March 18, 2026 – LAS VEGAS – Coverings (coverings.com), the leading international tile and stone exhibition and conference in North America, has announced 22 honorees for two of the show’s prestigious annual awards programs, including this year’s Rock Star Award recipients and the 2026 Coverings Champions, ahead of the show’s return to the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 30-April 2, 2026.

The Coverings Rock Stars, an Emerging Leaders Program, emphasizes Coverings’ mission to support the success and growth of the tile and stone industry by celebrating the best and brightest young leaders.

The 18 Coverings Rock Star inductees were selected following an extensive candidate review by a panel of tile and stone industry leaders. The winners hail from numerous industry segments and comprise top-notch talent known for fostering networking and educational opportunities.

Builder/Remodeler (2):

Catherine Atkins, Architectural Sales
Thorntree Fine Porcelain & Natural Stone
Dallas, Texas, United States

Michael Ray, Owner
Ray’s Renovation
Ramer, Tenn., United States

Contractor/Installer (6):

Hector Ruiz, CEO
HR Tile
Glenwood Springs, Colo., United States

Joppe Aguirre, Owner/Installer
Cascadia Tile Company LLC
Bend, Ore., United States

JP Baggett, Business Development
Elite Tile Setters
South Jordan, Utah, United States
 
Mauricio Rapalo, Owner
Prominent Tile LLC
Houston, Texas, United States
 
Neil Levens, Installer/Owner
Levens Renovations LLC
Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
 
Nicko Dimaandal, Owner & Creative Director
Tsunami Homes
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Designer (3):

Angie Gonzalez, Principal Designer/Owner
Nico Tati Designs
Rockwall, Texas, United States
 
Jennifer Hutton, Principal Designer/Creative Director
Grau Design Studio
Durham, N.C., United States

Liany Arvelo, Designer II
C4 Architecture
Orlando, Fla., United States

Distributor (1):

Vidya Walia, CEO
Arista International, Inc.
Tempe, Ariz., United States

Manufacturer (1):

Leonardo Guardia, Technical Director and Partner
Cortag Tools USA Corporation
Hiram, Ga., United States

Other – Marketing (2):

Sara White, Associate Account Director
Novità Communications
New York, N.Y., United States

Vanessa Leite, Marketing Manager
PBA Stones
Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil

Retailer (2):

Anna McCortney, Operations Manager
Ultimate Flooring
Akron, Ohio, United States

Jessica Jackson, Builder Sales & Design
L & L Flooring and Design
Nashville, Tenn., United States

Stone Fabricator (1):

Noah Marques, Manager
Marques Countertops
Slidell, La., United States

The Coverings Champions, an awards program first introduced at Coverings 2025, recognizes industry leaders for their outstanding contributions and advocacy for the Coverings show and tile and stone community. These influential visionaries are dedicated supporters who passionately promote the event and invest significant time, energy and resources to its advancement. Through their involvement in educational sessions, expert panels, special projects and outreach efforts, Coverings Champions drive industry innovation while elevating the Coverings experience and the future of the tile and stone community at large. 

Coverings selected four nominees for the 2026 Coverings Champion, People’s Choice Award and invited the tile and stone industry to vote. Online voting took place Feb. 9-20, 2026, givingthe tile and stone community a powerful voice in recognizing an industry leader who truly makes a difference. The four 2026 Coverings Champions, People’s Choice Nominee were:

Betty Sullivan
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Architectural Ceramics, Inc. DBA Architessa
Rockville, Md., United States

Jennifer Richinelli
Editorial Director
Stone World
Verona, N.J., United States

Dan Welch
President
Welch Tile
Kent City, Mich., United States

Scott Conwell
FAIA, FCSI, CDT, LEED AP,
Director of Market Development
International Masonry Institute
Chicago, Ill., United States

The 2026 Coverings Champion, People’s Choice recipient is Jennifer Richinelli, having received nearly 1,500 votes. Richinelli, selected by her peers across the tile, stone, and fabrication industries, is recognized for her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the industry and the Coverings show, including serving on the Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards judging panel for more than 15 years. 

