In Philadelphia this past August, the Wallcovering Association hosted an immersive two-day educational and networking event called TecTrac. It was hosted by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) in District Council 21’s training center. It was an event that brought the industry and the union together to showcase the precision and skills needed in the wallcovering industry.
From interactive discussions on sustainability and products, to the opportunity to work side by side with installers, the event demonstrated that wallcovering is more than just a finishing touch – it shapes a room. For the IUPAT, quality is always a central part of the union. The union’s role is to ensure its members are trained to deliver work that is there for the long term.
For the trainers, staff, and members of the IUPAT attending the event, this was a very familiar environment. It highlighted the value of apprenticeship programs and training centers, which are both at the core of the union. Manufacturers, designers, and customer service representatives got to see firsthand what wallcovering apprentices experience throughout their training. Attendees received hands-on exposure on the different elements of wallcovering thanks to IUPAT trainers and members. TecTrac participants found themselves learning through touch, repetition, and shared wisdom.
The message of TecTrac was clear: professionalism and the quality of wallcovering are non-negotiable, and the best way to ensure this is through ongoing training, mentorship, and understanding between the manufacturers, designers, and those who are using and applying the products.
The most important part of TecTrac 2025 was the mix of people who attended, speaking about challenges, such as higher demand and tighter deadlines, and how they can work together to create solutions to these challenges. They also celebrated how every one of the attendees plays an important role in the industry and brings a positive impact.
For the IUPAT, TecTrac 2025 was an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in shaping the industry, where the professionalism of a trained installer can influence the trust of the end user. That’s something every single IUPAT member carries with pride, and it’s events like TecTrac that show the exceptional dedication to their craft and the importance of collaboration in working toward a common goal.
Many in the industry know that the wallcovering industry is changing. New materials, sustainable products, and the evolving customer expectations mean installers must adapt quickly. TecTrac showed attendees that adaptation doesn’t mean lowering the standards; it means raising them. The future of the trade is in the strength of its people. Events like TecTrac remind us that there is a place for everyone to advocate for the highest standards, from the designer right down to the installer, and the IUPAT has made it clear that it is their members who continue to lead the way. The attendees left the event with a new outlook on installation, insights into the craft, and renewed enthusiasm for the future. But overall, it was about getting it done right, with skill and pride.
