XIX World Congress on Ceramic Tile and Flooring Quality

Now, the full view

The international forum where ceramic innovation, quality
and transformation are understood in all their dimensions

June 10 — 11
2026
Auditorium and
Congress Centre
Castellón,
Spain

Organises:

The forum in numbers

+30

Speakers from Europe, America and Asia

The most relevant international voices in ceramics, with perspectives that go beyond the boundaries of the sector.

5

Thematic areas covering the entire sector

Innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, regulation and market trends: the ceramic sector in all its dimensions.

2 Days

10 and 11 June

Two intensive days at the Auditorium and Congress Centre of Castellón to make the most of every moment.

Now, the full view

Where all the sector's voices converge

Sponsors 2026

Qualicer 2026 transversal themes

Quality and excellence

Quality as the great leadership factor that drives profitability, elevates brand positioning and opens new opportunities in increasingly demanding global markets. A strategic approach where excellence in product, processes and service becomes a decisive competitive advantage, generating trust, prestige and sustained long-term growth.

Installation and the future of construction

Industrialised off-site construction, large exterior spaces and new installation standards represent the final stage of the ceramic value chain. Product quality starts in the factory, but is completed on site.

Strategy and global competitiveness

The Spanish ceramic industry leads international markets from Castellón. But the cluster needs global competitiveness strategies, new export models and a shared vision on quality. Tile Valley in the US, emerging markets in Asia and the reshaping of Europe are all part of the debate.

Sustainability and energy transition

The ETS and CBAM have changed the regulatory framework for the sector. Thermal electrification is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. The debate on electric kilns, cogeneration and new energy technologies defines which factories will be operational in 2030.

Innovation and technology

The 2mm ceramic slab, digital glazing and new manufacturing processes have redrawn the possibilities of the product. Innovation is not only in design: it is in the materials, the processes, and the sustainability of the life cycle.

Who shapes the debate

View all speakers
View all speakers Isidoro Giorgio Lesci
Sustainability

Isidoro Giorgio Lesci

IGL Innovation Foundry (Italy)

PhD and founding CEO of IGL Innovation Foundry (Italy), as well as scientific and technical consultant to various companies.

Sessions:

A Realistic CCU Approach to Reducing CO₂ Emissions in the Ceramics Industry

Thursday June 11 — 10:15 h

Júnior Desenzi
Sustainability

Júnior Desenzi

Equipe Ceramicas

Civil Engineer and IVACE-accredited building energy certification technician. He is currently part of the energy efficiency department at Equipe Cerámicas. In recent years he has served as Operations Director in the ceramic sector in Castellón.

Sessions:

The Electric Kiln in Numbers: Energy Efficiency and New Opportunities

Thursday June 11 — 09:30 h

Vicente Sanz Solana
Sustainability

Vicente Sanz Solana

Institute of Ceramic Technology, Universitat Jaume I

Director of the University Institute of Ceramic Technology (IUTC) and Full Professor. He has participated in more than 60 R&D and Technological Advisory projects funded by ceramic manufacturers and public bodies including the Valencian, Spanish and European Community governments.

Sessions:

Microwave Heating in the Electrification of Industrial Thermal Processes

Thursday June 11 — 12:15 h

Coexistence of Technologies. Future Options: Decarbonized Factories

Thursday June 11 — 17:30 h

Juan J. Ruiz Valdés
Sustainability

Juan J. Ruiz Valdés

Laboratory of Testing and Research in Ceramics (México)

Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Chemical Sciences. PhD in Metallurgical and Ceramic Engineering.

Sessions:

Development and Characterization of Structural Construction Materials through the Reuse of Recycled Demolition Waste and Automotive Waste Glass for Sustainable Building

Thursday June 11 — 13:00 h

Pedro Sánchez Esteve
Sustainability

Pedro Sánchez Esteve

Technical Director PAMESA/TAU

Senior Industrial Engineer from the Universitat Politècnica de València, he complemented his education with a Junior MBA from EDEM Business School in Valencia. He began his professional career at Pamesa in 2014 as an assistant in the Production department and is currently Technical Director of the Castellón and Almazora plants.

Sessions:

Sustainable and Efficient Energy Management

Wednesday June 10 — 12:45 h

Samuel Pérez Ramírez
Sustainability

Samuel Pérez Ramírez

Electrification & demand Technologies (Heat & e-fuels) leader at Iberdrola

Head of Electrification and Demand Technologies at Iberdrola Spain. He participated in the design of Iberdrola's first 20 MW Green Hydrogen project in Puertollano.

Sessions:

How far can electrification go in the ceramics industry?

Wednesday June 10 — 13:15 h

Héctor Morales
Strategy

Héctor Morales

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineer. His experience in the ceramic industry combines a strong background in the technical management of high-demand industrial plants with a solid business vision built over years in various roles within the ceramic sector both in Spain and internationally.

