The AIA 2004 National Convention and Design Expo is set to take 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 include 700 leading-edge companies exhibiting their products and services.

The Stone and Tile Pavilion will once again be sponsored by Stone World and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design magazines. Within this pavilion, selected AIA/CES Registered Providers will participate in the Expo Education Program by offering educational opportunities at their booths. Programs will be 15 to 20 minutes in duration, and credits are recorded as .25 hour per session (with a minimum of four sessions required). Participating providers related to the stone industry include: 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.

The Natural Stone Council is making its debut appearance at the 2004 AIA Expo, and it will be distributing a professional CD/DVD at the event and as a follow-up to inquiries received from the design community afterwards. The CD/DVD will include 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.