For the first time, YOU get to decide who joins the prestigious ranks of Coverings Champions.
The Coverings Champions program launched in 2025 with four distinguished inaugural honorees carefully selected by the Coverings Board of Directors: Steven Clem, FAIA, ASID, IIDA (Principal, TVS); Tony Malisani (President, Malisani Inc.); Woody Sanders (President, DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting); and Harold Yarborough (Former Chairman, D&B Tile Distributors).
Now, we’re thrilled to introduce the People’s Choice Award to give the community a powerful voice in recognizing the 2026 Champions. From now through Friday, February 20, 2026, you can cast your vote once daily for the industry leader who embodies the Champion spirit and helps make Coverings the premier event it is today.
VOTE DAILY BELOW!
What is a Coverings Champion?
Coverings Champions are distinguished industry leaders recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the success and growth of the Coverings event. These dedicated advocates invest significant time, energy, and resources to advance Coverings through educational sessions, expert panels, special projects, and outreach efforts—driving industry innovation while elevating the tile and stone community as a whole.
Meet Your 2026 People's Choice Award Nominees
Scott Conwell
Director of Market Development, International Masonry Institute | Chicago, Illinois
Scott Conwell, FAIA, FCSI, CDT, LEED AP, is a licensed architect who has championed tile and stone excellence for over three decades. A Coverings Ambassador since the program’s inception and 22-time attendee, he has presented at 14 Coverings conferences on topics from large-format tile to sustainable design. Scott serves on numerous industry committees including TCNA, NTCA, and NSI, and was a founding advisor for the ACT program. In 2021, he received the Carl V. Cesery Award for Service to the Ceramic Tile Industry. With over 1,400 seminars delivered worldwide and 30,000+ LinkedIn followers, Scott is a tireless educator and influencer advancing best practices in tile and stone.
Jennifer Richinelli
Editorial Director, Stone World | Verona, New Jersey
Jennifer Richinelli has covered the stone and tile industries since 1996. A nearly 30-year Coverings attendee, she has reported extensively on innovations, exhibitors, and industry trends while building deep relationships across the tile, stone, and fabrication community. Jennifer has served on the Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards judging panel for over 15 years, bringing valuable stone expertise to the evaluation process. She has also actively identified and nominated emerging talent for the Coverings Rock Stars program. Through articles, video interviews, and podcasts, Jennifer has documented countless quarries, fabrication shops, and industry developments, consistently elevating the voices and stories that shape our industry.
Betty Sullivan
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Architectural Ceramics, Inc. dba Architessa | Rockville, Maryland
Betty Sullivan purchased Architessa in 2019 after joining in 1992 and rising through accounting, VP, President, and CEO roles. From a big Greek family with career stops as a hairdresser, patent licensing professional, and accountant, Betty brought diverse experience to growing Architessa from a tile shop to a national presence. A passionate Coverings supporter, she calls the show “like going to camp” and has participated through exhibiting, nominating young leaders for the Coverings Rock Stars program, education, and bringing staff and clients. Betty actively promotes Coverings as essential for industry education and networking, working closely with show organizers to strengthen community connections and advance the tile and stone industry.
Dan Welch
President, Welch Tile | Kent City, Michigan
Dan Welch is the owner and president of Welch Tile, an NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor, and a respected leader in the tile and stone industry with decades of hands-on experience. He was instrumental in developing NTCA’s apprenticeship program and has served on committees shaping training and technical standards across the trade. A Coverings attendee since the early 2000s, Dan played a foundational role in the Installation Design Showcase, participating in the first live installation in 2010 and returning for projects like the Clubhouse Bar & Lounge at Coverings 2016 and West Michigan Tiled Tiny House at Coverings 2017. He has also contributed as a speaker and panelist on contractor collaboration and installation best practices. NTCA President from 2013-2014, Dan received Tile Person of the Year in 2012 and the Ring of Honor in 2017.
Cast Your Vote Today!
This is your chance to celebrate the individuals who inspire you and help make Coverings the premier event it is today. Vote once per day through Friday, February 20, and make your voice heard!
VOTE NOW:
The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced in March. Stay tuned for updates and don’t forget to vote daily!