The AIA 2004 National Convention and Design Expo took place at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, from June 10 to 12. In addition to 150 continuing education programs, 45 tours, 50 special events and added attractions, the exposition will included 700 leading-edge companies exhibiting their products and services. Natural stone products and related items such as setting materials were a key component of the exhibition, and they were well received by architects attending the event.

The Stone and Tile Pavilion was once again sponsored by Stone World and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design magazines. Within this pavilion, selected AIA/CES Registered Providers participated in the Expo Education Program by offering educational opportunities at their booths. Programs ran for 15 to 20 minutes, and credits were recorded as .25 hour per session (with a minimum of four sessions required). Participating providers related to the stone industry included: Custom Building Products, Expanded Shale Clay & Slate Institute, Indiana Limestone Institute, Internazionale Marmi E Macchine Carrara, Laticrete International, Inc., Marble Institute of America, Inc., Natural Stone Council and Veronafiere.

As a highlight of the Stone and Tile Pavilion, the Natural Stone Council made its debut appearance at the 2004 AIA Expo, and it distributed a professional CD/DVD at the event and as a follow-up to inquiries received from the design community afterwards. The CD/DVD was a 12-to-15 minute “story” of natural stone from quarry to installation; directions on how to obtain more technical information about the product; and a directory of companies that have contributed to the Natural Stone Council's project.

The Natural Stone Council attracted attendees with a sophisticated 2,500-square-foot exhibit, and a full-length feature on the exhibit can be found on page 120.