Clarksville, Tenn.—MILEstone, Florim USA’s porcelain tile brand, welcomed more than 60 architects and designers to its 2026 Sustainability Summit here at its manufacturing facility. Taking place Oct. 7-8, the event brought together design professionals, sustainability leaders, manufacturers and installation experts.
Attendees explored responsible material selection, manufacturing innovation and new solutions shaping the built environment.
The summit combined expert presentations, interactive discussions, factory tours, installation demonstrations and product reviews. Attendees also had opportunities to exchange ideas about material decisions and sustainability challenges. The program offered AIA and IDCEC continuing education credits.
“Being a leader in porcelain tile’s sustainability initiatives means more than developing products and improving how we manufacture them. It also means listening, sharing knowledge and understanding what the design community needs to move forward,” said Rodolfo Panisi, president and CEO of Florim USA. “The Sustainability Summit gives us an opportunity to bring these conversations together, learn from one another and continue doing our part to support a more sustainable future.”
Education focused on real-world applications
The educational program addressed sustainability throughout the material lifecycle. Topics included manufacturing, material selection, healthy indoor environments, outdoor applications and installation.
A dedicated panel examined installation considerations for large-format porcelain panels. The discussion also covered industry expertise and factors that influence successful applications.
Manufacturing takes center stage
Attendees experienced porcelain tile production firsthand during guided factory tours and showroom reviews.
Live demonstrations featured MILEstone’s Pre-Fab porcelain panels and L-Shaped countertop solutions. The sessions highlighted installation methods, precision and expanded design possibilities.
The program also examined outdoor paver applications and DAC Stories Collections. Those sessions connected product innovation with changing needs across interior and exterior environments.
The summit brought product development, manufacturing, sustainability and installation expertise together in one setting. The goal was to help attendees consider aesthetics alongside the information needed to make informed material decisions.
Giving designers a voice
MILEstone also used the summit to hear directly from architects and designers.
Those professionals bring firsthand knowledge of client expectations, material challenges and emerging design trends. They also understand the demands of creating sustainable and resilient buildings.
The summit created a forum for attendees to share priorities and identify areas where manufacturers can provide additional support. MILEstone said those insights will help shape future education, product information and resources for the architecture and design community.