The Italian Trade Commission will participate at the Architectural Stone and Ceramic Tile Exposition (ASCTEX) @ NeoCon in Chicago, IL, from June 13 to 15, and promote the use of Italian Marble to the 42,000 expected visitors attending North America's premier event for commercial interiors. The Italian Trade Commission's participation will include an exhibition booth as well as educational sessions.

ASCTEX is the initiative of Michael Coburn, former vice president of the organizer of the Coverings fair in Orlando. “NeoCon offers stone and tile companies a tremendous advantage in providing access to an existing base of attendees, including one of the largest gatherings of architects and interior designers in North America,” said Coburn.

The Italian Trade Commission will conduct a seminar on “The Natural Stone Industry of Italy: International Sourcing, Selection and Fabrication.” The conference will also underline the importance of selecting the “right stone for the right job” and other design criteria in using dimensional stone as well as the basic types of testing for stone materials. A presentation of award-winning buildings that have been recognized for their excellence in designing with natural stone will conclude the session.

Vincent Marazita of Marazita & Associates - a well-known speaker and expert on natural stone - will be presenting the conference on behalf of the Italian Trade Commission.

ASCTEX, the Architectural Stone and Ceramic Tile Exposition, is a pavilion within NeoCon World's Trade Fair, taking place from June 13 to 15, 2005 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. NeoCon was established in 1969, and for 35 years has been a leading design industry event and conference in North America.

ASCTEX @ NeoCon is scheduled to be included as a pavilion in four NeoCon events in 2005; Los Angeles in March, Chicago in June, and Baltimore and Toronto in September.

For more information contact Michael Coburn by e-mail at info@asctex.com; Phone: 561-863-4744; Fax: 561-863-4754.