StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2008 Preview

StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2008 will take place from October 16 to 18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV (conference program will be held from October 15 to 18).  The show allows industry professionals to find the latest stone products, services and technology all in one spot, according to the show organizer, Hanley Wood Exhibitions.

One major announcement by StonExpo this year was its alliance with Marmomacc, the leading international trade show, which annually takes place in Verona, Italy. “In the past three years, StonExpo has experienced 95% growth,” stated Galen Poss, President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions. “Now with the united strength of the StonExpo/Marmomacc brands, this event will be propelled into a global market. The combination of resources between Marmomacc and StonExpo will bring extraordinary value to the industry and participants of future events. This is a big win for the North American stone community.”

StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas is expected to expand its position as the leading North American stone and technology event for fabricators, installers, builders and distributors. With the addition of Marmomacc’s influence and strength within the architecture and design segments, significant growth is anticipated in these key market segments, creating outstanding value for all who exhibit and attend, reports Hanley Wood Exhibitions.

StonExpo 2007 had a total attendance of 7,399 and 333 exhibiting companies, including 100-plus new companies. The show floor encompassed 124,000 square feet, which equaled a 21% increase from 2006.

The industry has also confirmed the need for quality education. The 2007 Conference Program offered 44 sessions in five targeted tracks, including new Roundtable Discussions, which offered attendees an invaluable opportunity to talk shop with other members of the industry. By participating in these educational seminars, attendees can earn AIA, NKBA, AIBD and ASID industry designation.

StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas’ official sponsors are the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Natural Stone Council. The show’s 2008 official endorsers are Milanez & Milaneze/Vitória Stone Fair and AIA Las Vegas.

New to the show floor this year is the addition of a StonExchange area, which is an informal stage where attendees and exhibitors can meet, talk, exchange ideas and learn from each other. Here, attendees will find informative sessions from the MIA, Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA) and the NSC, along with two roundtable discussions with industry experts and a keynote presentation on surviving and thriving in any kind of economy.

Also, part of StonExchange, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, together with the MIA, announced it will present a session within the educational program at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas to address the ongoing debate surrounding radon and granite.

“This is a unique and once-a-year opportunity for the natural stone industry to leverage the weight of an event like StonExpo to gain momentum and unity in our efforts to both refute these allegations and highlight the many attributes, including safety, of granite as the premier countertop material,” said Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of the MIA. “StonExpo is the perfect place to present this message because it’s the one place each year where the stone industry arrives en masse, and it is where we can both educate the industry and ask for support in one place.”

The session will take place on the all-new StonExchange area on the show floor, and while registration is required, it is complimentary for all attendees and exhibitors. Titled “Granite and Radon - An Industry Update,” and led by members of the MIA, the session is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Participants will discuss the advances the stone industry is making with new scientific studies, the Truth About Granite (TAG) fund and the MIA’s global involvement.

This session will supersede the previously scheduled session, “Get the Advantage with MIA Accreditation.” Stone World’s Fabricator of the Year Award, previously scheduled to be awarded at the conclusion of this session, has been relocated to the Stone World booth (#912) at 5 p.m. The MIA’s other StonExchange session, “Taking Full Advantage of the MIA” will remain as scheduled on Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

StonExchange will offer three sessions each day on Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, and one session on Saturday, October 18 in convenient 30-minute time slots in the StonExchange area on the show floor. Just like Stone LIVE!, all StonExchange sessions are free to StonExpo attendees.

Show Exhibit Hours

Thursday, October 16 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 17 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 18 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.



Conference Hours

Wednesday, October 15 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 16 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, October 17 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 18 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.


Conference Program schedule


Wednesday, October 15


9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation –Introductory to Intermediate

Title: Do Your Research Before You Buy Your Next Piece of Equipment

Speakers: Ronald Hannah, Duane Naquin

• Understand how to evaluate features and benefits before buying new or refurbished equipment

• Identify the advantages of owning automation and investing in technology

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Track: Building/Design - General

Title: From the Quarry to the Countertop

Speaker: Fred Jackson

MIA-Sponsored Workshop

• Review the basic sequencing of processes for natural stone to go from quarry to countertop

• Analyze elements that influence selection for interior applications and factors that affect cost

• Understand factors to consider regarding sealing natural stone


9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Track: Business Management – Intermediate to Advanced

Title: Safety First! - The Benefits of a Safety Program

Speaker: Ted Huppert

• Recognize the cost of accidents to a business

• Understand OSHA fines and penalties

• Appreciate the concept of having a zero injury culture


1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Track: Business Management - Intermediate

Title: Getting Serious About Profits

Speaker: Al Bates, Ph.D.

