The fifth edition of the Veronafiere's AIA-approved Continuing Education course -- co-sponsored with Stone World magazine -- will be held Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5, 2003 during Marmomacc, the world's largest trade fair for the marble and stone industry in Verona, Italy.

The course on "The Use of Marble and Stone Materials in Modern Architecture" has a modular format and will provide a comprehensive overview of architectural stone applications. Architects will learn how marble is quarried, treated, cut and selected for specific jobs, using the latest products and technologies. The course will include field trips to a quarry and granite factory, as well as ample time for a thorough exploration of Marmomacc.

AIA architects will be awarded scholarships covering tuition, meals, accommodations and local transportation. Participants will be responsible for their travel to and from Verona, as well as for a $300 administrative fee. Architects selected for the program should plan to arrive in Verona on Wednesday, October 1, in time for a welcoming dinner. Classes will begin on Thursday and will end Sunday, October 5. Architects selected will earn over 20 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Many classes will also include HSW credits.

This program has been offered for the past four years with considerable success. "I found this a memorable course. The technical content was accurate and excellent," said Louise Addonizio of Perkins and Will in New York, NY. "I thought it was a fantastic program --well worth the time," said John Coons of Sasaki Associates in San Francisco, CA. "The knowledge, experience and business contacts at Marmomacc were immeasurable in value," said Harry Farah of Harry M. Farah and Associates in New Mexico.

Those interested in applying should send a curriculum vitae and a cover letter specifying why they wish to participate and the number of days that they would plan to attend to Helen Medina at The Consultants International Group, 1616 H Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC, 20006; E-mail: info@cig-dc.com; Phone 202-783-7000; Fax: 202-393-4655.