Cersaie: business and learning

(July 2025) | Cersaie is not only the world’s largest exhibition of new ceramic and bathroom furnishing products and a global meeting point for exhibitors and industry professionals spanning 16 halls, impressive as that is. The International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, taking place this year from 22 to 26 September, is also a unique platform for knowledge-sharing, training and cultural exchange for the entire architecture, design and construction community. Here, materials and culture, aesthetics and technology, hardware and software are viewed not as opposites but as interconnected elements that complement each other. Staying informed about the latest innovations in ceramic and bathroom products improves our understanding of their nature and unique characteristics, while exploring current and future design trends helps promote more widespread and informed use.

Cersaie’s cultural dimension is deeply rooted in its history. The exhibition has always hosted conferences exploring the potential uses of ceramics, including early events focusing on applications in hospitals and public buildings. A major milestone came in the early 1990s with Bologna Arte Architettura, a three-year cultural programme that featured the first keynote lecture by James Stirling, winner of the 1981 Pritzker Prize. But the real turning point came in 2009 with the launch of the building, dwelling, thinking programme.

Since then, keynote lectures and high-profile conferences have become central to the show’s identity, strengthening the relationship between architecture and ceramic surfaces – products whose dimensions and technical qualities have made them suitable for use in non-residential construction, an important sector for both architects and property developers.

The building, dwelling, thinking conferences, the Press Café conversations and the installation showcases held in Tiling Town all provide valuable opportunities for learning, reflection and insights, allowing professionals to keep up to date on the latest cultural, regulatory and practical topics. No other event in the world offers such a wide-ranging programme of high-quality content as Cersaie, which is one of the best reasons to visit the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings in Bologna this September.