Jackson, MS, March 26 – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is proud to announce that two distinguished industry leaders will be recognized during the annual NTCA Awards Ceremony at Coverings next week. The ceremony, held in partnership with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), will take place on Wednesday, April 1, beginning at 5:30 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Room N246. The event is open to all attendees.
“These awards recognize individuals whose leadership, service, and passion have made a lasting impact on the tile industry,” said Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of the NTCA. “We look forward to celebrating with industry friends and partners from across North America.”
Joe Tarver Lifetime Achievement Award
The NTCA will present the prestigious Joe Tarver Lifetime Achievement Award to Luigi Di Geso, President and CEO of MAPEI North America. Di Geso has been an integral part of the MAPEI business family for decades, serving as General Manager of MAPEI Inc. in Canada from 2004 to 2009 before being appointed President and CEO of MAPEI North America. Under his visionary leadership, the company has experienced extraordinary growth, expanding from three product lines to a diverse portfolio of 19 lines serving construction and flooring professionals.
During his tenure, MAPEI’s operational footprint has grown significantly, increasing from 12 to 25 state-of-the-art facilities across North America and the Caribbean. Company revenue has risen from $260 million to more than $1 billion, reflecting his strategic leadership and commitment to sustainable growth.
A strong advocate for innovation and environmental responsibility, Di Geso has championed the development of eco-friendly, high-performance solutions that support a circular economy. He also contributes to industry advancement through collaboration with organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, the TCNA, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada, and the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation.
NTCA Tile Person of the Year Award
The NTCA will also honor Dan Lambert as the 2026 NTCA Tile Person of the Year. Respected and admired by peers, employees, suppliers, and customers alike, Lambert is Co-Owner of Lambert Tile and Stone in Eagle, Colo., alongside his wife and business partner, Elizabeth. His journey into the tile industry began through masonry and stone projects in Colorado, where he discovered both the challenge and reward of tile installation.
Over the years, Lambert built a successful contracting business known for its commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. Lambert Tile and Stone is a Five-Star Accredited Contracting company, specializing in high-end residential tile installation, that has received multiple NTCA awards and national recognition for outstanding business practices.
A dedicated industry volunteer, Lambert has served two terms on the NTCA Regional Board of Directors (Region 10) and currently supports the association as an NTCA Ambassador. He has also contributed more than 13 years of service to the NTCA Technical Committee, helping shape installation standards and industry resources, a commitment that earned him the NTCA Technical Committee Impact Award.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lambert is deeply engaged in his local Colorado community and is known for his passion for family, adventure, and the outdoors, qualities that reflect his leadership and spirit within the tile industry.
“Both Luigi and Dan represent the very best of our industry visionary leadership, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to supporting tile professionals,” added Bettiga. “Luigi’s impact on the growth and innovation of manufacturing in North America has been extraordinary, while Dan’s dedication to craftsmanship, standards development, and association service exemplifies what it means to give back to the trade. We are proud to recognize their lasting contributions.”
All Coverings attendees are invited to join the NTCA and TCNA in celebrating inspirational projects and these exceptional leaders.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center — Room N246
Date: Wednesday, April 1
Time: 5:30 PM
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About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.
