Conference education announced for Coverings 2025

Coverings 2025, taking place in Orlando from April 29 to May 2, will offer a unique conference program, with nearly 30 sessions.

Coverings, the largest event and world class showcase of ceramic tile and natural stone in North America, has announced an empowering lineup of educational opportunities for Coverings 2025, which will take place April 29-May 2, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.

Coverings 2025 is set to offer attendees an unmatched array of educational experiences, including live demonstrations, interactive learning sessions, expert Q&A panels, partner-led education, live podcasts and much more. These edifying opportunities have been planned for all business segments of the tile and stone industry, including Architecture and Design, and will equip professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to elevate their work and grow their businesses.

Education at Coverings 2025, comprising nearly 30 unique sessions on a wide range of enriching topics, is strategically organized into three key learning tracks – Installation & Fabrication, Materials & Trends, and Workforce & Profits – ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience for all participants.

Here is an anticipation of some of the most attended sessions.

“Color/Design Future Trends: Welcome Home” – April 29 at 9:30 a.m.

This highly anticipated session will be presented by Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Eiseman will unveil Pantone’s 2025 color forecast, “Welcome Home,” a theme that reflects the evolving role of home as a space for living, working, entertaining and finding rest. The presentation will explore how residential warmth is increasingly influencing contract and commercial interiors, creating more welcoming environments across design sectors.

“Economic Outlook 2025: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Tile, Stone and Flooring Industry.” – April 30 at 8:00 a.m.

Author, speaker, and columnist Gene Marks will lead this critical session on Day 2, alongside industry experts Joe Lundgren of JLC Consult and Santo Torcivia of Torcivia Marketing Insights, providing a comprehensive forecast of the national economy and construction market. Attendees will gain insights into key trends, metrics and strategies that smart companies are adopting to address current issues. Presenters will then give a deep dive into the ceramic tile and floor sector, including updates on the latest government initiatives, first-quarter data and emerging market dynamics impacting growth and profitability.

“Shifting Landscapes: The Impact of Business Consolidation in the Tile and Stone Industry” - April 30 at 9:30 a.m.

This game-changing panel session on Day 2 will examine the ongoing wave of consolidation reshaping the tile and stone industry. The session, moderated by Kemp Harr of Floor Focus and Bart Bettiga of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), will review the driving forces behind these changes, including acquisitions by private equity groups and strategic mergers among industry players. Panelists will discuss how consolidation is affecting companies of all sizes, from distributors to contractors and fabricators, highlighting the opportunities and challenges it creates across the workforce, supply chain and customer relationships.

“Building Safe and Stylish Homes: The Role of Tile and Stone in Aging in Place” – May 1 at 11 a.m.

This session will explore the essentials of aging in place design and how thoughtfully chosen tile and stone can enhance both safety and style in universal living spaces. This high-impact presentation, led by Sydney Hughes, CAP, founder and chief executive officer of Senior Proof, will investigate the key design principles for aging in place, focusing on selecting materials that prioritize slip-resistance, durability and comfort.