Since the start of 2025, we have been off and running. From trade shows to our Stone Industry Education events to other meet-ups where we networked and learned, we have been out doing what we love best – catching up with old friends, making new ones and gaining more insight into issues at the top of mind for industry members.

The majority of the time, the educational sessions we attend – whether it be a fabricator forum, panel discussion or given by one presenter – are peers sharing experiences, challenges and solutions. They are platforms for engagement and to learn from each other.

I am writing this after recently returning from the Stone Industry Education event hosted by Cosentino in Houston, TX. At workshops such as this, attendees are always told they get out of it what they put into it. This group took it to heart, because they were talkative – sharing their stories and asking questions. The day-long seminar covered everything from material trends to maintaining and restoring natural stone to shop safety. And for us, attending industry events such as this one, educates us more, which we then share with all of you – especially to those that might not be able to get away from their shop or office.

A summary of the discussion on maintaining and restoring natural stone can be found here. Look for more highlights from that event soon.

Also, in this edition, we share our story about Tile of Spain’s 2025 Passport to Creativity Tour. This trip is always a wonderful learning experience, where leading Spanish tile industry professionals guide a group of architects, designers and journalists on a colorful expedition to discover both the beauty and technical components of tile production.