Now in its 17th year, StonExpo -- in conjunction with the Marble Institute of America Convention -- will be held from October 28 to 30, 2004 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California. Thousands of stone and design professionals from around the world are expected to attend, exploring the very latest in natural stone technology, products and services; learning from leading stone experts at educational forums; and networking and conducting business with industry leaders.
According to Pennie Sabel, Executive Director of StonExpo Federation, the non-profit organization that has produced the event since 1987, the show is already anticipated to break exhibitor and attendee records. “Much of our exhibitor space has already been allocated,†she stated. “The majority of it was reserved before last year's show even closed.â€
Moving the event to the West Coast for the first time in show history has served to strengthen the exhibition, according to the organizer. It is expected that new attendees will visit from the fast-growing West, Southwest and California natural stone markets.
“Excitement is building among potential attendees,†stated Sabel. “New ideas, new business, important networking and the industry's highest quality educational programming and seminars are just a few of the reasons that the 'who's who' of the stone industry make attending StonExpo a top priority every year.â€
Sabel went on to explain that StonExpo is the only industry event of its kind “produced by the stone industry for the stone industry. Our exhibitors and attendees appreciate that their investment in this event is truly an investment in their industry's success. All event profits are channeled back to the stone industry, though, for example, StonExpo Federation's support of the new Natural Stone Council.â€
Attendees will have the opportunity to see and compare a wide assortment of advanced machinery and tools that dramatically improve accuracy and productivity -- from high-speed gangsaws and computer-driven cutting machines to automated polishing and finishing systems. Additionally, on-site demonstrations will be conducted throughout the three days of the show.
Last year's exhibition, which was held at Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center, drew a total attendance of both exhibitors and attendees of 5,085, which represented a 20% increase over the previous year, reported the organizer. Statistics illustrate that 240 companies exhibited and occupied 892 booths. This represented increases of 21% and 18% respectively.
The StonExpo Federation is comprised of representatives from various stone associations, vendors and publications, including Allied Stone Industries, American Monument Association, Barre Granite Association, Building Stone Institute, Canadian Stone Association, Elberton Granite Association, Inc., Indiana Limestone Institute, Marble Institute of America, National Building Granite Quarries Association, Northwest Granite Manufacturers Association and Stone World.
Cornerstone Forum Seminars
StonExpo 2004 will also provide attendees with the opportunity to learn from industry's leading experts through more than 40 Stone Industry Education seminars sponsored by the Marble Institute of America (MIA). These sessions are designed to deliver expert guidance on skill improvement and business development.“Based on the overwhelming response to the MIA seminars offered at StonExpo 2003 -- more than 3,100 registered for 28 programs, an increase of nearly 75% over 2002 -- we expect attendance at this year's seminars to reach a new all-time high,†stated Sabel.
The seminars will be held throughout the three days of the exhibition. Additionally, several extended-length programs are also being presented on Wednesday, October 27, for stone professionals already in the area or arriving early for the event.
“We've once again assembled many of the stone industry's most outstanding experts and educators to bring quality education to StonExpo 2004,†stated Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of MIA, which is among StonExpo's largest co-sponsors. “This year, we're offering more seminars than ever before on an exciting range of technical and business topics critical to success in the natural stone industry.â€
This year's seminars are organized into five specialized tracks, including:
New this year are seminars that focus on enhancing customer relations, streamlining business operations and increasing profitability, according to Distelhorst. “Architects will enjoy two new seminars focused specifically to their needs, and those exploring business opportunities in Asia will find two new seminars on the complexities of doing business in China,†he stated.
The following is the 2004 Cornerstone Forum Seminars schedule:
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Event 13
Stone Tour of the Getty Center
Join your industry colleagues on a tour of the Getty Center. Architect Richard Meier designed this project using a $1 billion budget. Called a “jewel,†the Getty Center is draped over two hilltop ridges. Meier's use of squares and circles -- sweeping, subtle, playful and dramatic -- complements and unites the assembly of one-of-a kind buildings. The amount of travertine used to build the Getty Center: 16,000 tons; 1 million square feet. You will hear all about the stone specification, fabrication and installation on the bus ride, and you will have a docent-led architectural tour once at the Getty. For information about the Getty, visit their Web site at: www.getty.edu. Restaurants are available for a quick lunch or snack. The tour will depart from the Los Angeles Convention Center at 11 a.m. Limited to 40 participants. Pre-registration and a $30 fee is required.
