March 21, 2018

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) has released detailed information about this year’s newest segment at Coverings 2018, held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, May 8-11, 2018.

“Plans for this interactive event have been in the works for over a year,” stated NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga. “We are psyched to see it go live and know it will be well-received and well-attended by Coverings attendees. The live demonstrations and wealth of knowledge that can be attained in this approximately 3,900-sq.-ft. arena should be the highlight of any visitor’s time at the show!”

The Installation Experience allows Coverings show attendees to experience firsthand, numerous types of tile installations implemented by Qualified Labor. These interactive sessions will showcase today’s best practices relative to a multitude of distinctive tile installations.

Live, interactive installations will take place in a fully functioning kitchen and a bathroom with heated tile floor, as well as a vintage fireplace upgrade and grand installation of a contemporary shower system. These state-of- the-art projects will involve glass tile, porcelain, gauged porcelain panels, natural stone and other cutting-edge tile products and breakthrough technology installation systems.

Entering via a self-guided, designated pathway, guests and participants will journey through room after room of fully interactive installations with representatives posted along the way to answer questions. They will have the opportunity to speak with industry experts regarding key processes, learning new strategies and experiencing hands-on demonstrations of modern technologies.

Other highlights include “photographic retrospectives,” the Hall of Failures and the Hall of Excellence. Here, attendees will see firsthand the difference between the right and wrong way to perform a tile installation. And the Hall of ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers) will also allow attendees to talk with ACT representatives who will be available to discuss these programs.

In the Construction Zone, visitors can experience the progression of the CTI Challenge. The “CTI Challenge” is an exciting, live event designed by CTEF Director Scott Carothers, which is slated to take place between rival teams who are both NTCA members and Certified Tile Installers.

As part of the Installation Experience, all attendees will garner new insights on the attributes of Qualified Labor. Representatives will be onsite to define, discuss and demonstrate just what it takes to be a part of this elite group, which includes the Certified Tile Installer program and the ultimate group of installers who have achieved the status of being ACT certified.

The Installation Experience will come to a conclusion with “At Home, With Tile,” a final installation area complete with an expansive seating area and large TV screen offering viewers a time-lapsed progress video highlighting the various construction stages of the various projects slated to take place.

The Installation Experience at Coverings will be positioned in the Hall C, Exhibit #8401.