What Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) does

Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade association founded in 1985 and headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The association serves independent ceramic tile and stone distributors, manufacturers, and allied professionals across North America, operating under the mission to "connect, educate, and strengthen" its members. CTDA runs a tiered membership model (Distributor, Associate/Manufacturer, Allied, Independent Agent, and Artisan Tile) with annual dues ranging from $250 to $3,000, plus ancillary revenue from certification, education, events, and partner programs.

CTDA's core product surface is a portfolio of member services rather than a technology platform. The flagship is the Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) certification — co-developed with Southern Illinois University and described as the first and only certification specifically designed for ceramic tile salespeople — supported by AIA CEU programming, monthly webinars, online education through the University of Ceramic Tile Science (UofCTS) partnership, the "Because It's Tile" podcast, and the TCNA Handbook. The Distributor Referral Network directs thousands of annual consumer inquiries exclusively to member distributors, while the membership directory provides exposure to architects, designers, and contractors. CTDA co-organizes the annual Tile Solutions Plus conference with NTCA, TCNA, and TCAA, and participates in Coverings.

CTDA is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors, with executive operations led by Executive Director Rick Church and current President Rudy Llerena. The technology stack is built on YourMembership.com for membership management, event registration, and member communications — CTDA is not a technology company and operates without proprietary AI/ML, APIs, or developer-facing products. Revenue derives entirely from membership dues, certification and education fees, event registrations and sponsorships, and negotiated partner benefits (Insperity, Northwestern Mutual, Schechner Lifson, NAW, MyPlanITraveler, F.W. Dodge).

Name

Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA)

Legal name

Ceramic Tile Distributors Association

Website

https://ctdahome.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CTDA is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade association founded in 1985 that connects, educates, and strengthens independent ceramic tile and stone distributors, manufacturers, and allied professionals across North America through membership, certification, and industry events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Ellyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: CTDA generates primary revenue through annual membership dues from distributors, manufacturers, and allied members. Dues are tiered based on member type and company revenue size.
2. Education and Certification Programs: Revenue from the Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) certification program, including exam fees, study guides, and recertification fees. Webinars are free for members but available to non-members for $150 per location.
3. Events and Conferences: Revenue from Tile Solutions Plus conference and Coverings event registrations, sponsorships, and exhibitor fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CTDA is an international not-for-profit trade association that connects, educates, and strengthens independent ceramic tile and stone distributors through tiered membership (Distributor, Associate/Manufacturer, Allied, Artisan Tile, Independent Agent). Its core deliverable is the Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) certification program — the only credential designed specifically for tile salespeople — developed with Southern Illinois University. The association supplements membership with AIA-accredited CEU education, monthly webinars, the UofCTS online education platform, the TCNA Handbook, and member services including a Distributor Referral Network, Member Meetups, CEO Small Groups, and the annual Tile Solutions Plus conference.

Product overview

CTDA is a trade association serving the ceramic tile distribution industry, offering a portfolio of membership services, professional certification, and educational programs. The core offering is membership with multiple tiers (Distributor, Associate, Allied, Artisan Tile, Independent Agent), which provides access to the Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) certification program, AIA CEU educational presentations, webinars, online education via UofCTS, the CTDA Podcast, and the TCNA Handbook. CTDA organizes major industry events including Tile Solutions Plus (annual conference) and Coverings (trade show). Additional member services include a Distributor Referral Network, Membership Directory, CEO Small Groups, Member Meetups, and business resources such as performance reports and customer complaint guidelines. The association also administers the Good Phytosanitary Practices program for Italian tile exports. All offerings are exclusively for members and the broader ceramic tile industry, not a technology product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Because It's Tile Podcast: CTDA's podcast series featuring interviews with industry professionals about the tile industry
• Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Program
• Tile Solutions Plus
• Coverings