The 2026 Rock Star Awards & Coverings Champions Ceremony will take place in The Coverings Lounge, Booth 6014, Monday, March 30, 4-5 p.m. PDT, honoring this year’s Rock Stars alongside the 2026 People’s Choice Coverings Champion and Finalists. Showgoers are invited to participate in the festivities by attending the ceremony. 

Coverings 2026 attendees can learn more about the Rock Stars & Coverings Champions Awards Ceremony at coverings.com/coverings-rock-stars. For more information and to register to attend Coverings 2026, visit Coverings.com.

About Coverings: Coverings is the largest and preeminent ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and exposition in the United States and North America. It features exhibitors from 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world with 1,000 exhibitors. 

The exposition and conference, with more than 35 years of successful history, serve as a valuable and complimentary learning resource for all segments of the industry, with dozens of educational opportunities throughout the show. Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders, real estate developers, as well as journalists, reporters, broadcasters, podcasters and bloggers who cover the vital tile and stone industry.

Key sponsors of the show are Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association of Spain (ASCER)/Tile of Spain, Tile Council of North America (TCNA), National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and International Product Assurance (IPA) Laboratories. 

The show is managed by Taffy Event Strategies. 

For more information about attending, sponsoring or exhibiting at Coverings 2026, contact Taffy Event Strategies at 571-313-5801 or [email protected]. 

Media/press contact for questions, interviews, additional photos, press tour attendance, etc.: Eberly & Collard Public Relations. See the contacts/email addresses listed at the top of this release.

Transformative Tradeshow Hosts 1,500 of the Industry’s Leading Retailers and Vendors, Showcasing Industry Innovation, New Product Launches, and the Power of POOLCORP’s Retail Commitment

COVINGTON, La., [February 4, 2026] – Last month, Pool Corporation (NASDAQ/GSM:POOL), the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products, hosted the 15th annual POOLCORP Retail Summit in Houston, Texas, bringing together more than 1,500 pool professionals and vendors for the industry’s only retail-focused event and tradeshow. The Summit marked a pivotal moment for POOLCORP and its vendors, with the introduction of exclusive products and strategic initiatives designed to support independent pool retailers and drive growth in the 2026 season.

“The Retail Summit is all about creating an environment where our pool retail customers can learn, grow, and maximize their success heading into the pool season,” said Kendall Large, Vice President of Marketing at POOLCORP. “This year’s Summit was an incredible way to kick off the year – bringing together hands-on product demos, impactful training, inspirational keynotes, and exclusive vendor offers designed to help our retailers operate smarter and drive stronger margins for the 2026 pool season and beyond.”

Summit programming kicked off with a high-energy general session led by the POOLCORP leadership team, spotlighting several new product and program launches, including:

• The Regal® Royal Treatment™ and E-Z Clor® Gold Standard™ chemical systems –
  elevated pool care routines, delivering superior water clarity and comfort that simplifies
  the overall pool maintenance experience for both DIY pool owners and service pros alike.
• The breakthrough SuperPro® XTREME Filter – which is one of the most innovative pool
  filtration products on the market, takes a single-element solution that can operate at the
  same performance level as a quad filter.
• New, exclusive vendor partnerships with Aiper and Moov, reinforcing POOLCORP’s
  commitment to bringing innovative, differentiated solutions to independent pool retailers.

Building on the momentum, POOLCORP highlighted its continued investment in retailer success through technology, marketing, and sales support. The company’s newly established Retail Solutions Team led a robust training curriculum with focused classes on retail branding and advanced selling strategies. In addition, retailer-only Peer-to-Peer Discussions created a candid, interactive forum for independent business owners to exchange ideas and real-world experiences – underscoring the collaborative spirit that makes this industry event unique.

Excitement at the Summit continued throughout the tradeshow floor, where the industry’s most trusted suppliers and leading retail brands showcased their latest product innovations and demonstrated their continued commitment to supporting independent retailers through exclusive deals and offerings available only at the Retail Summit.

“Our focus continues to center around delivering tangible value for our retail customers by helping them enhance their product portfolio, in-store experience, and supporting their profitability throughout the season,” said Jonathan Pechon, Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations at POOLCORP. “By leaning into our deep relationships with the industry’s most trusted and leading suppliers, we’re able to create exclusive opportunities that help retailers improve in-season margins and compete more effectively in their local markets.”

