While attendance was sporadic, several exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the business they conducted at the event -- particularly suppliers of stoneworking equipment. “ITSS-Miami was a definite success for Marmo Meccanica,” said Phil Mularoni, president of the stone machinery firm. “Our company sold everything we brought to the exposition. The buyers that came to our exhibit were highly qualified and ready to do business. You can't ask for more than that.”

Michael Spellman, president of IGE Solutions, Inc., of Jupiter, FL, was also positive regarding the Miami show. “This show was a big success for our company,” he said. “We not only sold a number of machines at the show, but we also obtained many very qualified leads.”

“Each succeeding edition of ITSS attracts new exhibitors and visitors,” said Richard Caires of ITSS Expos. “The stone equipment machinery display in Miami was absolute state-of-the-art. Much of it has never been seen in this area before. Our philosophy has been to leave no stone unturned to make our show great, and we are pleased and proud that the Miami show surpassed our exhibitors' expectations.”

In addition to the selection of tile, stone and fabrication equipment, the Miami show offered an in-depth educational seminar program that was free of charge to all attendees. In order to allow attendees to spend optimal time on the show floor attending to business, all seminars were scheduled after show hours.

ITSS Expos' global roster of exhibition offerings now includes Miami, New York, Las Vegas and most recently London and Ireland through the ITSS' and The London Stone Show's newly formed Global Stone Show Group.

ITSS-New York will take place from July 21 to 24 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. ITSS-Las Vegas is set for November 11 to 13 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and the exposition is scheduled to return to Miami in 2006 from March 24 to 26.