efforts and to next year’s Flooring Sustainability Summit!
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.
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.