The second Miami edition of the International Tile & Stone Show,

scheduled for March 24 to 26 at the Miami Beach Convention Center,

will include a range of exhibitors and seminars



For the second time in Miami (and eighth time overall), the International Tile & Stone Show (ITSS) will showcase a range of stone and tile products as well as machinery and accessories. The event is set to take place from March 24 to 26 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, FL.

Exhibitors at the event will include suppliers of natural stone from the U.S. and abroad, and the show also includes a broad range of stoneworking equipment suppliers. Machinery on display at ITSS includes large-scale equipment such as CNC stoneworking centers and edge polishers as well as bridge saws, hand tools, filtration equipment and tools/accessories. Manufacturers of installation and maintenance products have also participated in ITSS.

The event offers free admission for stone industry professionals, and it will continue to also offer a free seminar program, produced by Fred Hueston of the The National Training Center for Stone and Masonry Trades. ITSS underwrites the cost of these seminars, which have been structured to address topics that pertain to current industry issues. The schedule is as follows:

March 24 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Advancements in Digital Templating for the Countertop Industry

This presentation will be given by several representatives of different templating systems. They will be discussing the various methodologies of templating in the countertop industry. Presentation will include experiences with hard templating, photogrammetry and laser devices. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions about this emerging technology.

March 24 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Stone Fabrication Forum

This seminar is designed for those new to the fabrication business or to those who want to know more about the basics. Some of the topics covered will include:

1. Slab Selection
2. Rodding: Is it necessary?
3. Resin slabs
4. Does all stone need to be sealed?
5. Setting up a new shop
Visitors can bring their questions and let this panel of experts solve the most difficult problems.

March 25 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

To Seal or Not to Seal

Does all stone need to be sealed? How about resined stone? The topic of sealing stone has been an ongoing argument since the first impregnators were introduced. This session will clear up the use of sealers and impregnators on stone countertops as well as flooring and other areas where stone is used.

March 25 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Stone Restoration Forum

This seminar is designed to answer questions on stone restoration. Do you know how to face-polish black granite? What about polishing seams? Can granite and marble combinations be honed and polished in place? This panel of stone restoration experts will address the most difficult problems.

March 25 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

CNC - When and Why?

Are you thinking about purchasing a CNC machine? Can you afford one, and more importantly, will it increase your productivity? These questions and more will be addressed in this seminar on the purchase of CNC machinery, as well as equipment such as line polishers, waterjets, etc. It will explain CNC technology, CNC performance, CNC requirements (operator, software, etc.), CNC technical performance and innovation. Learn what questions to ask and if you should move up to a CNC.

March 26 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Engineered Stone and Quartz Surface Fabrication and Restoration

Do you work with engineered stone and quartz surfacing? How do these materials differ from natural stone? Can they be polished the same way? This session is designed to introduce you to engineered stone and quartz surfaces. Learn some of the tricks that will help you fabricate and repair this material.

March 26 - 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Working with Resin Slabs

It is predicted that in the near future almost all granite slabs will be resined. Is this an advantage or disadvantage? This seminar will present the pros and cons of working with resin slabs. More importantly, it will give you detailed procedures and techniques for repairing some of the problems associated with resin slabs.



To participate as an exhibitor or attendee at ITSS-Miami, contact the corporate headquarters. In the U.S., call 1-800-564-5975. Outside the U.S., call 1-309-282-4760. ITSS can also be found on the Internet at www.itssexpos.com. Q



Captions:

The next edition of the International Tile & Stone Show is set to take place from March 24 to 26 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, FL.



Exhibitors include a broad range of equipment suppliers from the U.S. and abroad.



ITSS will continue to offer a free seminar program, produced by Fred Hueston of the The National Training Center for Stone and Masonry Trades.