3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. -- Seminar 10
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Put a Bit of Science in your Business: Understanding Stone from
formation to facade and beyond
Back by strong demand, Geologist Claude Rust will be giving his popular two-part presentation this year with additional time for the hands-on session to practice identification of the common minerals found in almost all dimension stone. This seminar gives you rudimentary geologic background on stone formation, stone categories and the most common mineral components. Such knowledge is essential to understand stone behavior, intelligent stone selection, and will help you avoid situations that lead to conflict and litigation. Participants receive an updated kit of mineral samples, a loop and essential testing materials, for which there is an additional $50 fee. Participation is limited to 75. If you are unable to attend this seminar, it is being offered a second time on Friday morning (Seminar 41).
Speaker: Dr. Claude Rust, California State University, Fresno
Room 501ABC
AIA Learning Units: 2.5 HSW
3 p.m. to 5 pm -- Seminar 11
Track: Restoration
Stone Sealing & Cleaning -- Fact and Fiction
There are those who believe that natural stone should be sealed, and there are those who would never seal a natural stone -- and those in between. This seminar will present direct comparisons of staining of sealed versus unsealed stone; cleaning of sealed versus unsealed stone; and the characteristics of sealed versus unsealed stone. This seminar will be repeated on Thursday (Seminar 30).
Speakers: Michael Guasch and Claudia Ramirez, StoneTech Professional, Inc.
Room 502A
AIA Learning Units: 2 HSW
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. -- Seminar 12
Track: Business Management
Enhancing Your Supervisory Skills
This session covers making the right hire, coaching, delegation, change management, effective discipline; and providing feedback. Jim Hieb of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) will also share with the audience many Human Resources (HR) forms on subjects including: recruitment, new hire documentation, job descriptions/design, performance management, safety, policy information and separation/termination. These forms are now available in a HR resource kit available from the MIA Bookstore. This session is perfect for the small- to medium-sized company.
Speaker: James Hieb, Marble Institute
of America
Room 511ABC
Thursday, October 28, 2004
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 20
Track: Restoration
Stone Tile Installation Failures
Explore common failures (debonding, spalling, cracking, etc.) with stone tile installations. Discover ways to both detect and prevent failures. Utilize the techniques learned in this session to make your business more successful.
Speaker: Fred Hueston, The National Center For Stone & Masonry Trades
Room 501ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 21
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Know Before You Import:
Customs and Building Stone
If you plan on importing building stone, you need to understand the manner in which U.S. Customs classifies stone. Failure to understand the classification system can result in surprises about the rate of duty applied to the shipment. Learn from a leading U.S. Customs expert as he covers: principles of tariff classification; the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS); geological distinctions between stones; procedures for requesting a binding ruling on tariff classifications; as well as information about NAFTA and how it affects the stone industry.
Speaker: Jacob Bunin, U.S. Customs
Room 507
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 22
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Selling Stone Products to Architects --
An Industry Opportunity
Why devote a significant amount of your time, money, and resources promoting your wares to a group of people who will not spend a nickel on them? Because if you are not getting in front of this very influential group, you may be missing a significant opportunity to sell your stone products. Architects, as we all know, create unique structures and suitable environments for their clients and have a tremendous amount of control and impact on what products are used to construct their designs.
Speaker: Mark Fernandes,
Luck Stone Corp.
Room 511ABC
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 23
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Fabricators Forum: Residential Projects
Ask the experts -- this open forum is designed for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to residential fabrication and/or installation. It is a chance to discuss items that may not be covered by other seminars. A panel of MIA industry members will lead the discussion.
Speakers: Gasper (GK) Naquin, Stone Interiors; Lindell L. Lummer, CTC, Malibu Art Tile & Stone; Ken Krebs, Tennessee Granite & Marble Co; Jose Rodriquez, Total Design on Marble & Granite; Chuck Muehlbauer, MIA Technical Director
Room 515A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 24
Track: Business Management
Developing a Marketing and Sales
Plan for Your Stone Business
Establishing a sound marketing and sales plan is an important step in meeting your business objectives. Review the logic, strategy and steps needed to prepare a solid plan for your stone business.
