Conference programming planned for Coverings 2026 will blend multiple modes of instruction—from technical presentations and partner-led sessions to dialogue-driven Q&As and live demos—creating a learning environment that equips showgoers with the strategic and practical knowledge required to navigate a rapidly shifting tile and stone industry. 

One major highlight of the Coverings 2026 conference programming will be a marquee session featuring Gary Sinise, acclaimed actor, humanitarian and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

“Building Hope: A Conversation with Gary Sinise, NTCA, and NSI on Serving Veterans Through Skilled Craftsmanship,” sponsored by MAPEI Corporation at the headline level and PROFLEX® Products, Inc. at the supporting level, is scheduled for April 1, 8:30–9:15 a.m. PDT and will bring Sinise and leaders from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) together. 

The conversation will shed light on their collaborative work through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) program, which constructs custom-built, specially adapted mortgage-free smart homes for the United States’ most severely wounded heroes and recently marked a major milestone with the dedication of its 100th smart home.

Those in attendance of the session will learn how tile and stone professionals have contributed to the smart homes the Foundation builds, and garner practical guidance on ways to participate in future builds, from providing skilled labor and material donations to offering broader advocacy.

Registered professionals for Coverings 2026 will also have full access to nearly two dozen other targeted sessions organized within three core learning tracks: Installation & Fabrication, Materials & Trends and Workforce & Profits. 

Sampling of Several Featured Sessions

“The Most Directional Color and Design Trends,” taking place March 30, 9:30–10:30 a.m., will be one of many opening-day sessions for showgoers to attend as they kick off an information-rich first day. Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, will present her latest color and design trend program, “Sense-Abilities,” which examines the lifestyle cues and emotional triggers shaping consumer design choices. Eiseman will highlight the most directional color and design influences expected to guide product development and project decision-making in the year ahead, drawing on themes that span both nostalgic references and forward-looking inspiration.

Another must-attend education session slated for the first day of Coverings, March 30, is “Get Inspired and Turbocharge Your Business,” taking place from 8–9 a.m. The program will spotlight standout selections from the Tile Heritage Foundation’s (THF) archive of more than 44,000 digital images, demonstrating how historical context can enrich storytelling, reinforce project authenticity, and inspire new concepts that resonate within today’s design landscape. Attendees will gain insight into how THF’s free resources can support and shape strategic business growth and establish long-term industry presence by connecting contemporary tile work with the foundation’s archival legacy. 

A dedicated Architecture & Design (A&D) Day, March 31, will expand Coverings 2026’s educational offerings with six American Institute of Architects (AIA)–accredited courses. These sessions are designed to equip architects and designers with practical knowledge and specification tools that strengthen project outcomes across residential and commercial work. The full lineup will be presented by the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI).

The A&D Day schedule will include CTDA’s “Why Tile” from 8–9 a.m. and “Health and Environmental Benefits of Ceramic Tile” from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. NSI will present “The Art of Specifying Natural Stone” from 8–9 a.m. and “Natural Stone and Green Design” from 9:30–10:30 a.m. NTCA will round out the program with “Introduction to Tile Industry Standards, Methods and Best Practices” from 9:30–10:30 a.m., followed by “Specifying & Installing Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs” from 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Day 2 at Coverings 2026 will also highlight “Inspire, Lead, Grow: Opportunities for Emerging Professionals in Tile and Stone,” scheduled for 12:30–1:30 p.m. This interactive program is designed for emerging professionals and future leaders who want to define meaningful career paths, strengthen critical skill sets, attract and mentor new talent, and gain a deeper understanding of how leadership at all levels drives innovation and progress.

Those attending the Day 3 panel discussion, “Inside the Industry: Leaders on Tile Today,” 9:30–10:30 a.m., will glean perspective from leaders across all tile and stone sectors as they examine current market dynamics, supply chain considerations, evolving customer expectations and emerging business opportunities. The conversation will offer practical insight into how these industry forces are shaping both residential and commercial applications and will present strategies to support long-term success.

Partner education will further enrich the Coverings 2026 learning experience across Days 2 and 3, starting with a special edition of Facades+, presented in partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper, March 31. “Facades+ Las Vegas” will feature a half-day program of design case studies and educational sessions led by leading architects, engineers and contractors (AEC), focusing on the latest advancements in façade technology, materials and best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn three Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) credits from AIA, learn directly from AEC experts and explore a range of materials with full access to the Coverings show floor.

Additional partner-led education will follow during Day 3 with the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone’s (UofCTS) “How to Be a Professional Architectural Sales Rep to Develop ‘Bullet Proof’ Specifications and Get the Order.” This four-hour workshop will focus on how to write a proper specification, how to protect it, and ultimately how to secure the order. The first 20 people to register will also receive a complimentary copy of the comprehensive guide workbook. Separate registration is required for both events and attendees can learn more and register at Coverings.com/education-partners.

Access the Coverings website to explore the full range of educational opportunities for Coverings 2026 and to take advantage of early-bird registration benefits, including cost-free registration through February 1, 2026. 

A standard advance registration fee of $49 will apply from February 2–March 29. Onsite registration will be offered March 30–April 2 for $49 online or $99 in person. Complete registration details, including policies and pricing, are available at Coverings.com/registration-information.