With the recent launch of StonExpo East in Atlanta, GA, the industry has thrown its support behind this new event. The show, which will be held from March 23 to 25, 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, just completed the initial space assignment process and was 70% sold out as of press time. Organizers from Hanley-Wood report that this response places it on pace to sell out well before the show.

“It is great hearing the fantastic support that StonExpo East has attracted, but we are not surprised,” said Gary Distelhorst, Executive Director of the Marble Institute of America (MIA). “The stone industry is very strong in the east and particularly in the Southeast, where StonExpo East will take place. We had a very strong show in Atlanta in 2003, and spring 2007 will be even stronger - a great testament to the fine reputation and brand the show is building. Machinery and tool companies, distributors and fabricators alike are all supporting StonExpo East, which is the ultimate endorsement, and MIA is excited to be a part of it.”

“Our goal is to work with the Marble Institute of America, Natural Stone Council and all of our partner organizations to fulfill the needs of the industry,” said Michelle Troop, Senior Show Director for StonExpo. “We were asked to deliver the stone industry event to the east as a way to ensure that this important region's needs were met. We couldn't be more pleased with the industry's response.”

StonExpo East has been launched as a biennial event, and over 115 companies have already signed up for approximately 60,000 net square feet in the show, including manufacturers such as Park Industries, Salem Stone, G & L Marble, Z. Bavelloni, Breton, EuroStone Machine, GranQuartz, East West Stone, Architectural Marble and Granite and over 100 others.

“When you combine the large concentration of stone industry professionals in the southeast and the strong history that StonExpo has in Atlanta, it only makes sense to host the event there,” said Troop. “With the size and scope of the stone industry in the area, it is vital to provide the right forum for these individuals.”

The show will feature more than 200 exhibiting companies who will showcase a variety of slab stone along with the latest stone products, machinery and technologies. Organizers expect 5,000-plus fabricators, installers, architects, designers, distributors, builders, retailers and kitchen & bath specialists to be in attendance. StonExpo's Official Sponsors are the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Natural Stone Council. A complete exhibitor list and floor plan can be found at www.StonExpoEast.com.