Speaker: Donato Pompo, Ceramic Tile & Stone Consultants
Room 502B
7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. -- Seminar 25
Track: Business Management
How to Manage Commercial Stone Projects
From specification to bidding to on-site management, this session will concentrate on the management concerns for commercial stone projects. Discussion will include: delivery, installation, jobsite safety, and working with other trades for successful and safe installation.
Speaker: Joe Kapcheck, J. Kapcheck & Co., and Jim Hogan, Carrara Marble Co. of America, Inc.
Room 502A
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 26
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Small Shop Countertop Production
Running a small shop has its own set of challenges: shop design, equipment selection, production schedules and a host of other issues. The expression “I don't know what I don't know†often applies as you focus on producing a quality product without a huge workforce. If you run a small shop and/or have been in business just a couple of years, this seminar is for you.
Speakers: Keith Graves, Marva Marble & Granite, Inc.
Room 515A
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 27
Track: Business Management
How to Sell Natural Stone More Effectively
This seminar is based on the concept of “educating your customer†-- making sure that your customer knows what they're getting before they get it. Areas to be discussed include: ways of establishing yourself as a recognized professional in the industry; the importance of becoming an AIA Continuing Education Provider; new ways of presenting your message to your clients. A “must attend†if you work with natural stone and interact with architects, designers or consumers.
Speakers: Kevin Padden, KM Padden
Room 502B
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. --
MIA Briefing (no-charge event)
Track: New/Emerging Issues
Meet the New MIA Technical Director -- Showcase the new Design Manual on CD
Come meet the MIA's new technical director and welcome him to the MIA. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet Chuck Muehlbauer as he fields questions from the audience, as well as showcases the newest version of the Dimension Stone Design Manual -- now available on CD. No charge to attend this MIA briefing.
Speaker: Chuck Muehlbauer, MIA Technical Director
Room 507
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 29
Track: Business Management
Buying Equipment and Tools
Looking to purchase a new piece of equipment? Concerned that you made a recent purchase too early in the stage of your business? Want to explore a logical sequence for buying tools and equipment for your shop? These and other questions will be covered to help you build a successful fabrication shop.
Speaker: Rich Booms, Booms Stone Co., and Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone Co.
Room 511ABC
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 30
Track: Restoration
Stone Sealing & Cleaning -- Fact and Fiction
There are those who believe that natural stone should be sealed, and there are those who would never seal a natural stone -- and those in between. This seminar will present direct comparisons of staining of sealed versus unsealed stone, cleaning of sealed versus unsealed stone and the characteristics of sealed versus unsealed stone.
Speakers: Michael Guasch and Claudia Ramirez, StoneTech Professional, Inc.
Room 501ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 31
Track: New/Emerging Issues
Understanding China and What It Means
to the Natural Stone Industry
Stone imported from China is impacting the North American market. Learn more about the materials available (tile, slabs, standard products, custom cut-to-size, blocks) and key differences in technology (traditional vs. world standard). Become familiar with important business metrics such as quality, negotiations, transportation, as well as surprises that come up from time to time working within the China market.
Speakers: Jack Seiders and Jack Lieberknecht, Architectural Granite & Marble, Inc.
Room 502A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
Friday, October 29, 2004
7:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. -- Seminar 40
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Advanced Countertop Fabrication
This seminar will cover all aspects of high-production stone fabrication systems, including safest versus fastest methods to template a project; shop drawings and their value in custom fabrication; and ways to maximize saw productivity in a granite shop. In addition, it will answer frequently asked questions such as: When is the right time to buy an automatic edging machine? Will a CNC really fix all your problems? When should I buy one? How do you train, reward and retain quality shop fabricators? The seminar will also cover installation tricks from the field -- who, what when, where, why and how.
Industry veteran Scott Lardner and MIA Past President Rich Booms will challenge the attendees to raise the bar for their own company's performance standards.
Speakers: Rich Booms, Booms Stone Co., and Scott C. Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone Co.
Room 515A
AIA Learning Units: 2.5 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. -- Seminar 41
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Put a Bit of Science in your Business: Understanding Stone from
Formation to Facade and Beyond
Back by strong demand, Geologist Claude Rust will be giving his popular two-part presentation this year with additional time for the hands-on session to practice identification of the common minerals found in almost all dimension stone. This seminar gives you rudimentary geologic background on stone formation, stone categories and the most common mineral components. Such knowledge is essential to understand stone behavior, intelligent stone selection and will help you avoid situations that lead to conflict and litigation. Participants receive an updated kit of mineral samples, a loop and essential testing materials for which there is an additional $50 fee. Participation is limited to 75. If you are unable to attend this seminar, it is also being offered on Wednesday afternoon (Seminar 10).
