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 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.
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