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Article Number: 8807
NTCA Sponsors Contractor/Installer Events at Coverings 2014
The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the world's largest tile contractors association, is proud to be sponsoring a multitude of both installer and contractor events at Coverings 2014, the North America’s largest international tile and stone exposition taking place April 29—May 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Installation Stage
The Live Installation Demonstration Stage will showcase new products and information related to what contractors need to know about emerging installation trends. The NTCA will be conducting eight individual programs on the Show’s Installation Stage. “How-to” demonstrations will offer attendees an up-close, "live" look at a variety of issues challenging today’s installers. These include:

• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Tools and Handling
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Cutting and fitting
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Installation and Setting
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Grouting and Finishing .
• CTI - Testing Tips
• ACT Testing Tips - Shower Pan
• ACT Testing Tips - Large Format Tile
• ACT Testing Tips - Mud Work and Membranes

Design Showcase
NTCA Five-Star Member Contractors will be working closely with four top Las Vegas-area design teams on this year’s Installation Design Showcase. The goal of the Installation Design Showcase is to bring to life, right on the show floor, the synergy that develops between the design team and the installation contractor. This showcase will illustrate exactly what happens when we pair innovative design concepts with highly-trained installers.

Slated for installation during Coverings are: an indoor courtyard, a retail space, bar and a sustainable, accessible bath. Attendees can witness project inception-to-completion right on the show floor. Each designed space will highlight a different, highly unique creative aesthetic and feature tile & stone being installed "live."

25th Anniversary Party
The NTCA is a proud sponsor of the 25th Anniversary “After-Hours” Party at a Las Vegas nightclub to celebrate such an important milestone. There are a limited number of tickets available for registered attendees. Contact the NTCA for more information regarding this great event.

Contractor Days
The NTCA is proud to sponsor "Contractor Days," which will include tours of the show floor with lunch and happy hour. Only eight, one-hour tours will be conducted and sign-ups are taken on a first-come, first served basis. Registration will include access to the Contractor Lounge, as well. This focused program was created specifically for contractors to help them better understand the show layout and be exposed to new and creative and products.

CID Awards
Winners of this year’s CID (Coverings Installation & Design) Awards which honor outstanding achievements in the design and installation of tile and stone, will be announced at a reception/ceremony on April 29th. The CID Awards celebrate creativity and technical know-how in the use of tile & stone in both residential and commercial projects. Projects are judged and awarded separately on technical installation and design, as well as international design, sustainable design and sustainable installation techniques.

“Coverings 2014 is a vital part of the NTCA’s strategy,” stated Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of the National Tile Contractors Association and publisher of TileLetter and TADA. "It is the one time each year where we can share our knowledge and expertise with NTCA members and the entire industry. It is the one event that should NEVER be missed by tile industry professionals.”

NTCA is a non-profit trade association serving every segment of the industry, spearheading education for the professional installation of ceramic tile, natural stone and allied products. For more information, please contact NTCA executive director Bart Bettiga at bart@tile-assn.com, via telephone at (601) 939-2071, or visit www.tile-assn.com.