More than 300 people participated in Total Solutions, held September 16-18, in St. Louis, Missouri. For the first time ever, NTCA offered the program for free to the industry, drawing rave reviews for the content and quality of the conference.

Topics included live demonstrations of glass tile installations and self-leveling underlayments, a panel presentation on mold, and several business oriented sessions aimed at making tile contractors more profitable. George Hedley of Hardhat Presentations, a successful general contractor, delivered the keynote address.

In addition to the educational sessions, 51 manufacturers and distributors participated in a tabletop networking event. The Annual Awards banquet featured a humorous presentation from emcee Mack Dryden, and special ceremonies for NTCA, including its annual tile person of the year winner, Gene Weis of Bettendorf, Iowa. A new ceremony, the NTCA Ring of Honor, recognizing contractor and associate dedication to NTCA for an entire career, was a highlight of the evening. Bob Roberson of the David Allen Company and Richard Doty of Texas Cement Products were the first recipients of the rings. NTCA President Scott Carothers handed over the gavel to new incoming President Don Scott at the completion of the program.

Total Solutions 2005 will be held September 9th-10th, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, contact Executive Director Bart Bettiga at bart@tile-assn.com or 601-939-2071.