Chicago Tile Expo

Thursday, May 22, 2025 | Addison, Illinois
3LU/HSW

Join us for the Chicago Tile Expo, sponsored by the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA), with support from local organizations and material suppliers. 

Throughout the event, you'll gain valuable insights into large format tile (LFT) design and installation, including the challenges and opportunities unique to LFT, tile sizing categories, and substrate flatness tolerances. You’ll also have the chance to participate in a guided tour of ceramic tile mockups, led by apprentice instructors and journeyman tile installers, where you’ll explore various stages of the installation process—from substrate preparation and membrane application to tile setting and grouting.

Additionally, you'll learn the essential grout types as defined by ANSI standards, reviewing key characteristics such as color consistency, workability, and cleanability while addressing the aesthetic contributions of grout in tile assemblies. You’ll also review tile expansion joint requirements based on TCNA guidelines to ensure durability and performance.

IMI Grouting Photo

This program is ideal for architects, contractors, and other design and construction professionals. View detailed mock-ups and engage in a Q&A with skilled tile installers. Registration is free, and lunch is provided.

Agenda

11-11:30 a.m. | Registration, Tabletops
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch & Seminar #1
12:30-1:30 p.m. | Tile Mockup Tour
1:30-2 p.m. | Tabletops
2-3 p.m. | Seminar #2

Where

BAC District Council Training Center
2140 Corporate Drive
Addison, Illinois 60101

Cost

While the seminar is free, registration is required. 

Learning objectives

  • Learn the setting methods, system components, and substrate preparation techniques that ensure durable, code-compliant large-format tile installations.

  • Explore design options, applications, and grout characteristics to enhance large format tile aesthetics, including color consistency and workability.

  • Discuss how grout selection and joint width impact tile alignment, overall aesthetics, and design harmony.

  • Review tile expansion joint design and post-installation care to ensure longevity and support healthy indoor environments.

  • Summarize applicable codes and standards to design and specify large format tile work that meets industry best practices.

Speakers 

Scott Conwell, FAIA, FCSI, CDT, LEED AP
IMI Director Of Industry Development And Technical Services

Scott Conwell-2Scott is a licensed architect and Director of Industry Development with the International Masonry Institute, where he has dedicated nearly 30 years to educating design and construction professionals on best practices in tile, stone, terrazzo, and masonry. He has presented over 1,400 AIA-registered seminars in the US and abroad and is a frequent contributor to many design and tile industry publications. He was awarded the Cesery Award by the Tile Contractors’ Association of America for his service to the tile industry, and he is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (FCSI).

Mike Spatz
BAC District Council Training Center Tile Coordinator 

Mike Spatz head shot-1

Mike has been involved in the tile industry for 35 years as a tile finisher, setter, foreman, and superintendent for one of the largest tile contractors in the Chicagoland area. Mike is an ACT certified installer (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers). While in the field, he oversaw some of the largest projects in the city of Chicago. Mike is currently the tile coordinator at the District Council Training Center and is responsible for all apprentice, journey worker upgrades, and ACT training.

Tyler Barton
MAPEI Sales Representative

Tyler

With over two decades of dedication to MAPEI Corporation, Tyler brings deep industry knowledge and a passion for quality craftsmanship to every project. He began his career in Technical Services, where he worked closely with Quality Control to design and implement ISO standards for the U.S. Technical Services Department.

Tyler also served as the National Trainer for MAPEI’s U.S. retail division, where he transformed technical expertise into practical, impactful training for teams nationwide. For the past 21 years, he has excelled in commercial, architectural, and residential sales, building strong relationships and delivering solutions across diverse market sectors.

A committed industry professional, Tyler is in his 9th year as a CSI member, has been an Associate Member of the Ceramic Tile Contractors Association of Chicago for 20 years, and a proud member of the Professional Floorcovering Installers Association for 8 years.

Questions

For questions or more information, contact Scott Conwell at  sconwell@imiweb.org or (312) 857-5667.

Industry Sponsors 

 ctcac   TCAA Logo (refined 10-3-18)