July 5, 2022

Ceramics of Italy is thrilled to announce the launch of its two programs — Destination: Cersaie | Bologna and the Young Distributor Program. 

Now in its second edition, Destination: Cersaie | Bologna — organized by Confindustria Ceramica and EdiCer SpA — is open to all North American architects and designers, while the Young Distributor Program, first inaugurated in 2019, invites young professionals working as tile distributors and importers in North America to apply. Selected participants will be treated to a five-day trip to Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna, and the chance to accompany Ceramics of Italy’s North American delegation of media and A&D to Cersaie — the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. There, they will have the chance to grow connections with manufacturer representatives and discover the latest products, trends and innovations in Italian tile design, as well as enjoy local cultural experiences. The deadlines to apply for both programs are in July.

Destination: Cersaie | Bologna

The second edition of the Destination: Cersaie | Bologna program gives North American architects and designers the chance to win a five-day, CEU-accredited trip to Bologna to attend Cersaie — the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings — taking place from Sept. 26-30, 2022 at the Bologna Exhibition Centre. 

Selected industry professionals will be invited to join a delegation of journalists, architects and designers from across North America. The group will be taken on a guided tour of the show to see firsthand the latest products, trends and innovations in Italian tile design, as well as gain the opportunity to cultivate relationships with manufacturer representatives. 

The hand-picked applicants will also be treated to local cultural experiences in and around Bologna, including a memorable trip outside of the city to visit an Italian tile factory and historic balsamic vinegar producer. Ceramics of Italy will cover expenses for a four-night hotel stay (Sept. 25–29) and main cabin flight. 

The program is open to all North American professionals working in architecture and design studios. Applicants must complete a questionnaire regarding their firm, projects, and why they wish to attend Cersaie here. The deadline to apply is July 15.

Young Distributor Program

Ceramics of Italy is currently accepting applications for this year’s Young Distributor Program – an initiative sponsored by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and EdiCer SpA (the organizer of Cersaie), in collaboration with CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributors Association). Now in its third edition, the program was developed by the Italian ceramics industry to strengthen its relationship with North American distributors and bring a new generation of importers and distributors to Cersaie — the international exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings — where they will see firsthand the latest tile products and exciting developments from Italian manufacturers.

Young professionals working as tile distributors and importers throughout North America are encouraged to apply. Selected applicants will be treated to a five-day trip to Bologna, Italy, to attend Cersaie. They will accompany a large delegation of North American journalists, architects, and designers, who will be led on a guided tour of the show to discover the latest collections, trends and innovations from Italian tile manufacturers, as well as cultivate relationships with company representatives.

Delegates from the program will also be free to explore the show on their own, enjoy local cultural experiences and attend a special trip outside of the city to visit an Italian tile factory to see the production process in person. Ceramics of Italy will cover expenses for a four-night stay in a hotel (from Sept. 25–29) and the main cabin flight for all selected participants. 

Applicants must show an interest to learn about the Italian ceramic tile industry, and will be considered on the following criteria:

• Importer/Distributor is under 40-years-old 
• Importer/Distributor is based in North America 
• Importer/Distributor has been involved with purchasing for no more than 7 years 
• Importer/Distributor works with at least one Italian ceramic tile producer 
• Importer/Distributor demonstrates passion and leadership in their company 

Entries will be accepted until July 15 — find the application here.