Speaker: Dr. Claude Rust, California State University, Fresno
Room 518
AIA Learning Units: 2.5 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 42
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Know Your Stone & Its Care
and Maintenance - Part I
What's the key to successful installations? Understanding the class-ification of stone and its characteristics; the strength and limitations of the material; the need for proper specifications of care and maintenance procedures. All these elements combine for successful installations and each point will be covered during this session. Join us for Part II directly following (see Seminar 50) as a panel of industry experts further addresses these important issues.
Speakers: Fred Jackson and Christine Jenkins, CTC, Aqua Mix
Room 502A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 43
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Exterior Stone Cladding:
Getting it Right the First Time
Learn the exterior stone cladding process from A-Z. Topics will include stone selection, cladding types and systems, factors affecting the overall cost, structural back up, anchor design, anchors, shop drawings, engineering and testing. After giving a comprehensive summary of the A-Z process, a case study will showcase how this process was implemented successfully on the McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota Gateway (an Award Winning Project).
Speaker: Michael Picco, Picco Engineering
Room 511ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 44
Track: Business Management
How to Turn an Unhappy Client
into a Satisfied Customer
If you are in the business today, chances are you have had an unhappy customer. Learn some tips that will hopefully help you turn that unhappy customer into a satisfied customer. Take these tips home and share them with your team.
Speaker: John Connors, Sepulveda Building Materials
Room 502B
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 45
Track: New/Emerging Issues
Granite Resin Process
This presentation will focus on the current resin process of polished granite slabs: Why it is done? How it is Done? What are the benefits and problems, as well as how to solve them? Learn from our expert panel, which consists of a product manufacturer, project inspector and fabricator.
Speakers: Filippo Emanuel, Tenax USA; Don Halvorson, Forensic Tile Consultants; Lindell L. Lummer, CTC, Malibu Art Tile & Stone
Room 501ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 46
Track: Business Management
Effective Risk Transfer
Insurance Do's & Don'ts
As the business owner, general manager or controller of the company, you need to understand the pitfalls of property/casualty insurance. Learn about general liability, workers compensation, property valuation and lost control techniques.
Speaker: Marc Rosenkrantz, Schechner Lifson Corp.
Room 507
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 47
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Lean Manufacturing in a Countertop Shop
Running a lean stone countertop shop will improve your bottom line. Learn how to reduce costs while maintaining high levels of quality, efficiency and overall effectiveness. The speaker will share many modern day manufacturing/fabrication techniques that can be applied to even the smallest of shops. This session is sure to help further your success in the stone industry.
Speaker: Jay Esmay, Cold Spring Granite
Room 511ABC
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 48
Track: Business Management
For What It's Worth: Appraisal of
Your Stone Deposit
This session will assist quarry owners and/or controllers to better understand why the stone/mineral value is often overlooked in overall appraisal. Learn techniques that will help you leverage your bank financing, estate planning, condemnations, purchase or sale negotiations and taxation issues.
Speaker: Mark Zdunczyk, Continential Placer Inc.
Room 507
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 49
Track: Business Management
How to Value Your Company for Sale or Merger
This program is for those who are considering the sale of their company or who are interested in acquiring or merging with other companies. Business managers and owners will learn about the proper steps required to buy or sell a business or execute a merger. How to assess the value of a company will also be covered. Whether looking for growth or looking to retire, this program will interest a broad cross section of owners and managers. Presenter Terry Gambill has a 30-year history of buying and selling companies, and his dealmaking experience exceeds $500 million in deal volume.
Speaker: Terry Gambill, Terry Gambill and Associates
Room 502B
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 50
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Know Your Stone & Its Care and Maintenance PART II
Seldom do you have an opportunity to bring a handful of the stone care companies into one room to address industry-wide issues. So now is your opportunity to bring all the questions you wanted to ask about caring for natural stone, but were afraid to. That's what you'll find in this session as a panel of experts will review some of the most frequently asked questions and hottest topics facing stone care today.
