As the summer approaches, a more relaxed mindset begins to set in. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and you have the right to eat unlimited amounts of ice cream. What’s there not to love?

Sitting here, I’m reflecting on another traveling season, packed full of interactive tradeshows and industry events. I have had the chance to sit down and begin to take in how much things have changed. And over such a short period of time. Whether we’re talking about tile sizes, installation standards or state-of-the-art products, something is always new in this industry.

Whenever I attend another exhibition, such as Coverings which was just held in Atlanta, GA, I’m eager to see what companies have to offer, but more importantly, how things have been going. For years, I’ve been hearing how business has been “getting better,” but now I feel like things areactually much better, especially after all of the positive feedback I received from exhibitors and attendees during the show.

The four-day event was hosted at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, from May 8 to 11. Spanning almost 4,000,000 square feet, with more than 1,100 exhibitors, this year’s edition was one of the largest ever. It is deemed the largest tile and stone exhibition in North America for a reason — and has proven why it is a must-see event for architects, designers, contractors, installers and fabricators alike. Endless rows of new tile products, stone collections and flooring options lined both halls within the convention center, along with a range of machinery, tooling, accessories and other products. Head to pg. 30 to find out more about what we saw while perusing Coverings this year, and don’t miss our product showcase focused on tile tools and accessories, beginning on pg. 24.

With a lot of the focus placed on new tile designs and sizes nowadays, the behind-the-scenes products aren’t often in spotlight, although they are vital aspects to every tile installation. For an exclusive selection of the newest underlayments available, flip to pg. 38.

In the meantime, while the second quarter winds down, be sure to enjoy any free time you get — whether it’s with family, friends or loved ones. Time is one of the few things in life that we can’t get back, and often times, the one thing we take for granted.

Sincerely,

Heather Fiore

Editor