TCAA Tile Talk Monthly

June 2025

Schluter adaptor kits retrofit existing clamping ring drains to integrated bonding flange systems—fast, cost-effective upgrades for any project.

Craftsmanship in Action: 2025 IMI Chicago Tile Expo Highlights Training, Innovation, and Industry Collaboration

The 2025 IMI Chicago Tile Expo, held on May 22 at the BAC District Council Training Center, brought together nearly 100 architects, designers, contractors, suppliers, and tile professionals for a day of education, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Co-hosted by IMI, TCAA, the Ceramic Tile Contractors’ Association of Chicago, DCTC, and BAC District Council 1 of Illinois, the event featured engaging CEU sessions from Tyler Barton of Mapei on large-format tile installation and Scott Conwell of IMI on grout and expansion joint best practices. The expo emphasized not only product knowledge but also technical accuracy in tile application, reinforcing the need for informed design and qualified installation.

Beyond the classroom, attendees explored innovations from over 15 local suppliers and participated in live demonstrations led by Mike Spatz and BAC apprentice instructors. A standout moment came as architects tried their hand at floor mockups, experiencing firsthand the complexity of working with warped tiles and imperfect surfaces. Attendees also observed ACT exams in mud floors and grouting, gaining insight into advanced certification standards. TCAA extends its gratitude to all involved, highlighting how events like the Chicago Tile Expo strengthen industry ties and elevate the value of skilled labor and continuous education.

Don't Miss Upcoming 2025 Events

Flooring Sustainability Summit
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit, taking place July 16–17 at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. This flagship event will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts for two days of strategic dialogue on the future of sustainable flooring. Topics include circular economy strategies, evolving regulations, Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks, and green procurement practices. A pre-summit workshop will be available for first-time attendees. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the forefront of sustainability in the built environment!

Tile Solutions Plus 2025 in Phoenix, AZ October 27-29

The purpose of Tile Solutions Plus is to annually bring the ceramic tile industry together to network and learn from each other. For the fourteenth year, distributors, manufacturers, contractors and more will come together to listen to motivational, relevant speakers, participate in education sessions taught by the best of the best in the industry, network with decision makers and enjoy all that Phoenix has to offer.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

by: John Trendell, TCAA Ex-Officio

One of my all-time favorite authors is Dr. Seuss. As a child my father would read us his books. He would read it with all sorts of drama and excitement. As an adult I would read his books to my three daughters. And I too, would read it with drama and excitement. The crazy thing was, as entertaining as the books were as a child, they were even more meaningful as an adult.

The book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” turned out to provide probably the most important life lessons. The story emphasizes the idea that life is an adventure with challenges and joys, and with many places to go and things to see.

Fifty years ago, in April of 1976, I walked on to a construction building site for the first time. It was the Spring of my junior year studying Civil Engineering at Cleveland State University. The company I was going to work for was The Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co. As I was being introduced to the superintendent his first comment to me was, “You know, this ain’t no (expletive deleted) field trip”.  Well, that certainly set the tone that this was a job that was to be taken very seriously.

Over the next 15 months I started out by keeping track of the hundreds of pieces of granite to be installed, then doing layout of walls, floors, and stairs, to setting up work crews, to, upon graduating, becoming the superintendent.

Now, looking back over the last 50 years the first thing that comes to mind is how quickly the years have passed by. The second and most important aspect of my career is how many people I have met and how many great friends and relationships I have made.

I am well aware that, at this stage of my life, there is a lot more of looking back than there is of looking forward. But I am an eternal optimist. I know that this great industry of tile and stone will always have a great future, and I still look forward to making more friends and relationships. And yes, there are still many places to go and to see!