A special V.I.P. group trip, sponsored by the Verona Fair Authority, is being offered to visit Marmomacc, the 36th International Exhibition of Marble, Stone and Technology. The fair will take place from September 27 to 30, and there are different travel options surrounding those dates.

Marmomacc covers a broad range of trade sectors, including natural stone and related machinery as well as monumental masonry and transport vehicles. In addition, the fair offers a comprehensive seminar program alongside the event, with sessions covering scientific and cultural aspects of natural stone. Speakers include renowned figures from the world of architecture and design.

At the 2001 edition of the show, more than 1,300 companies from 50 different countries will present the best of their products and technology on the market. A net area of 60,000 square meters will be devoted to the exhibition, which will attract 50,000 visitors from 100 different countries.

Participants in the group trip will have the opportunity to take part in activities specially organized for the American delegation, in addition to daily visits to the fair itself. This year, the trip will be a day longer than in the past (five nights/six days), including guided tours such as the "Lake Garda Tour," the "Study Tour" and the "Palladio Tour," with visits to some of the architectural masterpieces of Palladio. Also included are factory visits, wine tastings, luncheons and dinners in well-known restaurants.

Those participating in the trip can also take advantage of an optional two-day trip to Bologna and Florence, with luncheons and dinners in some of the most famous local restaurants and the possibility of further extending their stay there.

The group trip, which is offered to members of the trade and press at a competitive price, includes the following: round-trip economy-class airfare from JFK Airport in New York to Venice; round-trip transfers from Venice to Verona by deluxe private motor coach; five nights/six days at the four-star Montresor Giberti Hotel or Leon D'Oro Hotel in Verona; full daily breakfast at the hotels; daily transportation to and from the fair via private motor coach; the "Lake Garda Tour," "Study Tour" and "Palladio Tour"; three dinners and three luncheons; wine tastings and receptions; visits to leading companies in the marble and machinery sector; a tour conductor; VIP admission to Marmomacc; an exhibition catalog and all Italian taxes.

The group will leave from New York on September 26 and will return on October 2, or on October 4 for participants in the "Florence Tour." For further information on Marmomacc or the trade trip to Verona, contact Lucio Caputo, U.S. Representative, Verona Fair Authority, One World Trade Center, Suite 7885, New York, NY 10048; Tel: (212) 775-1050; Fax: (212) 938-8317; E-mail: iwfi@aol.com.