VALENCIA, SPAIN -- Today was the start of Cevisama -- the International Tile and Bathroom Furnishings Exhibition -- in Valencia, Spain. Held annually, the four-day event offers a forum for tile manufacturers from around the world to showcase their latest tile innovations.

And while touring the halls on the first day, it is apparent that tile manufacturers continue to dedicate a tremendous amount of time and money on research and development. Large-format tiles continue to rise in popularity. Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer Inalco not only offers tiles measuring as large as 40 x 52 inches, but it also promotes it Slimker tiles, which have a thickness of 5.7 mm. To illustrate the strength of its Slimkur tile, the company displayed a tile withstanding 450 pounds.

With digital printing technology becoming more advanced, tile manufacturers are now able to replicate custom pictures on tile for their clients. Ceracasa, also a Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer is promoting its Emotile personalized ceramics. "We can print on a tile any picture a customer sends us," said Antonio Cucala Ramos, Area Manager. "It can range from something very small like a restaurant logo to something as large as a hotel wall."

Among other innovations displayed today was reflective mosaic tile from Altoglass. The mosaics are good for lighting up in dark areas to make people aware of place such as exits or stairs.

This is just a glimpse of the many new product offerings that are on display at Cevisama 2012.