Products and services

• Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Program The first and only certification program specifically designed by and for ceramic tile salespeople. Developed with Southern Illinois University's Department of Workforce Education and Development, it covers necessary skill sets to meet customers' growing demands and provides prestige, professional recognition, and documented sales competence for tile sales professionals at member and non-member distributor companies.
• AIA CEU Program CTDA is an accredited provider of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The program develops and produces presentations for architects covering tile knowledge, safety standards, sustainability, and design advantages, enabling architects and design professionals to earn required continuing education credits.
• CTDA Webinars Monthly audio and web conference educational seminars covering tile industry topics such as underlayments, AI order implementation, and industry trends. Free for CTDA members per company location; non-members pay $150 per location. Recorded sessions available indefinitely after completion.
• TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation The 2025 TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation — a guide for clarifying and standardizing installation specifications for tile, including product selection guides and workmanship standards. Distributed through CTDA as an educational resource for members and the trade.
• CTDA Podcast (Because It's Tile) Podcast series featuring interviews with industry professionals, distributors, designers, and thought leaders discussing tile industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Hosted by Executive Director Rick Church and published as a branded sub-brand of CTDA.
• Good Phytosanitary Practices Program Compliance program promoted by Confindustria Ceramica and supported by CTDA to protect Italian ceramic tile exports to the USA. Based on specific guidelines consulted with the Phytosanitary Service Organization of the Emilia-Romagna Region, helping distributors and importers maintain phytosanitary compliance on imported Italian tile.
• Tile Solutions Plus Conference Annual three-day industry conference bringing together tile professionals from across North America for education, networking, and business solutions. Co-organized with the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Tile Council of North America (TCNA), and Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA). The 2026 edition is scheduled for November 1–3, 2026 in Miami Beach, FL.
• Coverings Trade Show Participation CTDA's participation in the premier ceramic tile and natural stone conference and exhibition in North America, bringing together thousands of industry professionals. CTDA provides membership and education registration specials during Coverings. Scheduled for April 6–9, 2027 in Orlando, FL.
• Distributor Referral Network Network connecting consumers seeking specific tile lines with CTDA distributor members. Thousands of calls annually are referred solely to CTDA members, providing exclusive lead-flow to member distributors.
• CTDA Online Education (UofCTS) Series of online educational programs developed in partnership with the University of Ceramic Tile Science (UofCTS) to help ceramic tile employees be more effective at their jobs. Offered as a discounted CTDA membership benefit covering job-role skills for tile distribution employees.
• Member Meetups Bi-weekly or monthly virtual meetups for CTDA members to network, share ideas, and collaborate. Topics include AI order implementation, digital marketing, trade and tariff updates, and inventory management.
• CEO Small Groups Intimate virtual settings for members to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on specific topics or challenges within the ceramic tile industry. Designed for executive-level peer exchange among member company leaders.
• Membership Directory Member listings fully indexed by name and product lines distributed, providing exposure to the tile industry. Used by architects, designers, contractors, and manufacturers worldwide to locate distributor members and product lines.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of consumer referrals annually directed solely to CTDA members through the Distributor Referral Network
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Confindustria CeramicaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Italian ceramic industry association promoting the Good Phytosanitary Practices program that protects Italian ceramic tile exports to the USA. CTDA supports this initiative.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTDA collaborates with NTCA on the annual Tile Solutions Plus conference, combining meetings, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. NTCA Technical Committee Meeting is part of the TSP event.
• Tile Council of North America (TCNA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTDA partners with TCNA for Tile Solutions Plus and offers the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation as an educational resource. CTDA is an accredited AIA CEU provider and works with TCNA on standards.
• Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA partners with CTDA on Tile Solutions Plus conference. Joint industry round table collaboration sessions are held during TSP events.
• InsperityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHR solutions partner offering payroll, benefits, retirement services, and workforce optimization to CTDA members. Serves more than 100,000 businesses in the US.
• Partnership (Shipping)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerShipping solutions provider offering savings on inbound, outbound, small and large shipments. Provides complete managed solution for LTL and full load shipments.
• MyPlanITravelerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel membership site providing wholesale pricing on hotel stays, vacation resorts, car rentals, cruises, and travel activities. FREE to CTDA members.
• Northwestern MutualminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance and wealth management services partner offering FREE business planning evaluation valued at $5,000+ to CTDA members. Includes succession planning and estate planning services.
• Schechner Lifson Corporation / MYSTICminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry-specific property/casualty insurance program with worldwide coverage, non-auditable liability policy, selling price valuation, and discounted D&O and employment practice liability insurance.
• NAW (National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness services partner providing discounts on insurance, collection services, telephone charges, auto rentals, delivery services, and shipping from FedEx, YRC, USF, and UPS.
• F.W. Dodge (McGraw Hill Construction)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstruction lead generation service with exclusive discounts for CTDA members.
• MAPEIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWebinar sponsor providing free educational webinars to CTDA members.
• VanHearronminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWebinar sponsor supporting free educational webinars for CTDA members.
• Southern Illinois University (SIU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIU's Department of Workforce Education and Development collaborated with CTDA to develop the CCTS certification program. SIU is one of the largest workforce professional development preparation agencies in the US.
• UofCTScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Ceramic Tile Science developed online CCTS Study Guide for candidates preparing to take the certification test. Partner in online education programs.
• CoveringscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier ceramic tile and natural stone conference and exhibition in North America. CTDA provides membership and education registration specials during Coverings events.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW): NAW is the broader US trade association for wholesale distribution across industries. CTDA already partners with NAW for member benefits, and NAW represents the same general operating model — wholesale distributor advocacy and group-purchasing services — at much larger scale.
• National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA): NKBA is a larger trade association for kitchen and bath designers, remodelers, and dealers. Comparable as a design-and-specification industry association offering CEU education, certification (CKBR, CBD), and an annual conference — adjacent to tile specification and remodels.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): NAHB is a much larger US trade association for residential construction that includes builders, remodelers, and suppliers — a downstream customer channel for CTDA members. Comparable as a federation model with state-level chapters, member benefits, and certification, though broader in scope.

Regional players

• Confindustria Ceramica: Confindustria Ceramica is the Italian ceramic industry trade association and CTDA's international partner on the Good Phytosanitary Practices program for Italian tile exports. Comparable association model, but primarily serves the Italian/European market.

Direct peers

• Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA): TCAA represents union tile contractors across the US. CTDA and TCAA co-organize Tile Solutions Plus, making TCAA a direct peer on industry events, training, and contractor engagement in the tile trade.
• Tile Council of North America (TCNA): TCNA is the standards and trade association for North American tile manufacturers and the publisher of the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation — which CTDA distributes to members. Direct peer on industry standards, events, and education.
• Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA): FCICA is the trade association for commercial floor covering installation contractors, with overlapping membership, certification, and educational programming. Comparable mid-sized trade body serving the floor covering industry.
• National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA): NWFA is the trade association for the wood flooring industry, offering manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and contractor membership tiers, certification (Certified Wood Flooring Installer), and an annual convention — structurally analogous to CTDA in the adjacent flooring category.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA): NTCA is the closest peer: a US trade association representing tile installation contractors. CTDA and NTCA co-host Tile Solutions Plus and overlap on industry standards, education, and certification initiatives for the tile trade.
• Natural Stone Institute (formerly Marble Institute of America): Natural Stone Institute is a US trade association for the natural stone industry with comparable structure: members include distributors, fabricators, and installers, with certification programs, CEU content, and annual conventions. Directly comparable as a parallel industry association.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ceramic-tile-distributors-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA)