“More and more companies continue to generate strong sales activity as a direct result of their participation in StonExpo,” stated Pennie Sabel, executive director of the StonExpo Federation, the non-profit board that produces the show. “Increasing numbers of companies are joining StonExpo because they know they will meet more qualified buyers who are driving the growth in stone, fabricating and processing machinery and ancillary products that are all part of the industry.”

Organizers believe that Atlanta is a key location for the event as well. “Atlanta has always been a top performing market for StonExpo, and 2003 will definitely continue that tradition,” stated Sabel. “Trade shows are too big an investment for exhibitors not to have complete confidence in an event and the management behind it. Our growth is a reflection of the industry's confidence in us to produce the best shows in the industry.”

Atlanta is centrally located to one of the industry's largest markets, and the Georgia World Congress Center features state-of-the-art exhibit halls, equipped with meeting rooms and in close proximity to leading hotels.

Show management has taken several steps this year to ensure success for StonExpo 2003. One strategy in particular is stronger marketing efforts. “Exhibitors have consistently been complimentary of the quality and quantity of attendees, and this is reflected in our market research as well as feedback we get after every show,” stated Sabel. “However, despite strong market activity, it's obvious that trade shows have to deliver more return for exhibitors and attendees if they are to remain effective marketing and business forums. That's why we're committed to making a good thing even better.”

This year's marketing and promotional campaign includes a new graphic look that adds a richer and more polished feel to the exhibition. Additionally, there are new promotional pieces and a higher frequency and expanded target audience for the campaign. The show is also mailing focused pieces to key elements of the industry. Targeted e-mails and stronger industry association support are also part of the new program.

Another aspect of the campaign is a direct focus on attracting more architects and designers, multiple mailings to fabricators and a wider use of advertising in more industry publications. StonExpo's Web site -- www.stonexpo.com -- has also been revitalized, and features the introduction of a new product section that attendees can view to see new innovations being introduced at the show.

To better service participating companies, a new exhibitor advisory board has been established, and will have its first meeting during this year's show. This group was formed to function as a direct channel between exhibiting companies and the StonExpo Federation, according to Sabel.

“StonExpo is growing, and the industry is evolving,” she stated. “Since the show must reflect the developments in the industry, we felt now was the time to create a more formal process for show management to get direct feedback from a representative group of companies that will provide insightful comments about StonExpo, the dynamics of the market and how StonExpo can best meet the needs of the market. We have always enjoyed strong relationships and close ties with our exhibitors. The advisory board will ensure timely and mutually beneficial communication as we go forward and chart the future growth of StonExpo.”

The advisory board will be composed of senior management from companies that run across the spectrum of the various types of products and machinery on display. “We want a good cross section of companies that represent everything from the fabrication machinery companies to stone,” stated Sabel. “This is the best way for us to see how well we're meeting everyone's needs from an operational and marketing perspective.”

As of the beginning of September, the new advisory board included: Dan Devlin, Hard Rock Tool; Terrence Meck, Rolling Rock Stone; Phil Mularoni, Marmo Meccanica; and Allen Turk, Precision Drive Systems, Colombo.

Show organizers are expecting a large turnout for StonExpo 2003. Despite a snowstorm the night before it opened, last year's exhibition in Baltimore, MD, was one of the most successful years ever, with an attendance of 4,051 people. Of this total, 1,290 were from exhibiting companies and 2,791 were attendees. Nearly 200 companies displayed a full range of stone materials, fabricating equipment and accessories, and stone care and installation products.

According to statistics, 49% of the attendees were the owners or president non-owners of their stone companies, and 13% were managers of their businesses. Of all the attendees participating, 73% were authorized to make or specify purchases on behalf of their companies, and 95% found new products or met new suppliers at the trade show.

Cornerstone Forum Seminars

Wednesday, December 3, 2003
(pre-show tour)
Forum 5
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Stone Tour of Atlanta
Attend a three-hour bus tour of some of Atlanta's finest examples of the use of natural stone in architecture and construction. Included on the tour are the Georgia State Capitol Building and the new Atlanta Federal Reserve Building. See first-hand how natural stone is a major element in the building of Atlanta. Seating is limited. There is a $30 fee for this tour.
Tour guides: Robert Zavagno, Jr., Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co.; Ed Zimmerman, Granicor

Thursday, December 4, 2003
Forum 10
7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
Fabricators Forum: Residential Projects
The fabricator forums are open forums for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to residential fabrication and/or installation. It is a chance to discuss things that may not be covered by other seminars. A panel of MIA industry members will lead the discussion. If you would like to see a particular topic discussed, send
your question to: education@marble-institute.com. Seating is limited.
Speakers: Rick Bouck and Dave Stites, Genesee Cut Stone & Marble Co.

Forum 11
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Countertop Fabrication: Part 1
Let's talk about the booming countertop business. Join industry experts who will discuss the business fundamentals of this important market segment of the natural stone industry. This seminar on countertop fabrication (part 1) will focus on issues related to sourcing and selection of materials, presales activities, pricing, sales and templating. Seating is limited.
Speakers: Cliff Brannon, Crystal Marble Co.
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 12
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Horizontal Surfaces:
Proper Installation Techniques
- The Substrate Matters
The scope of this presentation is to discuss the use and preparation of a variety of substrates. It will identify the most common substrates, their uniqueness, and how each should be prepared to receive a stone installation. This presentation will include a discussion of forensics and how to address the issue of problem solving and avoidance.
Speaker: Calvin McGee, Laticrete
AIA Learning Units: 1.25
Forum 13
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Workplace Safety/Risk Management
This seminar will provide a broad range of risk management techniques that will ultimately reduce the chance of loss within the workplace. The first part of the seminar will be dedicated to understanding the concepts of insurance and how it relates to property, liability and workers compensation. The second half of the presentation is OSHA-specific, addressing what employers need to know in the event of OSHA inspections. At the conclusion of the seminar, the business owner will receive summaries and safety manuals that can be implemented at their particular location.
Speaker: Marc Rosenkrantz, Schechner Lifson Corp.
Forum 14
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Materials: Sourcing Dimensional Stones of North America
This seminar will cover how to source the dimensional stones of North America. It will identify the main geological deposits in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, outline the North American distribution channels, and will feature some of these local materials along with some innovative architectural projects.
Speaker: Jim Janochoski, Cold Spring Granite
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 15
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Countertop Fabrication: Part 2
To rod or not to rod? How do you make a seam invisible? Does my shop really need to make the CNC leap? What is the best way to polish an ogee edge? Join some top industry experts to discuss these issues and more. This countertop fabrication seminar (part 2) will cover fabrication methods, transport, installation techniques, maintenance procedures and follow-up. Seating is limited.
Speakers: Rick Bouk and Dave Stites, Genesee Cut Stone & Marble Co.
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 16
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Fabrication Technology Update
See what's new in fabrication equipment and methods. This presentation will focus on an updated look at new fabrication products that are available on the world market as well as new methods with CNC equipment.
Speaker: Paolo Morrone, Italian Trade Commission, Italian Association of Stoneworking Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMM)
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 17
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
How to Sell Natural Stone More Effectively
This seminar is based on the concept of “educating your customer” -- making sure that your customer knows what they're getting before they get it. Areas to be discussed include: ways of establishing yourself as a recognized professional in the industry, the importance of becoming an AIA Continuing Education Provider and new methods of presenting your message to your clients. This is a “must-attend” if you work with natural stone and interact with architects, designers or consumers.
Speaker: Kevin Padden, KM Padden
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 18
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Job Site Safety
This seminar will discuss the basic procedures and training guidelines for proper job site safety practices on commercial installation sites. Issues discussed will include OSHA guidelines, specific safety precautions for stone installers, as well as useful training and documentation procedures.
Speakers: Joe Kapchek, J. Kapcheck & Co.; Vince Migliore, MIA Technical Director
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 19
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Put a Bit of Science in your Business: Understanding the Elements
of Stone
Back by popular demand, geologist Claude Rust, Ph.D., will be giving his popular “Put a Bit of Science” seminar with his well-known mineralogical kits. Participants will receive mineral samples, a loupe and some testing materials. This “hands-on” seminar will consider the identification of the common minerals found in almost all stones. Rudimentary knowledge of stone components is the foundation to understanding behavior and is essential to intelligent stone selection. Learn to impress your clients and colleagues by demonstrating your stone expertise. Limited to 50 participants. There is an additional $30 registration fee for this seminar.
Speaker: Claude Rust, Ph.D., Geologist, University of Fresno
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 20
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Is Sealing Natural Stone Necessary
or Snake Oil?
There are those who believe that natural stone should be sealed, and there are those who would never seal a natural stone -- and those in between. This seminar will present direct comparisons of the staining of sealed vs. unsealed stone, cleaning of sealed vs. unsealed stone, and the characteristics of sealed vs. unsealed stone.
Speaker: Mike Guasch, Stone Tech Professional
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 21
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The Classification of Building Stone
This seminar will describe the principles that are applied when U.S. Customs determines the applicable provision for imported building stone under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). You will learn how stone is classified based on geological definitions, and the degree to which the stone has been worked. You will also learn how to obtain a binding ruling on the classification of stone, and more information about NAFTA and how it affects the stone industry.
Speakers: Jacob Bunin, U.S. Customs
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 22
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Commercial Cleaning of Natural Stone Surfaces
This seminar will discuss the important elements in a proper maintenance protocol for commercial stone installations. Issues discussed will include: general maintenance practices for horizontal and vertical installations, identification of stains, proper stain removal methods and suggested guidelines for maintenance specifications in the Master Specification.
Speaker: Fred Hueston, The National Center For Stone & Masonry Trades
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Friday, December 5, 2003
Forum 30
7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
Fabricators Forum: Commercial Projects
The fabricator forums are open forums for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to commercial fabrication and /or installation. It is a chance to discuss things that may not be covered by other seminars. A panel of MIA industry members will lead the discussion. If you would like to see a particular topic discussed, send your question to education@marble-institute.com. Seating is limited.
Speakers: Jim Janochoski, Cold Spring Granite; Rich Booms, Booms Stone
AIA Learning Units: 1.25
Forum 31
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Countertop Fabrication: Part 1
Let's talk about the booming countertop business. Join industry experts who will discuss the business fundamentals of this important market segment of the natural stone industry. This seminar on countertop fabrication (part 1) will focus on issues related to sourcing and selection of materials, presales activities, pricing, sales and templating. Seating is limited.
Speaker: Cliff Brannon, Crystal Marble Co.
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 32
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Showers Built to Fail: A Mold Issue
This forensics course will provide a review of improper shower construction practices and designs that result in moisture migration into the building envelope. The seminar will also explain how such moisture can result in mold growth and structural damage. Proper design and installation techniques for wet environments will be discussed.
Speakers: Greg Mowat and Don Halvorson, Forensic Tile Consultants
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 33
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Materials: International Sourcing
of Dimensional Stone
This seminar will cover international sourcing of dimensional stone. It will identify the main geological deposits around the world, outline the distribution channels of the international block market, and present some new materials that are arriving on the market along with some innovative architectural examples.
Speakers: Marco Ragone and Paola Blasi, Internazionale Marmi e Macchine
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 34
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Know your Stone and Its Needs
What's the key to successful installations? Understanding the class-ification of stone and its characteristics, the strength and limitations of the material, the need for proper specifications of care, and maintenance procedures. All these elements combine for successful installations and each point will be covered during this session.
Speaker: Fred Jackson, Aqua Mix
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 35
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Countertop Fabrication: Part 2
To rod or not to rod? How do you make a seam invisible? Does my shop really need to make the CNC leap? What is the best way to polish an ogee edge? Join some top industry experts to discuss these issues and more. This countertop fabrication seminar (part 2) will cover fabrication methods, transport, installa-tion techniques, maintenance procedures and follow-up. Seating is limited.
Speakers: Keith Graves, Marva Marble & Granite Inc.
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 36
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Designing a Stone Fabrication Shop
This seminar will outline the basic equipment “essentials” in designing a stone fabrication shop. Three basic levels of production will be considered, as well as the proper shop design for those levels.
Speaker: Keith Graves, Marva Marble & Granite Inc.
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 37
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
“Hands-On” Introduction to Stone Restoration
This seminar will be hands-on training in the expanding field of stone care. Restoration professionals are needed to restore beauty to natural stone installations. Topics discussed will include commercial and residential restoration and monthly maintenance procedures.
Speaker: Mark Calvillo, Hard Rock Tool
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 38
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Put a Bit of Science in your Business: Understanding the Elements of Stone
Back by popular demand, geologist Claude Rust, Ph.D., will be giving his popular “Put a Bit of Science” seminar with his well-known mineralogical kits. Participants will receive mineral samples, a loupe and some testing materials. This “hands-on” seminar will consider the identification of the common minerals found in almost all stones. Rudimentary knowledge of stone components is the foundation to understanding behavior and is essential to intelligent stone selection. Learn to impress your clients and colleagues by demonstrating your stone expertise. Limited to 50 participants. There is an additional $30 registration fee for this seminar.
Speaker: Claude Rust, Ph.D., Geologist, University of Fresno
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 39
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Introduction to Stone Design
“Stone 101” is for architects and members of the design community. This is a general survey course, which will provide an overall view of the production and supply in the dimensional stone industry. Discussions will include stone selection, engineering considerations, ASTM testing, aesthetic considerations, horizontal substrates, designing for wet areas, stair treads and vertical cladding. This seminar will also cover useful “tips and techniques” in stone sourcing and design.
Speakers: Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone; Vince Migliore, MIA Technical Director
AIA Learning Units: 2

Saturday, December 6, 2003
Forum 50
7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
MIA Membership Forum: Maximizing your Return-On-Investment
This session offers members and non-members an extensive review of all the benefits available through MIA membership. Participants will learn how to cut their routine business expenses with MIA's money-saving group buying plans, show their high standards through the use of a variety of MIA promotional material, market products and services via MIA's online and print resources, save on valuable references from the MIA bookstore, and learn more about the tools available online at: www.marble-institute.com. Seating is limited.
Speakers: Jena Olsen and Jim Hieb, Marble Institute of America
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 51
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Market Trends in the Stone Industry
This seminar will provide a look at a number of trends in the stone industry. Topics to be discussed will include review of key trends and statistics of stone consumption in the U.S., review of stone usageand application trends, review of dimensional stone vs. modular stone tile use and projections for industry growth.
Speaker: Donato Pompo, Ceramic Tile & Stone Consultants
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 52
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Be Ready When OSHA Comes Knocking at your Door
This seminar is based on the concept of “being prepared” -- how to make sure that your shop is compliant with EPA and OSHA regulations before you get inspected. Areas discussed will include evaluating your operation for EPA and OSHA compliance, the importance of taking OSHA seriously and making sure you will pass a potential inspection and methods of preparing for and maintaining compliance. This is a “must-attend” if you are a natural stone fabricator.
Speaker: Kevin Padden, KM Padden
Forum 53
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
How to Avoid Mistakes When Buying Your Fabrication Equipment
In today's increasingly competitive market, it is crucial to make informed decisions for your company's future and to have a clear idea of the type of machinery that is needed. Once you have started to determine this, the next step is to evaluate your supplier. It is your supplier who will be supporting your machinery and keeping it running. This seminar will deal with these issues and inform you on the types of issues to consider and the types of questions to ask so that you will be able to make the best decision for your company.
Speaker: Renato Meiohas, AGM

Forum 54
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Diamond Tools: Technology Update
We buy them, we use them, but how much do we know about diamond technology? Get the inside scoop on new technologies in the development and applications for industrial diamonds in the stone industry. Products discussed will include blades, polishing pads, core bits, radial arm disks and diamond wire applications.
Speakers: Gil Neuforge and JC Collins, Diamant Boart
AIA Learning Units: 1.25

Forum 55
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Enhancing Your Supervisory Skills
This session covers making the right hiring decisions, coaching, delegation, change management, effective discipline and providing feedback. The handout is presented in a “checklist” format so participants can easily cross-reference these management tips against their own company's procedures.
Speaker: Jim Hieb, Marble Institute of America

Forum 56
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Granite Resin Process: How & Why
This presentation will focus on the current resin process of polished granite slabs -- why it is done, how it is done, the benefits and problems, and how to solve them. In particular, this seminar will present the various types of resins that are available, their characteristics and use.
Speaker: Filippo Emanuel, Tenax USA

Forum 57
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Water, Air & Power Requirements for your Shop
This seminar will outline the normal equipment used for stone fabrication and will discuss the resource requirements (water, air and power) for such equipment.
Speaker: Keith Graves, Marva Marble & Granite Inc.

Forum 58
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Understand the Charisma of Stone: Why Natural Stone is the Intelligent Choice
Listen to clients and customers in a stone showroom or booth. Typical comments are: Wow! Fantastic! Look at this one! It speaks to me! And more. Just what is it that fosters such statements? They are true! Stone is all the things you hear people say and more, and professional geologist explains why it is so and more about stone. Stone has charisma. It has a message. Improve your knowledge at this stone appreciation seminar.
Speaker: Claude Rust, Ph.D., Geologist, University of Fresno
AIA Learning Units: 1.25


Seminars and speakers are subject to change.


Photo captions

The joint StonExpo / MIA Convention will be held this year at the Georgia World Congress Center from December 4 to 6, 2003.

This year's show will include an additional 100,000 square feet of exhibiting space.

The Marble Institute of America is a Continuing Education System provider registered with the American Institute of Architects. Continuing Education Learning Units for members of AIA are available for the designated seminars.

Side Bar: StonExpo 2003
Schedule of Events