Nominations are open now through extended deadline of Tuesday, December 16.

2026 Rock Star Awards

The Coverings Rock Stars – an Emerging Leaders Program – honors the best and brightest young talent in the tile and stone industry. Since its inception, the program has recognized dozens of young leaders who have connected at Coverings through mentorship and networking opportunities. The program underscores Coverings mission to support the growth and success of the industry by recognizing top-notch talent and fostering networking and educational opportunities.

Nomination for the 2026 Rock Stars are now closed.

Rock Stars & Coverings Champions Awards Ceremony


Join us in Celebrating Excellence at the Rock Stars & Coverings Champion Awards Ceremony

Monday, March 30, 2026
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Location: Coverings Lounge, Booth 6014

Join us for a special celebration honoring excellence across generations in the tile and stone industry. This ceremony brings together two distinguished recognition programs:

The 12th Class of Coverings Rock Stars will be celebrated for their outstanding achievements as emerging leaders making a significant impact in the tile and stone industry. The Rock Star Awards honor their innovation, leadership, and dedication, showcasing the bright future of our field.

Alongside them, we’ll recognize the 2026 Coverings Champion. The Coverings Champion is a visionary who has dedicated countless hours to advancing the show and industry through education, panels, projects, and advocacy. This recognition honors their passion, innovation, and commitment to Coverings.

Join us as we celebrate both our rising stars and established industry leaders who together represent the present and future of excellence in our industry.

(Open to all)

Coverings Emerging Leaders Program

The Coverings Emerging Leaders Program aims to unite and empower young professionals by expanding their networks and fostering a strong sense of community within the tile and stone industry. Through meaningful events at Coverings, the program helps build lasting connections and ensures a welcoming and engaging experience.

The Coverings Emerging Leaders Program is for all young professionals (ages 35 and younger) attending Coverings, including distributors, retailers, contractors, installers, specifiers, fabricators, manufacturers, and more.

  • Participate in networking designed for young professionals to build your personal brand and professional network
  • Invites to Coverings young professionals events 
  • Free registration to Coverings 2026
  • Custom agenda built for young professionals to explore and learn at Coverings 2026, taking place March 30 – April 2 in Las Vegas

Monday, March 30, Room C101

1:00 – 1:45 PM: Presentation

1:45 – 2:30 PM: Roundtable Discussions

2:30 – 2:45 PM: Break

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Tile Trends Presentation & Show Floor Tour

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Rock Stars & Coverings Champions Awards Ceremony

Celebrating the 2026 Rock Stars: Leaders in Tile & Stone

Meet Our 2026 Coverings Rock Stars!

Discover the rising stars honored at the 2026 Rock Stars & Coverings Champions Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding talent and innovation in the tile and stone industry.

Catherine Atkins

Thorntree Fine Porcelain & Natural Stone
Dallas, TX

Michael Ray

Ray's Renovation
Ramer, TN

Hector Ruiz

HR Tile
Glenwood Springs, CO

Joppe Aguirre

Cascadia Tile Company LLC
Bend, OR

JP Baggett

Elite Tile Setters
South Jordan, UT

Mauricio Rapalo

Prominent Tile LLC
Houston, TX

Neil Levens

Levens Renovations LLC
Corpus Christi, TX

Nicko Dimaandal

Tsunami Homes
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Angie Gonzalez

Nico Tati Designs
Rockwall, TX

Jennifer Hutton

Grau Design Studio
Durham, NC

Liany Arvelo

C4 Architecture
Orlando, FL

Vidya Walia

Arista International, Inc.
Tempe, AZ

Leonardo Guardia

Cortag Tools USA Corporation
Hiram, GA

Sara White

Novità Communications
New York, NY

Vanessa Leite

PBA Stones
Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil

Anna McCortney

Ultimate Flooring
Akron, OH

Jessica Jackson

L & L Flooring and Design
Nashville, TN

Noah Marques

Marques Countertops
Slidell, LA

Vanessa Leite

PBA Stones
Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil

Anna McCortney

Ultimate Flooring
Akron, OH

Scenes From the 2025 Rock Star Awards Ceremony

Take a glimpse at the memorable moments from the 2025 Rock Star Awards Ceremony.

Young Professionals Session

One Hit Wonder OR Future Hall of Famer?

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 18 3:30-4 PM
Presenter:  Wally Adamchik, CSP, CMC – President, Firestarter Speaking and Consulting
Location: The Coverings Lounge (Booth 4209)

Rock star today, legend tomorrow? Join Wally Adamchik, Founder of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, as he presents his take on how you go from today’s Rock Star to tomorrow’s Hall of Famer. Gain insight into how to develop your leadership skills and navigate the next steps in your professional journey.