The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) will recognize industry leaders Luigi Di Geso and Dan Lambert during Coverings in Las Vegas next week. Held in partnership with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the annual NTCA Awards Ceremony will take place 5:30 p.m. on Wed., April 1, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Room N246.
The NTCA will present the prestigious Joe Tarver Lifetime Achievement Award to Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO of MAPEI North America. Di Geso has been an integral part of the MAPEI business family for decades, serving as general manager of MAPEI Inc. in Canada from 2004 to 2009 before being appointed president and CEO of MAPEI North America.
Under his leadership, the company has expanded from three product lines to a diverse portfolio of 19 lines serving construction and flooring professionals. MAPEI’s operational footprint has also grown significantly, increasing from 12 to 25 state-of-the-art facilities across North America and the Caribbean.
The NTCA will also honor Dan Lambert as the 2026 NTCA Tile Person of the Year. Respected and admired by peers, employees, suppliers and customers alike, Lambert is co-owner of Lambert Tile and Stone in Eagle, Colo., alongside his wife and business partner Elizabeth.
Lambert Tile and Stone is a Five-Star Accredited Contracting company, specializing in high-end residential tile installation, which has received multiple NTCA awards and national recognition for outstanding business practices. A dedicated industry volunteer, Lambert has served two terms on the NTCA regional board of directors and has contributed more than 13 years of service to the NTCA technical committee.
“Both Luigi and Dan represent the very best of our industry visionary leadership, technical excellence and a deep commitment to supporting tile professionals,” stated Bart Bettiga, NTCA exec dir. “Luigi’s impact on the growth and innovation of manufacturing in North America has been extraordinary, while Dan’s dedication to craftsmanship, standards development and association service exemplifies what it means to give back to the trade. We are proud to recognize their lasting contributions.”
