provide a central meeting point and vibrant hospitality space while displaying a diverse range of

exceptional products and advanced tile applications. Designed by leading architecture and interiors firm HDR, “Giardino all’italiana” features modular and sustainable design elements to showcase the versatility of Italian ceramics – featuring contributions from Appiani, Ceramica Vogue, Cotto d’Este, La Fabbrica, Lea Ceramiche, Mirage, Naxos and Fila Surface Care Solutions – which are applied across the booth’s floors, custom-built furnishings and intricate three-dimensional structures. 

The thoughtfully designed space provides an energetic hub for industry colleagues to gather, network and enjoy an authentic hospitality experience complete with gourmet Italian coffee and pastries from Spuntino, a renowned catering company based in Miami, FL. In addition, the booth will house an information desk to learn more about exhibiting companies and industry initiatives, including Ceramics of Italy’s new “I Choose Responsibility” campaign – a movement to drive awareness about the responsible practices of Italian tile companies – and “Destination: Cersaie,” an annual program that offers North American industry professionals the chance to participate in a dynamic delegation to Cersaie -- the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings -- taking place from September 22 through 26, 2025 in Bologna, Italy.

At this year’s show, the Italian Pavilion will be a visual feast to explore the latest design trends

and cutting-edge innovations in ceramic and porcelain tiles. A strong presence of water-inspired hues and “harvest” tones, that coincide with many 2025 Colors of the Year like Pantone’s “Mocha Mousse,” will be on display; alongside tactile designs embodying imperfectionism and craftsmanship, striking geometric patterns and ribbed fluted surfaces, plus exciting new takes on terrazzo. Additionally, Italian manufacturers are making waves in the prefabricated furnishing space – with new collections including washbasins, toilets, tables and cabinets – while integrated induction cooktops that cater to modern kitchens and baths, antibacterial porcelain surfaces and through-body veining techniques will continue to take center stage. New products for indoor-outdoor living will also be prominent, with brands showcasing collections that create seamless space transitions, while featuring new weather-resistant porcelain pavers, pool coping pieces and pedestal systems that elevate exterior design. Lastly, with environmental design top of mind for Italian manufacturers, collections featuring EPD, LEED and Greenguard certifications will also be at the forefront, as well as a growing number of B Corp-certified companies.

Alongside a panel of top industry experts, Danielle McWilliams, executive vice president of

Novità Communications and marketing representative for Ceramics of Italy, will participate in the annual "Global Tile Trends'' session, where they will discuss the latest trends and

technological advancements in ceramic and porcelain design. This talk will take place on

Tuesday, April 29th, at 11a.m. in Room S230E.

The Ceramics of Italy international press conference will take place on Wednesday, April

30th at 3 p.m. in Room S230C. Armando Cafiero, director general of Ceonfeindustria

Ceramica, and Emilio Mussini, vice chairman of Confindustria Ceramica, will remark on the

state of the industry. Mauro Rullo, sustainability and climate policy manager for Confindustria Ceramica, will discuss the role of sustainability in the Italian ceramics industry and reveal the new “Ceramics of Italy for Responsibility” campaign. Following this, McWilliams will present the latest trends in Italian ceramic design and innovation. Chris Abbate, founder and CEO of Novità Communications, will also reveal the winners of the esteemed 2025 Tile Competition. Recognizing outstanding projects from North American architecture and design firms, the winners will present their exceptional projects, highlighting the finest in Italian ceramic and porcelain design across residential, nonresidential and new applications.

Additionally, top-ranking members of Confindustria Ceramica will reveal the 2025 recipient of

the prestigious Confindustria Ceramica North American Distributor Award. This renowned

annual award honors a company that demonstrates an indispensable knowledge of their trade

and consistently sources a wide selection of Italian ceramic products. This year’s recipient will

be honored during a special celebration on Wednesday, April 30th.