TCAA and IMI Chicago Engagement Event: Networking Opportunity for IUBAC Signatory Contractors


A Look Back at the 2025 Chicago Tile Expo: Insights from TCAA


2025 IMI Chicago Tile Expo Showcases Craftsmanship and Collaboration


The International Masonry Institute (IMI) hosted another successful Chicago Tile Expo on May 22, 2025, drawing a full house of nearly 100 architects, designers, contractors, suppliers, and tile industry professionals to the BAC District Council Training Center in the Chicago suburbs.


This year’s Expo, held in partnership with TCAA, the Ceramic Tile Contractors’ Association of Chicago, DCTC, and BAC District Council 1 of Illinois, offered a dynamic blend of education, hands-on experience, and networking.

The morning kicked off with two well-received CEU sessions. Tyler Barton of Mapei delivered a comprehensive presentation on Large Format Tile and Floor Preparation, highlighting both the design possibilities and installation challenges of large-format porcelain and ceramic tiles. Later, Scott Conwell of IMI spoke on Tile Grouts and Expansion Joints, demystifying ANSI grout types and emphasizing the aesthetic and structural importance of proper expansion joint planning.


Outside the classroom, the action continued. Over 15 local suppliers showcased their latest innovations in tile, membranes, drains, pedestals, adhesives, and more. In the training bay, attendees witnessed live demonstrations by tile coordinator Mike Spatz and a team of apprentice instructors. From proper mortar application and troweling techniques to grouting and substrate prep, these interactive demos highlighted what it takes to achieve high-quality tile installations especially when working with large-format, warped tiles on imperfect surfaces.



A highlight of the day was seeing architects get hands-on experience laying tile on floor mockups, underscoring the real-world challenges and craftsmanship involved. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe local BAC 21 tile setters completing Advanced Certification for Tile Installers (ACT) exams in mud floors and grout applications, offering a deeper understanding of the trade’s technical standards.


As one LinkedIn attendee put it, “The collaborative spirit and technical expertise on display at the IMI Chicago Tile Expo remind us why investing in skilled labor and continuing education is essential for our industry's future.”

TCAA extends its thanks to all partners, sponsors, and attendees who made this event such a success. Together, we are building a stronger, smarter tile industry, one tile at a time. For more information on future events and initiatives, visit TCAA’s website.

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.
By Admin User November 8, 2025
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.