Tectrak Conference in Philadelphia

Business Representative Keith Markland Attends Tectrak Conference in Philadelphia

I’m excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to attend the Tectrak Conference in Philadelphia—a two-day event that brought together professionals from all sides of the wallcovering industry. This opportunity was made possible by Consejo de Distrito 16, who recognized the importance of strengthening our union’s connections with manufacturers, designers, and other industry representatives. I’m extremely grateful for their support and for the chance to represent Local 159 on this national stage.

While I truly enjoy my current role as Business Representative, I still have a deep passion for the wallpaper trade. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to stay connected to it by recruiting, supporting training efforts, and even earning certifications like P3-Tec. 

This Tectrak event was both informative and inspiring. One standout presentation came from Romans, the well-known paste and primer manufacturer. Seeing how far their products have come—from mixing paste with wire whisks and spaghetti strainers to today’s advanced integrated systems—was eye-opening. These new systems are designed to reduce installation failures and support better long-term outcomes for our work. I’ve included QR codes from Romans above, which provide direct access to product and installation information—please feel free to share these with fellow members, contractors, and end users.

We also heard from Giselle Walsh, who presented on sustainability in wallcovering. One powerful takeaway: wallpaper has a much smaller carbon footprint than paint. While some industries are pulling back on environmental goals, it was encouraging to see leaders in ours pushing forward. Giselle and I also had a meaningful conversation about recycling wallpaper—though this area still has room to grow, it’s exciting to see innovation on the horizon.

On day two, we were invited to the DC21 training facility, where manufacturers and designers rotated through hands-on demonstrations. Local installers showcased everything from standard vinyl and printed murals to high-end goods like silk, string, and grass cloth. It was clear that many manufacturers were unfamiliar with the complexity and craftsmanship involved in installation, but this event helped bridge that gap. The connections made here will be valuable as we continue to advocate for better training, materials, and product knowledge—helping our members become the best installers they can be.

Thank you again to DC16 for valuing this kind of engagement and for investing in opportunities like these. I’m proud to bring this knowledge and these relationships back to Local 159.