practices relative to a multitude of distinctive tile installations in a fully functioning kitchen, a bathroom with heated tile floor, vintage fire- place upgrade and grand installa- tion of a contemporary shower sys- tem. These state-of-the-art projects will involve glass tile, porcelain, gauged porcelain panels, natural stone and other cutting-edge tile products and breakthrough technol- ogy installation systems. Entering via a self-guided, desig- nated pathway, guest/participants will journey through room after room of fully interactive installa- tions with top representatives post- ed along the way to answer any and all questions. They’ll have the opportunity to speak with industry experts regarding key processes, learning new strategies and experi- encing hands-on demonstrations of the most modern of technologies. Other highlights include photo- graphic retrospectives in the Hall of Failures and the Hall of Excellence that show the difference between the right way and wrong way to per- form a tile installation. In the Hall of ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers), ACT representatives will be available to discuss the pro- gram with attendees. Part of the Installation Experience includes the Construction Zone, where visitors can experience the progression of the CTI (Certified Tile Installer) Challenge. The CTI Challenge is an exciting, live event designed by CTEF Director Scott Carothers, which pits rival teams of NTCA members who are Certified Tile Installers in a “Fight of the Century” for the best instal- lation. Jason McDaniel, a 2018 Rock Star and owner of Stoneman Construction LLC in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Greg Twarog of Surfaces15, in Downers Grove, Ill., head up the teams of contenders for this good-natured competition. Representatives will be onsite to define, discuss, and demonstrate just what it takes to be a part of the elite group of qualified labor that includes the CTI program and the ultimate group of installers who have achieved the status of being ACT certified. The Installation Experience will conclude with At Home, with Tile. This final installation area NTCA ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Greg Twarog, Surfaces15 Jason McDaniel, Stoneman Construction, LLC, pictured here with his mom. 48 TileLetter | 2018