The new Hammer+Nails Education track at TISE will include roundtable discussions and classes of interest to stone and tile industry attendees.


NTCA Roundtable Workshop

Presented by David Bonasera On Tuesday, January 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a three-part workshop involving problem solving issues you will find in the field. Tile installation, subfloor and material problems, fabrication and materials currently in the country and restoration solutions and trouble shooting issues will be covered. Each participant will have 20 minutes with each instructor on problems identifying incorrect materials or human error,  so you can get paid at the end of the job or not take the job. This roundtable workshop will be presented by David Bonasera.


Glues and Adhesives for the Fabrication and Restoration Industry

Presented by David Bonasera and Mike Beckmann

Tuesday, January 22 ,

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This presentation will compare the many adhesive chemistries used in the stone fabrication and restoration industry, including epoxy, polyester, and acrylic. Newer chemistries including poly epoxy, urethanes, and urethane hybrid systems will also be covered.  The presentation will focus on the comparative properties of these chemistries, and will highlight the pros and cons of each.  The presenter will also discuss some of the “do’s and don’ts” when using these adhesives.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will gain a better understanding of the types of adhesives that are available to stone industry professions.
participants and the presenters will discuss the chemistry behind each type of adhesives and how the chemistry affects usage.
Learn to create a plan for determining the best adhesives for a situation, and review case studies of installation applications.


Livin’ Large: Critical Considerations for Large Format Tile Installations

Presented by Mark Heinlein
 and Robb Roderick

Three Sessions:
Wednesday, January 23,
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, January 24 from 11:00  a.m. to 12:00  p.m. Friday, January 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

The larger the tile the faster it goes down, right? Join NTCA experts and explore the critical need for substrate preparation flatness, mortar and trowel selection, and bond coat coverage for large tiles.  Learn how proper preparation and techniques improve production and profits.


About the Presenters

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Mike Beckmann graduated from the University of Missouri—Rolla in December, 1982 with a BS in Chemistry. At PPG Industries, he used his epoxy knowledge to develop coatings for metal office furniture, and also gained experience in wood coatings and radiation cure technologies (ultraviolet and electron beam curing of polyesters and acrylics). In 1992, he arranged to purchase Bonstone, Inc. from then-owner (and stone adhesive pioneer) King Harte.

The resultant company, now named Bonstone Materials Corporation, has since grown more than eight-fold in sales and number of employees. Mike continues to work full-time as President and Chief Chemist at Bonstone. 


David Bonasera, CTC, CSI, Owner of ESP/Environmentally Safe Products and Procedures in San Jose, CA has been specializing in the repair and restoration of natural stone and tile since 1986. David’s main source of business is following improper installation work of other contractors, new installation preservation and repair and education of natural stone and tile. Since 1989, David has also been one of the top indoor air quality experts dealing with toxins in homes. For 10 years, David had a TV show dealing with environmental issues, immune deficiency and pulmonary disorders. 


Mark Heinlein is a trainer and presenter for the National Tile Contractors Association. He is CTEF Certified Tile Installer #1112 and a former tile contractor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Mark travels the eastern half of the United States conducting training workshops and connecting with tile professionals to ensure all installations meet industry standards.


Robb Roderick is the newest National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) technical trainer and presenter. He has been in the tile industry for nearly 25 years, a Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, installer and member of NTCA. He has worked with homeowners, builders, architects, and interior design professionals on both residential and commercial projects. Roderick graduated from Missouri State university in 2000 and served in the United States Army as a medic. His travels throughout the United States giving educational programs and workshops for the NTCA.


Visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com/converge for a full list of seminars, roundtables and educational sessions for professionals in the flooring stone and tile industries.