The Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association has announced that its 2026 Contractor Challenge will take place April 22, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, as part of CISCA Summit 2026.

The annual competition highlights the skill, speed, and craftsmanship of ceiling and interior systems installers from across the industry. During the Contractor Challenge, teams of two installers will compete across multiple rounds to lay out and install a specialty ceiling system within a 10x10-foot space. Teams will be evaluated on a range of criteria, including speed, accuracy, safety practices, and overall quality of installation.

Top-performing teams will be awarded cash prizes and tools, and will be formally recognized during the Contractor Challenge awards ceremony held during the summit.

The competition is designed not only to test installers’ technical abilities, but also to engage summit attendees. A designated viewing section will allow audience members to watch the action up close throughout the event. In addition, CISCA’s Product Showcase will run alongside the competition, featuring manufacturers, software providers, and other industry vendors displaying products and solutions relevant to ceiling and interior systems professionals.

Participation in the Contractor Challenge is open exclusively to current CISCA member companies. Each competing team must meet the membership requirement in order to register.

The Contractor Challenge has become a centerpiece of CISCA Summit programming, drawing attention to the importance of training, safety, and excellence in the ceiling and interior systems trades while fostering camaraderie and friendly competition among installers.

Additional details about the event, including competition rules and registration information, are available at cisca.org/contractorchallenge. 

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