Speakers: Fred Jackson, Aqua Mix (Moderator); Joseph Salvo, Miracle Sealants & Abrasives Co; Claudia Ramirez, StoneTech Professional, Inc; Robert Theofield, Akemi; Andrew Levine, Stone Care International; Rod Sigman, Aqua Mix
Room 502A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 51
Track: Business Management
Diversifying Your Operations -- Expanding the Use of Stone
Not so long ago, the last word in a business strategy was to “remain focused on your core business;†that is, do what you're best at, and then do it better than anyone else. That strategic focus might have served you well; however, you may be overlooking significant growth opportunities. Diversification could be your key to increased prosperity in the stone marketplace. Consider diversifying your operations -- learn about all the different applications of stone and consumer trends.
Speaker: Dale McAvoy, Park Industries
Room 501ABC
2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. -- Seminar 52
Track: Architect
Introduction to Stone Design
This “Stone 101†course is especially designed for architects and members of the design community. Discussions will include: stone selection, engineering considerations, ASTM testing, aesthetic considerations, horizontal substrates, designing for wet areas, stair treads and vertical cladding. As is customary, this seminar will also cover useful “Tips and Techniques†in stone sourcing and design.
Speaker: Gasper (GK) Naquin, Stone Interiors and Chuck Muehlbauer, MIA Technical Director
Room 502B
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. -- Seminar 53
Track: Architect
The Natural Stone Industry in Italy -- International Sourcing, Selection and Fabrication
The use of natural stone is booming in the U.S., and architects are faced with information overload and the difficulty of identifying the proper technical partners for large commercial projects. Attend this seminar and learn more about international sourcing, and why Italy is the hub of international cut-to-size fabrication for large commercial projects.
Sponsored by: The Italian Trade Commission, Los Angeles
Speaker: Vince Marazita, Marazita & Associates
Room 502B
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
Saturday, October 30, 2004
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 60
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Understanding Diamonds in the Shop
We buy them; we use them; but how much do we know about diamond technology? Are we utilizing this product appropriately in our shop environments? Join this panel of experts, and get the inside scoop on new technologies in the development of applications for industrial diamonds in the stone industry. A panel of MIA industry members will lead the discussion.
Speaker: Matt Peters, Cold Spring Granite
Room 502B
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 61
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Fabricators Forum: Commercial Projects
Ask the experts -- this open forum is designed for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems that they may have with regard to commercial fabrication and/or installation. It is a chance to discuss items that may not be covered by other seminars. A panel of MIA industry members will lead the discussion.
Speakers: Brett Rugo, Rugo Stone, LLC; Jay Esmay, Cold Spring Granite; Chuck Muehlbauer, MIA Technical Director
Room 515A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 62
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Preventable Problems: Membranes & Waterproofing
Looking to prevent problems before they happen? In this session, discover the cause and solution to: moisture transmission, substrate cracking, lack of movement joints, bridging saw cut or construction joints and acoustic control. Are they simple science or mystery?
Speaker: Dean Moilanen, The Noble Co.
Room 511ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. --
MIA Briefing (no-charge event)
Track: New/Emerging Issues
Use the New MIA CDs in your Orientation, Training and Marketing Programs
Join the MIA staff as we showcase several new training CDs designed to help complement your existing employee-training program. Learn how these videos can also help your showroom marketing activities. No charge to attend this MIA briefing.
Speaker: Alex Sajkovic, ASN Natural Stone, Inc., and Jim Hieb, Marble Institute of America
Room 507
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 64
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Sourcing Stone from China and India
The seminar will cover sourcing Chinese and Indian dimensional stone. Learn about main geological deposits, distribution channels of the international block market and new materials that are arriving on the market along with some innovative architectural examples.
Speaker: Paola Blasi and Marcantonio Ragone, IMM Carrara
Room 502A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- Seminar 65
Track: Restoration
Preparing for Success --Tackle Maintenance Issues Before They Become Problems
Chances are you have heard the following: Why are there etch marks on my granite? Why is my new marble dull? Why do I have dark spots on my floor? Why was I not informed? I thought this was sealed! Learn why you should tackle these issues before they become problems. Use the tips offered to save yourself and your customer a lot of grief. Minimize the need to replace the installation, and be seen as an expert who can foresee and overcome potential problems. Bring more added value to your customers.
