Modern Tile Finishes Event Recap
The Modern Tile Finishes event kicked off with a strong start, featuring an engaging morning of networking and tabletop exhibits with our generous supplier sponsors, MAPEI, Daltile, Panaria, Custom Building Products, Portobello America, and LATICRETE. Their continued partnership and support are key to advancing excellence in tile design and installation.
Following the networking session, Scott Conwell, IMI Director of Industry Development and Technical Services, delivered an insightful presentation on the materiality of tile, offering architects, designers, and contractors a deeper understanding of the ANSI standards that guide proper tile installations and define what qualifies as ceramic tile. His session set the stage for thoughtful discussions about the relationship between design intent, materials, and skilled union craftsmanship.
The second half of the program featured two panel discussions highlighting real-world applications of modern tile design and installation, brought to life through the expertise of union tile craftworkers:
Joe Battaglia of BAC Local 1 and Britni Lettsome, Associate VP with the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp, shared lessons learned from the Liberty View Independence Visitor Center Remodel, emphasizing collaboration between design professionals and highly trained union installers to successfully complete a project on a tight timeline.
Kevin Trevisan and Anthony Torres from Roman Mosaic closed the program with an in-depth look at their work on the Equinox Fitness Center, showcasing how qualified union labor and technical precision elevate even the most complex installations.
The event underscored the vital connection between union labor, innovative materials, and design excellence, reinforcing how collaboration across the architecture, design, and contracting communities ensures that tile installations are not only beautiful but built to endure.
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. Click Here For More Information
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/