NTCA Leaders Share Expert Knowledge at Qualicer 2026
CASTELLÓN, SPAIN -- Leaders from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) played a prominent role at Qualicer 2026, held June 10th to 11th in Castellón, Spain. They contributed expertise on evolving installation practices and the future of the global tile industry. Jeremy Sax, deputy director of the NTCA, and Woody Sanders, executive board member, participated in key sessions addressing innovation, installation quality and emerging system technologies shaping exterior and interior tile applications.
In a featured presentation at Qualicer 2026, Sanders highlighted how pedestal systems, combined with porcelain pavers, are expanding opportunities in exterior tile installations. Sanders discussed how these elevated assembly systems help address longstanding challenges associated with traditional exterior installations, including drainage, leveling, substrate movement and long-term durability. By improving performance in demanding outdoor environments, pedestal systems are enabling broader design flexibility and new applications for tile in commercial and residential projects.
Sanders’ firm, DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting, is also recognized as an NTCA Five-Star Accredited Residential Contractor, reflecting its commitment to craftsmanship and industry best practices.
A second high-profile session brought together international experts to examine the future of tile installation across global markets, with participation from Spain, North America and Australia. The panel was moderated by Sax and focused on improving installation quality through stronger alignment among design intent, specifications, workforce qualifications, standards and emerging technologies.
Panelists included:
- Ignacio Saera Monsonís, member of the board, Castellón Architects’ Association
- Woody Sanders, president, D.W. Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting
- Tim Christopher, quality manager, Lendlease Australia
- Dale Kempster, director of North American international technical network, Schluter Systems Canada
The discussion emphasized the increasing complexity of modern tile installations driven by large-format tile, gauged porcelain panels, modular construction, advanced waterproofing systems, uncoupling technologies and evolving workforce certification programs.
Participation by NTCA leadership at Qualicer 2026 underscores the association’s continued commitment to advancing installation standards, supporting workforce development and fostering global collaboration across the tile industry.
Through engagement with international experts and industry innovators, NTCA continues to help shape best practices that support higher-quality, more durable, and more innovative tile installations worldwide.
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