These two industry events will combine efforts to ensure maximum exposure and growth for the stone industry and their respective shows. By working together, Marmomacc and StonExpo look to demonstrate their commitment to the stone industry and its future growth and success. Attendees and exhibitors at both events will benefit through expanded and far-reaching promotional efforts, increased show attendance and enhanced educational opportunities.

Marmomacc -- the International Exhibition of Marble Stone and Technology -- is the world's largest and oldest specialized trade fair in the stone industry, and it completed its 39th edition in November 2004. The event registered more than 1,400 companies exhibiting across 678,000 net square feet, with more than 61,000 trade attendees during the four days of the show.

“We are very enthusiastic about starting co-operation with Hanley Wood Exhibitions, a leading show organizer and editorial group in the field of building and construction in the U.S.,” said Mauro Albano, executive of Marmomacc. “We are aware that through their extensive network, Marmomacc will have more visibility in the U.S. market [and] will help us to create an even better interface with U.S. manufacturers, suppliers and also with U.S. architects.”

By entering the joint endorsement, both shows hope to expand their reach and global significance. “As the producers of StonExpo, we are delighted to be working with the leadership of Marmomacc and the Veronafiere to jointly promote our events and the importance of the global stone industry,” said Galen Poss, president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions. “The endorsement of StonExpo by Marmomacc validates the importance of StonExpo and the North American stone industry.”

“MIA is extremely excited about the endorsement,” said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble Institute of America. “This puts two very powerful brands in the stone industry together, and is sure to strengthen each of the shows, and the industry in general. This is a natural progression from the sale of StonExpo to Hanley Wood.”

Both events provide education for the stone industry. “Veronafiere, organizer of Marmomacc, has been an official [education] provider for the AIA -- American Institute of Architects -- since 1999, organizing continuing educational courses for architects on the use of stone materials in contemporary architecture,” added Albano. “Marmomacc is also recognized as official provider of educational courses by the RAIC -- Royal Architectural Institute of Canada -- and by the RIBA -- Royal Institute of British Architects.” StonExpo also provides AIA and other CEU credits for its array of educational programming.

Marmomacc 2005 will be held September 29 to October 2, 2005 in Verona, Italy. For complete information, visit www.marmomacc.com. StonExpo will take place October 20 to 22, 2005 in Las Vegas, NV. Full information can be found at www.stonexpo.com.