Marmomacc, the International Stone and Technologies Exhibition, is a successful event due to the large number of exhibitors who attend year after year. This year's event, scheduled for October 2 to 5 in Verona, Italy, already has more than 1,300 companies from 50 different countries listed as definite participants, according to VeronaFiere, the show's sponsor. The increased popularity of this event has caused 50 companies to be wait-listed in order to be enrolled.

Once again, the exhibition will present a forum for stone suppliers, fabricating and quarrying equipment and stoneworking tool manufacturers, and makers of maintenance and installation products to showcase their latest developments. Additionally, Marmomacc provides the chance for architects and designers to have "hands on" experience with natural stone materials and the opportunities offered by new technologies.

According to VeronaFiere, a good turn out is expected for the 2003 show. Last year, Marmomacc attracted a total of 1,336 exhibiting companies -- 825 from Italy and the other 511 from 55 different countries worldwide -- and 57,528 attendees.

During the 37th annual edition of Marmomacc, in 2002, certain professional visitors from delegations such as Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, the Middle East, North America and Singapore all benefited from the experience in different ways. According to statistics presented by Veronafiere, approximately 35% developed new contacts, 22% found out new trends in the marble industry, and 23% of non-Europeans defined purchase contracts. After the 2002 exhibition, 93% of the guests stated that they intended to come back in 2003.

VeronaFiere's intention for this show is to promote the most technologically advanced products and help companies contact leading designers. Such figures as Botta, Chipperfield, Piano, Mayer and Li Peng have participated in meetings with exhibitors and students in the past. This presents an opportunity for stone suppliers to show design professionals the newest stones available on the market today, with the hope that they will specify these materials for future projects.

This year, once again, a variety of seminars and discussions will also be offered at Marmomacc. The intention for these workshops is to develop an awareness of the creative potential for marble and other natural stone. The informative presentations can provide project ideas in the design and architecture of these materials.

Marmomacc also prides itself for is the presentation of the International Stone Architecture Award. This prize gives the stone and marble industry the ability to recognize and award works that have impacted and achieved prestige on an international level. Originating in 1987 and held every two years, it is in its eighth edition and still holds its value of being the top event held at the exhibition.

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MARMOMACC IN VERONA, ITALY, OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARCHITECTS

The fifth edition of the Veronafiere's AIA-approved Continuing Education course -- co-sponsored with Stone World magazine -- will be held Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5, 2003 during Marmomacc, the world's largest trade fair for the marble and stone industry in Verona, Italy.

The course on "The Use of Marble and Stone Materials in Modern Architecture" has a modular format and will provide a comprehensive overview of architectural stone applications. Architects will learn how marble is quarried, treated, cut and selected for specific jobs, using the latest products and technologies. The course will include field trips to a quarry and granite factory, as well as ample time for a thorough exploration of Marmomacc.

AIA architects will be awarded scholarships covering tuition, meals, accommodations and local transportation. Participants will be responsible for their travel to and from Verona, as well as for a $300 administrative fee. Architects selected for the program should plan to arrive in Verona on Wednesday, October 1, in time for a welcoming dinner. Classes will begin on Thursday and will end Sunday, October 5. Architects selected will earn over 20 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Many classes will also include HSW credits.