In addition to meeting with exhibitors, and attending educational sessions at Coverings 2024, women in the tile industry who attended the show in Atlanta last month had many opportunities to strengthen the sisterhood and develop a sense of camaraderie and connection. Here are a few of the activities that focused on uplifting and encouraging women during the show:
Galvanize lounge
The Galvanize Women’s Lounge was a first for Coverings — a place for women to gather their thoughts and gather together in the midst of the show. Clearly identified in room B206 by a colorful balloon arch, the Galvanize lounge was also the hub for women-centric events by Women of the Flooring Business, WIFI Women in the Floorcovering Industry and NTCA’s own Women in Tile Group. With a book exchange, prize giveaway and opportunity to get creative by “blinging your badge” with stickers and baubles, the lounge facilitated meeting and networking of women at the show.
Meet and Greet
On Monday afternoon, NTCA’s Women in Tile Meet & Greet drew women together to make new connections and win prizes.
Breakfast/speaker
Wednesday morning dawned with the “Igniting Change, Rising Together” breakfast in the lounge, bringing together dozens of women and several supportive men to fuel up for the day and network. It was sponsored by NTCA Women in Tile, Women in Stone, NTCA, LATICRETE, Coverings, and Quantify N.A. Marathoner Demi Clark, founder of She Built This City and Spark Building Group delivered a relatable, energizing address that motivated women to move on “From Fearless to Unshakeable” with a deeper exploration of steps along the way, and a call to be honest, authentic and empowered.
Women Talking 2024: The Shero’s Journey
Immediately following the breakfast and Demi Clark address, the women’s industry panel commenced with the inspiring, powerful stories of five influential women: Megan Renk, Mosaix Tile Installation & Services; Mercedes Austin, Mercury Mosaics; Angie Weber, Nico Tati Designs; Crosby Hall, Louisville Tile; and Raven Hoffman, Syverson Tile & Stone and NAWIC National Vice President. TileLetter/TileLetter ARTISAN Editor Lesley Goddin moderated the moving discussion of mentors, challenges, victories and issues affecting women in the tile industry today.
Wellness sessions
While not exclusively for women, Coverings supported a number of wellness and mind-fitness events in the Outdoor Oasis and the Galvanize lounge. Partnering with Gianna Vallefuoco of NTCA Five- Star Accredited Contractor Vallefuoco Contractors were celebrity mosaicist Allison Eden and LATICRETE President Ron Nash. Together the events raised support and awareness for mindfulness, passionate creativity, breathwork, wellness for women and men at the show, an amazing whole-person initiative supported by Coverings and the industry.
Editorial Director and Senior Writer for TileLetter and TileLetter ARTISAN
Lesley Goddin has been writing and journaling since her first diary at age 11. Her journey has taken her through a career in publishing and publicity, landing her the editor position of TileLetter and its special publications in 2006. Her goal is to educate, inspire, recognize and encourage those in the tile industry -- especially the tile and stone contractor.
