Leaders from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) played a prominent role at Qualicer 2026 held June 10-11 in Castellón, Spain. They contributed expertise on evolving installation practices and the future of the global tile industry. Jeremy Sax, Deputy Director of the NTCA, and Woody Sanders, Executive Board Member, participated in key sessions addressing innovation, installation quality, and emerging system technologies shaping exterior and interior tile applications.
Pedestal systems create new opportunities for exterior tile installations
In a featured presentation at Qualicer 2026, Woody Sanders highlighted how pedestal systems, combined with porcelain pavers, are expanding opportunities in exterior tile installations. Sanders discussed how these elevated assembly systems help address longstanding challenges associated with traditional exterior installations, including drainage, leveling, substrate movement, and long-term durability. By improving performance in demanding outdoor environments, pedestal systems are enabling broader design flexibility and new applications for tile in commercial and residential projects.
Sanders’ firm, DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting, is also recognized as an NTCA Five-Star Accredited Residential Contractor, reflecting its commitment to craftsmanship and industry best practices.
Global panel explored the future of tile installation
A second high-profile session brought together international experts to examine the future of tile installation across global markets, with participation from Spain, North America, and Australia. The panel was moderated by NTCA’s Jeremy Sax, and focused on improving installation quality through stronger alignment among design intent, specifications, workforce qualifications, standards, and emerging technologies.
Panelists included:
- Woody Sanders, President, D.W. Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting
- Dale Kempster, Director of North American International Technical Network, Schluter-Systems Canada
- Tim Christopher, Quality Manager, Lendlease Australia
- Ignacio Saera Monsonís, Member of the Board, Castellón Architects’ Association
The discussion emphasized the increasing complexity of modern tile installations driven by large-format tile, gauged porcelain panels, modular construction, advanced waterproofing systems, uncoupling technologies, and evolving workforce certification programs.
Strengthening global collaboration in tile installation
Participation by NTCA leadership at Qualicer 2026 underscores the association’s continued commitment to advancing installation standards, supporting workforce development, and fostering global collaboration across the tile industry.
Through engagement with international experts and industry innovators, NTCA continues to help shape best practices that support higher-quality, more durable, and more innovative tile installations worldwide.
About the National Tile Contractors Association
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.
