The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) has a full roster of activities, events, and features for those attending the Coverings show, especially for the contractor community.
Before the show gets rolling, the NTCA has two events on its agenda. Monday morning, April 8, in room S230A, NTCA will hold a Board of Directors meeting from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., which is open to all.
Later Monday afternoon, NTCA will co-sponsor the Clean the World charity event, along with MAPEI and Florida Tile. Teams will assemble 1,600 hygiene packets on Monday afternoon at the Orange County Convention Center, which will then be distributed to local veterans in the community.
NTCA is brimming with education at Coverings. Below is a sampling of some Conference Sessions that contractors will want to check out. Be sure to visit www.coverings.com for expanded descriptions and to register, where necessary. Not- to-be missed sessions are:
Tuesday, April 9
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Town Hall Meeting – Residential: What Homebuilders & Specifiers are Saying about the Stone & Tile Industry, featuring moderators Bart Bettiga of NTCA and Jim Hieb of the Natural Stone Institute offering perspectives from industry influencers that can benefit your business.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Town Hall Residential Roundtable: Homebuilders & Specifier Expectations is the follow-up to the morning session that allows small group discussion among peers about ensuring the best specifications for tile and stone projects.
Wednesday, April 10
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
The Future of the Installation Workforce: Case Studies and Best Practices. NTCA’s Bart Bettiga will moderate this discussion that centers on recruiting, hiring and retention best practices to propel your business to the top.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Town Hall Meeting – Commercial: What General Contractors & Specifiers are Saying about the Stone & Tile Industry featuring moderators Bart Bettiga of NTCA and Jim Hieb of the Natural Stone Institute offering insights from general contractors and design professionals and the impact they could have on your business.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Town Hall Commercial Roundtable: General Contractor & Specifier Expectations is the follow-up to the morning session that allows small group discussion among peers about ensuring the best specifications for tile and stone projects.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Silica Rule: Tile Industry Update on OSHA Crystalline Respirable Silica Rule – Representatives of NTCA and TCNA will discuss OSHA Crystalline Respirable Silica Rule updates now that there are significant field experience and data about the topic. Learn how industry leaders are working with OSHA to better understand compliance requirements.
Thursday, April 11
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
15 Year Cycle Analysis, featuring Ryan Fasan, Design and Technical Consultant, who will discuss the lifecycles of flooring products and why ceramic tile comes out light years ahead of the competition.
9:30 a.m. – 11: 00 a.m.
Transparency Trilogy Part III: Artistry and Creativity: A Timeless Component of Tile and Stone Installations. The session will take a close look at unique individuals who possess the passion, drive, discipline and skills necessary to install, train, and supervise projects that require the craftsmanship to create lasting masterpieces.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tile Inspections – A Two Part Series: PROCESS. Presenters are NTCA Five-Star Contractors Nyle Wadford, Neuse Tile, James Woelfel, Artcraft Granite and Marble Co., and Martin Brookes, Heritage Marble and Tile, Inc., who are all recognized tile industry consultants. They will discuss what to expect if a qualified inspector is needed on your project, in terms of the process, checklists and what comprises an acceptable inspection.
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tile Inspections – A Two Part Series: EXECUTION. In the second part of this Tile Inspection series, presenters Wadford, Woelfel and Brookes will delve into what to do and how to be aware of preventing your company from falling into non-compliance, and understanding best practices that can help you avoid unnecessary inspection.
Friday, April 12
9:00 a.m. -11: 00 a.m.
NTCA Contractor Training: OSHA Silica Rule. NTCA technical trainers will focus on understanding and being in compliance with the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule. It includes both classroom and hands-on best practices components. Pre-registration required due to limited space.
The education continues on the TCNA Installation Demonstration Stage, #3138 where NTCA Training Director Mark Heinlein and NTCA Technical Trainers Robb Roderick, Luis Bautista and CTEF’s Training Director Scott Carothers present hands-on demonstrations of products, methods and techniques.
For details and course descriptions, visit www.coverings.com, but here’s an overview of the demos:
Tuesday, April 9
10:20 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – NTCA Reference Manual: Critical Lighting Effects on Tile Installations
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Substrate Preparation and Large-Format Plank Tile
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – ANSI A108.19 Installation Techniques for Gauged Porcelain Tile and Panels
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – NTCA Reference Manual: Care & Maintenance – Pre-Grouting, Sealing, and Sealers
Wednesday, April 10
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Substrate Preparation and Large-Format Plank Tile
12:20 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. – NTCA Reference Manual: Proper Bedding Procedures for Quarry, Pavers and Natural Stone
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – ANSI A108.19 Installation Techniques for Gauged Porcelain Tile and Panels
3:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. – NTCA Reference Manual: Lippage Control Devices
Thursday, April 11
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Substrate Preparation and Large-Format Plank Tile
11:20 p.m. – 11:50 p.m. – NTCA Reference Manual: Cementitious, Modified Cementitious, and Epoxy Grouts
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – NTCA Reference Manual: Thick Bed Installations, Mortar Beds/Interior Floors
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – ANSI A108.19 Installation Techniques for Gauged Porcelain Tile and Panels
Friday, April 12
Time TBD – Practical Application of Silica Control Measures to Meet OSHA Regulations
After a Conference Session or Installation Demonstration Stage event, hop on over to the Installation & Design Experience, #3538, which includes a lounge as well as hospitality vignettes by top designers. Also included is an area focused on installation and education, with the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) onsite providing information for installers looking to advance their careers. Additionally, guided tours of the Installation Materials District will leave from the lounge at 11:00 am (Tuesday – Thursday) with lunch to follow at noon. See at least 10 exhibitors in only an hour, and enjoy a lunch in the lounge to follow at noon. Don’t forget to return for happy hour in the lounge beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards
The Coverings Installation & Design Awards – co-sponsored by NTCA – celebrate outstanding achievements in the design and installation of tile and stone in both residential and commercial projects. The installer and designer of prize-winning projects each receive up to $3,000 and a one-night stay in Orlando and more. Come to the CID Award Reception on Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in room S222.
Coverings Rock Stars
Co-sponsored by the NTCA, The Coverings Rock Stars – an Emerging Leaders Program – honors the best and brightest young talent in the tile and stone industry. Since its conception, the program has recognized dozens of young leaders who have connected at Coverings through mentorship and
networking opportunities. The program underscores Coverings’ mission to support the growth and success of the industry by recognizing top-notch talent and fostering networking and educational opportunities. Winners will be celebrated in an invitation-only gathering from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon on Tuesday, April 9 in room S320A, followed by an invitation-only recognition luncheon from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
NTCA Awards Night
The pièce de résistance is the NTCA Annual Awards Recognition Reception on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in room S320A immediately after the exhibit hall closes. The program includes a short cocktail and dining reception, followed by special awards the association presents to industry leaders. Included in this year’s agenda will be the NTCA Tile Person of the Year Award, the announcement of the first annual Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Award, the Tom Ade Scholarship Awards, the NTCA Five-Star Contractor Program Projects of the Year, and the Joe A. Tarver Award for Service to the Tile Industry.
The Tile Council of North America, a sponsor of the Awards Program, will also honor a deserving individual with a very special leadership award.
Visit the TileLetter and NTCA Facebook pages to view live updates from the show.
 has a full roster of activities for Coverings 2019, especially for the contractor community.){kind=link}