In addition to industry updates and product innovation, the Summit also highlighted technology solutions designed to streamline retail operations and support long-term growth. POOLCORP introduced a next-generation POOL360.com ordering experience, offering flexible shipment, delivery and pick up options for its nationwide inventory network along with real-time order tracking. The company also showcased the latest feature enhancements within POOL360 WaterTest and POOL360 PoolService, reinforcing its commitment to providing integrated digital tools that simplify operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience for the independent pool retailers.

The 2026 Retail Summit underscored the power and potential of independent pool retailers and the innovation shaping the industry’s future. Those who missed the event can view key moments by watching our Summit highlight reel. For more information about POOLCORP’s retail programs, or to attend next year’s Summit, retailers are encouraged to contact their local POOLCORP Sales Center or visit POOLCORP.com to find the location nearest them.

About POOLCORP
Pool Corporation is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products. POOLCORP operates over 450 sales centers in North America, Europe and Australia, through which it distributes more than 200,000 products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers. For more information about POOLCORP, please visit www.poolcorp.com and follow @poolcorp on social media.

Media Relations Contact:
Kendall Large
727.515.5046
[email protected]

From Seamless Vinyl Liner Solutions to Popular Plunge Pools, Latham Ushers in Innovation

LATHAM, N.Y. (January 27, 2026) – As it marks 70 years of shaping the backyard experience, Latham Group, Inc. [NASDAQ: SWIM], the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, plans to make a splash at the 2026 Pool & Spa Show with a wave of new product introductions and a noteworthy new partnership. From advancements in plunge pools and spas to vinyl pool liners and autocovers, the Latham exhibit will showcase an array of innovative solutions designed to elevate any outdoor space. The company’s milestone anniversary will also be marked by a newly announced partnership as an official sponsor of USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS). 

“Our 70th anniversary is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a statement about where we’re headed,” said Sean Gadd, president and CEO of Latham. “The innovations we’re showcasing at the 2026 Pool & Spa Show reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering smarter, more versatile pool solutions, while our partnership with USA Artistic Swimming reinforces our deep connection to the water-centric lifestyle.”

Partnership with USA Artistic Swimming 

United by a commitment to excellence, premium performance and a love of swimming, Latham’s partnership with USAAS aims to inspire families to experience the confidence and joy that come from time in the water. Announced earlier this month, Latham’s sponsorship of USAAS will leverage the company’s national footprint to build awareness of the sport while showcasing the superior design and features of Latham pools. Latham will amplify these messages by sharing the stories of USAAS athletes and how they discovered their love of swimming across its website, social channels and water safety and swimming education initiatives.

“Latham is proud to support USA Artistic Swimming because the sport reflects everything we stand for – precision, performance and a deep love of spending time in and around the water,” Gadd added.

Fiberglass at the Forefront

On the product front, the Latham exhibit (#2619) will feature the brand’s full range of industry-leading outdoor living solutions with fiberglass taking center stage.

Homeowners are increasingly turning to fiberglass pools for their blend of strength, style and minimal upkeep. Made from tightly woven glass fibers encased in durable resin, these shells deliver long-lasting performance while maintaining a polished, modern appearance. Latham’s latest fiberglass offerings, including plunge pools and built-in pool and spa combos, help homeowners bring any backyard vision to life. 

In the plunge pool category, there’s no shortage of demand with today’s savvy homeowners seeking versatile, compact solutions to elevate smaller outdoor spaces without compromising functionality. In fact, data from Pkdata indicates that 40% of residential plunge pool builders report a noticeable increase in demand for these products since 2022. Latham is expanding its award-winning plunge pool selection with the addition of two new Milan models. Measuring 8’ x 14’ and 10’ x 20’ respectively, these versatile, fiberglass plunge designs feature swim-up seating and slip resistant steps, delivering compact design and endless enjoyment for even the smallest backyards.

“The surge in plunge pool popularity reflects a growing trend toward resort-style living in a smaller, more efficient footprint. We’re focused on delivering innovations that help professionals bring these compact, high-impact projects to life with ease,” Gadd explained.

