As the global tile and stone industry convenes for the 36th edition of Coverings, Ceramics of Italy is pleased to once again present its annual International Press Conference during the show—an essential event for members of the media and industry professionals to engage with the latest developments shaping Italian ceramic design and production.
Organized by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics), with support from the Italian Trade Agency, the event will take place on Tuesday, March 31 from 3:00–4:00 PM in Room N240 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The session will deliver a comprehensive update on the organization’s strategic initiatives, alongside insights into emerging design directions, new applications, and advancements in surface technologies across Italy’s leading ceramic producers. Attendees will also receive key updates on sustainability efforts and policy developments influencing the sector today.
The program will feature remarks from Armando Cafiero, Managing Director of Confindustria Ceramica, and Alessandra Rainaldi, Coordinator for the Living Industry Promotional Program at the Italian Trade Agency in Rome. Following, Emilio Mussini, Board Member of Confindustria Ceramica, will outline current institutional initiatives, market updates and promotional activities, and Mauro Rullo, Sustainability & Climate Policy Manager of Confindustria Ceramica, will discuss policy updates and sustainability advancements across the Italian ceramics industry. Danielle McWilliams, Principal of Novità Communications and marketing representative for Ceramics of Italy, will also present a curated overview of key design trends emerging from this year’s exhibiting brands.
Closing the session, Chris Abbate, Founder and CEO of Novità Communications, and Steve Clem, Principal at TVS and Chairman of the Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition, will have a panel-style conversation and introduce exciting new developments for the 2026 award program, which will launch during the show. The internationally recognized competition honors outstanding projects across residential, commercial, outdoor, and new applications that demonstrate excellence in the use of Italian ceramic and porcelain tile around the world.
About Ceramics of Italy
Ceramics of Italy (Confindustria Ceramica) represents Italian manufacturers of ceramic tiles, bricks, refractory materials, sanitaryware, tableware, and ceramics for industrial use. For over 60 years, the association has focused its activities on the needs of its member companies in all national and international contexts. The association’s goal is to connect companies, inform them, and support them.