Sessions:

7th Edition Panel Discussion: The Globalization of Ceramic Tile Quality

Wednesday June 10 — 09:45 h

Julio Pascual
Strategy

Julio Pascual

General Manager Lamosa Group Spain

General Director of Grupo Lamosa Spain, where he leads the integration of Baldocer and Roca Tiles and the group's European expansion. He holds degrees in Law and Economics and has a solid international career in the ceramic and construction sectors.

Sessions:

7th Edition Panel Discussion: The Globalization of Ceramic Tile Quality

Wednesday June 10 — 09:45 h

Colegio de Arquitectos  de Castellón
Construction

Colegio de Arquitectos de Castellón

Sessions:

Panel discussion: The future of installation

Wednesday June 10 — 18:25 h

Richard Bowman
Construction

Richard Bowman

Principal, Intertile Research

Director of Intertile Research, a consultancy specialising in tile installation systems and slip resistance. Former President of the International Ceramic Federation, Honorary Distinguished Life Member of the Australian Ceramic Society and its current president.

Sessions:

Workshop. Slip resistance

Friday June 12 — 09:00 h

Javier Bon
Sustainability

Javier Bon

Iberdrola (i-DE Eastern Planning)

Head of Eastern Planning at i-DE Iberdrola. An executive in the Spanish energy sector with a strong track record in infrastructure management, electricity distribution and the transition to smart grids within Grupo Iberdrola.

Sessions:

Coexistence of Technologies. Future Options: Decarbonized Factories

Thursday June 11 — 17:30 h

Rogelio Vila
Strategy

Rogelio Vila

CEO Equipe Ceramicas

Chemical Engineer. He develops his activity at Equipe Cerámicas SLU, currently the benchmark company in the small-format floor and wall tile sector. Equipe is now present worldwide, with Europe and America as its main markets, and is a pioneer in the ceramic industry with the implementation of the first 100% electric roller kiln for firing ceramic tiles.

Sessions:

7th Edition Panel Discussion: The Globalization of Ceramic Tile Quality

Wednesday June 10 — 09:45 h

Elisa Franzoni
Sustainability

Elisa Franzoni

Ceramic Center (Italy)

Scientific Director of the Ceramic Centre. With over 20 years of experience in research, innovation and technology transfer, she is an expert in construction materials and sustainability, with numerous competitive projects and an established network of partnerships with international universities and research institutes.

Sessions:

Mineralization of Residual Lime from Ceramic Industry Filters: The CCS4CER Project

Thursday June 11 — 11:30 h

Coexistence of Technologies. Future Options: Decarbonized Factories

Thursday June 11 — 17:30 h

Enrique Manso
Strategy

Enrique Manso

EY Transforma – IA & Analytics

Industrial engineer and partner responsible for Artificial Intelligence and Data & Analytics in Spain at EY Transforma Services and Consulting. Specialist in business transformation with a focus on digital change and responsible use of AI and emerging technologies.

Sessions:

AI

Wednesday June 10 — 15:15 h

Carl Strautins
Construction

Carl Strautins

Epidemiologist, Safe Environments Pty Ltd

Managing Director and Principal Consultant at Safe Environments Pty Ltd (Sydney, Australia). With 20 years of experience, he is a leading expert in slip resistance and hazardous materials testing, having conducted thousands of tests to Australian and international standards and published in scientific journals.

Sessions:

Workshop. Slip resistance

Friday June 12 — 09:00 h

Marc Calvo
Sustainability

Marc Calvo

Electrical Engineer, Systemfoc

Electrical Engineer, Systemfoc

Sessions:

Electric Kiln – Capacity of 12,000 m²/day – Design and Electrical Power Consumption

Thursday June 11 — 15:15 h

Woody  Sanders
Construction

Woody Sanders

NTCA Vice President and President of Sanders Tile & Stone (USA)

First Vice President of the NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) and President of Sanders Tile & Stone (USA).

Sessions:

Opportunity for large outdoor spaces. Pedestal installation

Wednesday June 10 — 16:00 h

Panel discussion: The future of installation

Wednesday June 10 — 18:25 h

Luciano Galassini
Strategy

Luciano Galassini

Key figure, formerly with Ceramics of Italy

A key figure in the international development of the ceramic industry through Ceramics of Italy, recently retired and currently active in editorial projects.

Sessions:

Tile Valley: Building the First Ceramic Cluster of the 21st Century

Wednesday June 10 — 11:15 h

Isaac Nebot
Strategy

Isaac Nebot

Director of the l’Alcora Higher School of Ceramics (ESCAL)

Director of the Higher School of Ceramics of l'Alcora. He holds a PhD in Chemical Sciences and a Master's in Business Communication, and has been linked to the world of ceramics for 30 years, holding various positions always related to R&D&I departments.