Speaker: Tom McNall, Tom's Maintenance
Room 501ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 66
Track: Business Management
OSHA/EPA Compliance Review --
Dry vs. Wet Dust Collectors
Make sure you have the latest OSHA information about nuisance dust and the very strict Crystalline Silica standards. Learn about the different types of dust collectors (pros and cons) and how to properly install and operate them. We'll explore “OSHA Point Capture†requirements and other alternatives, as well as the new “CNC of dust collectors.â€
Speaker: John Schubert, Schubert Environmental Equipment, Inc.
Room 502B
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 67
Track: Fabrication/Installation
How to Avoid Mistakes When Buying your Fabrication Equipment
In today's increasingly competitive market, it is crucial to make informed decisions for your company's future. As such, it is critical to have a clear idea of the type of machinery that is needed. Once you have started to determine this, the next step is to evaluate your supplier. It is your supplier who will be supporting your machinery and keeping it running. This seminar will deal with these issues and inform you on the types of issues to consider and the types of questions to ask so that you will be able to make the best decision for your company.
Speaker: Renato Meiohas and Claudio Balbo, AGM Enginering
Room 511ABC
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 68
Track: Stone Selection/Specification
Understand the Charisma of Stone:
The Intelligent Choice!
Cross disciplinary boundaries from geological science to aesthetics in stone. Why does stone have the intrinsic appeal to so many? Just what is it that elicits the expletives of attraction so often heard from professionals and clients alike? This session offers a glimpse into the world of the biologic and geologic history recorded in stone as a means of elevating an awareness of what stone means and how to view its extreme complexity: an understanding that enhances stone beauty and aesthetic presentation.
Speaker: Dr. Claude Rust, California State University, Fresno
Room 502A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
9:15 am. to 10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 69
Track: Restoration
Stone Maintenance for Residential & Commercial Interiors
Confused about which maintenance products and procedures for the proper maintenance of stone? This session will cover: designing a stone maintenance program; polishing procedures; general maintenance products; troubleshooting and preventative maintenance; writing maintenance specs; and slip/fall concerns.
Speaker: Fred Hueston, The National Center For Stone & Masonry Trades
Room 501ABC
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
9:15-10:30 a.m. -- Seminar 70
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Countertop Fabrication
To rod or not to rod? How do you make a seam invisible? Does my shop really need to make the CNC leap? What is the best way to polish an ogee edge? Join some top industry experts to discuss these issues and more. This countertop fabrication seminar will cover fabrication methods, transport, installation techniques, maintenance procedures and follow-up.
Speaker: Rich Booms, Booms Stone Co., and Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone Co.
Room 515A
AIA Learning Units: 1.25 HSW
Photo captions
StonExpo/Marble Institute of America Convention will be held from October 28 to 30, 2004, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see and compare a wide assortment of advanced machinery and tools that dramatically improve accuracy and productivity -- from high-speed gangsaws and computer-driven cutting machines to automated polishing and finishing systems.
During the three days of the exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to view live demonstrations of various tooling and machines.
In 2003, the StonExpo Federation showed its support for the new Natural Stone Council, which was formed to promote the interests of the collective stone industry
The exhibition provides a forum for attendees to explore the very latest in natural stone technology, products and services.
Sidebar
StonExpo 2004 Schedule
Wednesday, October 27
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marble Institute of America Board of Directors Meeting (Hyatt)
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration desk open
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stone tour of the city
3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stone industry education seminars
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. StonExpo Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, October 28
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration desk open
7:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Stone industry education seminars
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. StonExpo 2004 exhibit hall open
10 a.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. StonExpo foundation meeting
4:30 p.m. Stone World Technological Achievement Award presentation
5 p.m. National Building Granite Quarries Association meeting
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Marble Institute of America gala reception
Friday, October 29
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration desk open
7:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Stone industry education seminars
8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Natural Stone Council meeting
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. StonExpo 2004 exhibit hall open
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Marble Institute of America business meeting
12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Marble Institute of America Pinnacle Awards luncheon
2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Stone industry education seminars
2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Marble Institute of America Board of Directors meeting
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stone industry social hour
Saturday, October 30
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration desk open
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. StonExpo exhibitor advisory council meeting
7:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Stone industry education seminars
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Stone carver guild meeting
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. StonExpo 2004 exhibit hall open