Pools with built-in spas are also quickly becoming a top choice for homeowners wanting backyard recreation and relaxation. These integrated designs offer a sense of luxury and sophistication, combining two experiences in a single installation. For these customers, Latham has three new offerings: 

• Axiom 12 Deluxe: With fluid design and modern elegance, Axiom 12 is a 12’ x 26’ pool with a built-in spa featuring swim-up seating and multiple points of entry, perfect for soaking up the sun or splashing around the pool.  
• Axiom 14 Deluxe: Experience the best of both worlds with the Axiom 14 Deluxe — a 14’ x 30’ spacious evolution of the classic Axiom, blending a full-size pool and built-in spa for endless ways to relax, refresh and reconnect.
• Bermuda 12 Deluxe: Compact in size but rich in features, the 12’ x 26’ Bermuda 12 Deluxe combines a full-sized pool experience with a built-in spa — offering abundant swim-up seating and ample swim space.

Designs Without Borders 

Sleek, uninterrupted pool design has gained traction with homeowners looking to elevate both the aesthetics and durability of their pools. This shift reflects a broader desire for clean, contemporary outdoor spaces that feel luxurious and low maintenance. This year, Latham’s proprietary Ultra-Seam® technology, which is commonly used on pool floors, will expand to pool walls to create a virtually seamless design aesthetic. Latham’s Ultra-Seam vinyl liners provide a virtually seam-free appearance and are stronger than standard welded seams on liners. Since the introduction of Ultra-Seam, Latham has produced more than one million liners with this game-changing seamless technology, providing aesthetic and functional benefits. 

Also new for 2026, Latham has revamped its collection of vinyl pool liners. Introducing new patterns in its Borderless, Traditional and TrueStone collections, these expanded offerings are tailored for design-savvy homeowners looking to build a pool with colors and patterns that reflect their personal style. New designs include various hues of blues, beiges and greys in a variety of sandstone, marble and destination-inspired patterns. 

Additionally, Latham plans to debut two new compact vinyl liner pool spas. Available in round and square options, these 92” models are ideally suited for homeowners with limited outdoor space or for those looking to integrate a spillover spa into their pool. Built with Latham’s gel-coat fiberglass construction, these spas offer added strength, durability and ease of installation. 

Autocovers and Accessories 

Today’s pool installers are navigating higher expectations from homeowners who demand not only beautiful backyard spaces but enhanced safety and efficiency as well. Latham’s latest solutions help professionals meet these demands – streamlining installation, reducing maintenance and providing essential safety features.

• Next-Generation Touch Pad Controller: Launching this summer, the touch pad controller is designed for convenience and system reliability and supports multiple pin-codes to open and close the cover without having to remember your key. Installers can limit the amperage of the system manually or automatically to protect the mechanism and enhance reliability of the system.

• T4 & Hinged Sliders: The new Hinged Slider features a tab-free design, delivering enhanced performance and reliability, smoother operation and simplified installation for builders. For competitive system conversions, the T4 Slider and End Pulley System Replacement Kit provide a convenient solution to retrofit cable-driven T4 systems with the reliability and performance of a Coverstar system without the need for replacement encapsulation or track.

• Box Perimeter Quick Attach Kit: The new quick attach kit helps make micro-adjustments faster to reduce installation time, improve system reliability and installation accuracy. Compatible with CS3000, Infinity, Eclipse and Atom Mechanism, and works with X1232 BP Encapsulation.

• Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Walk-on Lid Brackets: The New Cast Stainless Steel Brackets are the strongest brackets in the industry and have been optimized to increase stability of your lid stones to provide the utmost protection to your system and your family.

Attendees of the Pool & Spa Show can preview these products (and more) by visiting Latham Pool Products in Booth #2619. For additional information, visit LathamPool.com.  

About Latham, the Pool Company

Headquartered in Latham, NY, Latham Group, Inc., is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools and pool accessories in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With over 60 years of experience and a coast-to-coast operations platform across 24 locations, the company offers a broad range of pool products, including fiberglass, vinyl liner, and automatic safety covers, all designed to provide homeowners with the highest quality and value. For more information, visit www.lathampool.com.