Sessions:

Tile Valley: Building the First Ceramic Cluster of the 21st Century

Wednesday June 10 — 11:15 h

Dale Kempster
Construction

Dale Kempster

Director of the North American International Technical Network, Schluter Systems (Canada)

Director of the International Technical Network for North America, Schluter Systems (Canada). He contributes to industry standards and methods and ensures that the interests of the tile industry are properly represented in numerous associations and standardisation bodies.

Sessions:

Off-site construction and advancement of 3D modules. The future is promising!

Wednesday June 10 — 17:40 h

Panel discussion: The future of installation

Wednesday June 10 — 18:25 h

Jeremy C. Sax
Construction

Jeremy C. Sax

Associate Director, NTCA (USA)

Associate Director of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) of the United States.

Sessions:

Panel discussion: The future of installation

Wednesday June 10 — 18:25 h

Michael Kephart
Strategy

Michael Kephart

Tennessee Workforce Development Manager designated by the TCNA

President of Kephart Group Inc, he leads the Tennessee Workforce Development Project on behalf of TCNA, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the ceramic tile manufacturing workforce in the state of Tennessee.

Sessions:

Tile Valley: Building the First Ceramic Cluster of the 21st Century

Wednesday June 10 — 11:15 h

Süleyman Soysal
Sustainability

Süleyman Soysal

Deputy General Manager responsible for Operations at Kaleseramik. Kale Group (Türkiye)

Appointed Production Manager in 2011, Factories Director in 2013 and Vice President of Operations in 2015. Since 2017, Süleyman Soysal has served as Deputy General Manager of Operations at Kaleseramik.

Sessions:

Manufacturing of 2 mm ceramic tiles

Thursday June 11 — 16:00 h

Vicent Aparici
Sustainability

Vicent Aparici

CEO at Systemfoc

CEO of Systemfoc (Sistemes Tecno-Energètics Aplicats de Castelló S.L.), a Castellón-based company pioneering the development of 100% electric kilns for the ceramic industry.

Sessions:

Electric Kiln – Capacity of 12,000 m²/day – Design and Electrical Power Consumption

Thursday June 11 — 15:15 h

Coexistence of Technologies. Future Options: Decarbonized Factories

Thursday June 11 — 17:30 h

James Durbin (TBC)
Strategy

James Durbin (TBC)

VP Portobello USA

Executive and operations specialist currently serving on the Board of Directors of Portobello America. With an MBA in Economics, he brings over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and supply chain within the ceramic tile industry, with a notable track record leading the development of major industrial manufacturing facilities.

Sessions:

7th Edition Panel Discussion: The Globalization of Ceramic Tile Quality

Wednesday June 10 — 09:45 h

Aitor Rodríguez
Strategy

Aitor Rodríguez

Manager of the Industrial Sector Transformation practice

Manager of the Industrial Sector Transformation practice at EY Spain, specialised in consulting and business transformation services for industrial companies.

Sessions:

AI

Wednesday June 10 — 15:15 h

Dra. Beatriz Irún Molina
Strategy

Dra. Beatriz Irún Molina

ESIC Business & Marketing School Valencia

Professor of Economics in the Business Department at ESIC Business and Marketing School in Valencia (Spain). International executive and consultant with over 25 years of experience in business management, international negotiation and expansion into Asian markets.

Sessions:

Global Competitiveness in Ceramic Clusters: A Comparison between Spain and China

Wednesday June 10 — 12:15 h

Stephen Charles Thorpe
Construction

Stephen Charles Thorpe

Health and Safety Consultant

Head of Risk at Bonasystems, a UK company specialising in solutions to prevent slips, trips and falls. President of the UK Slip Resistance Group (UKSRG), the leading independent authority on slip resistance in the United Kingdom.

Sessions:

Workshop. Slip resistance

Friday June 12 — 09:00 h

Elisa Rambaldi
Sustainability

Elisa Rambaldi

Italcer Group and Isidoro Giorgio Lesci, IGL Innovation Foundry (Italy)

Head of the Research and Innovation Area for the Ceramic Sector at Gruppo Italcer. She operates at the intersection of R&D, production and sustainability, ensuring technical consistency, data traceability and scientific rigour across innovation projects.

Sessions:

A Realistic CCU Approach to Reducing CO₂ Emissions in the Ceramics Industry

Thursday June 11 — 10:15 h

M. Zarzuela Cepero
Sustainability

M. Zarzuela Cepero

CIRCE – Technology Centre

Tim Christopher
Construction

Tim Christopher

Quality Manager, Construction Projects at Lendlease

Construction Projects Quality Manager at Lendlease. 25 years of experience in construction, encompassing both trade-level and technical and management roles.

Sessions:

Systemic Misapplication: The Reputational Consequences of Incorrect Product Use and Design Failures in the Ceramics Industry

Wednesday June 10 — 16:45 h

Panel discussion: The future of installation

Wednesday June 10 — 18:25 h

Workshop. Slip resistance

Friday June 12 — 09:00 h

The most current topics, the backbone of the programme

View full agenda
June 10 — 11 2026
Auditorium and Congress Centre Castellón, Spain

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