CERAMICS OF ITALY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Practices program - implement- ed in collaboration with CTDA. Strada Dinamica is also an excel- lent meeting point for attendees to enjoy an authentic Italian espresso or pick up a copy of the latest issue of Cer magazine and take a break from the bustling show floor. Trends and innovations The Italian pavilion will be full of inspiration and innovation this year, as 100+ companies exhibit their latest collections, demon- strating their extensive understand- ing of architects’ and designers’ needs. Modern innovations such as large-format tiles will continue to be popular with expanding col- lections in 6 mm ultra thin and large collections that range from metal to stone and marble designs. Outdoor pavers and exterior clad- ding tiles will also demonstrate the multi-faceted approach to tile products that many Italian compa- nies share. Companies also contin- ue to expand upon popular trends like terrazzo and nostalgia-inspired tiles while others experiment with new techniques to create painted effects and combine categories of materials such as marble and wood looks in one design. Innovations and improvements to digital print- ing will be seen as patterns become more intricate and colors become richer. Examples of these advance- ments include botanical-inspired motifs and weathered looks per- fected to capture a natural pas- sage of time. The variety of trends shown within the pavilion are sure to impress and inspire visitors at the show. Events and sessions Along with Strada Dinamica and the exhibitor booths of mem- ber companies, Ceramics of Italy will host a number of special events and sessions during the show. On Wednesday, May 9 at 8:00 am in Room B312, sustain- ability experts including Andrea Contri, Sustainability Manager at Confindustria Ceramica, will tackle the multi-faceted issue of sustainability and how it is per- ceived today. It will also pro- vide an in-depth look at how the industry can combine sus- tainability messaging and various specification tools into a package, which resonates in today’s sustain- ability landscape. Afterwards, at 9:30 am in Room B309, Cristina Faedi, Manager of Promotional Activities for Ceramics of Italy, will discuss the latest tile trends, material innovations and creative applications along with other tile industry experts. Celebrating a special anniversary year, Ceramics of Italy will host a lunch and film screening on May 9 at 12:30 pm in honor of 25 years of the Tile Competition. Design and tile industry professionals are invited to a private Italian lunch and premiere of a film on the pres- tigious awards program, directed 96 TileLetter | 2018