• Improve your understanding of business financials

• Determine your profit drivers

• Outline specific goals for improvements

Attendees will receive two financial templates in advance that will be used in the workshop. A calculator is needed for this workshop.


1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - Introductory to Intermediate

Title: Improving Your Shop Layout - Operating a “Lean” Facility (New)

Speakers: Owen Kingsman, Ed Hill, Ed Ligon

This workshop will take attendees through a series of examples. The first is where lead times are very long, chaos is rampant and reliability doesn’t exist. The second part of the workshop will identify and achieve the opposite scenario.

At the conclusion of this session attendees will have the tools to:

• Significantly reduce  lead-time

• Virtually eliminate chaos in the shop

• Realize effective cost-control savings

* Note extended time


1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing - General

Title: Over Promise & Over Deliver - Building Your Competitive Edge

Speaker: Lisbeth Calandrino

• Identify ways for a business to deliver on its promises

• Define strategies to improve customer base

• Outline steps on how to build customer loyalty and differentiation

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Track: Building/Design - General

Title: The Geology of Dimensional Stone

Speaker: Chuck Muehlbauer

• Determine the origin and composition of natural stone

• Understand how these factors determine the characteristics of stone

• Review different types of natural stone and compare the different classifications

Thursday, October 16

9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

Track: Building & Design - Advanced

Title: Avoid Design Disasters for Heavy Commercial Projects

Speaker: Rodney Harvey

This seminar will provide an overview of common interior and exterior veneer installation methods and terminology consistent with the MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual. You will review examples of specific anchor types for varying substrates and anchorage conditions and critique commonly encountered architectural details from actual bid and construction documents.

(AIA/CES and HSW approved credits)

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Business Management – Intermediate to Advanced

Title: Know What Your Business is Worth

Speaker: Bart Basi, Ph.D.

• Determine how valuations for businesses are reported

• Outline the steps of a succession plan

• Examine tax implications based on your  business decisions

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Building/Design - General

Title: The New Generation of A Stone Showroom (New)

Speaker: Mark Fernandes

Go beyond the quarry and seek to understand stone’s place in the sophisticated culture of retail and design. Mark Fernandes, from Charles Luck Stone Center, takes attendees on a captivating and visual exploration of the company’s revolutionary journey to create a destination which provides inspiration, shares knowledge and underscores the possibilities of designing and crafting with stone. He challenges conventional thinking and offers bold ideas on new ways to market natural stone.


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - General

Title: Countertop Fabricators Forum

Speakers: Brian Briggs, Mark Blanda, Scott Lardner (Moderator)

This open forum for countertop fabricators changes with the audience. Share ideas and discuss opportunities and challenges that you face everyday. Attendees bring topics and panelists and audience will provide the forum.

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Business Management - Advanced

Title: Leaders Growing Leaders (New)

Speaker: Clay Nelson

In today’s challenging times, companies can’t afford to have those responsible for sustaining the company’s direction, motivation and profitability, be anything but the leaders they are paid to be. This program will help leaders get centered and in touch with who they are, what their jobs entails, how they can grow their team members into powerful leaders and build a team that has great success.


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing – Intermediate to Advanced

Title: Branding Your Business Locally - Five Ways to Stand Out in Your Own Market

Speaker: Marty Gould

• Learn ways to create a personal experience for customers by building brand loyalty

• Understand the power of information, know who the best customers are and what’s important to them and why

• Leave with a minimum of five proven marketing strategies to adapt for a stone business


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing - General

Title: Why Do People Buy? - Successful Selling for Today’s Stone Business

Speaker: Mark Lauzon

• Understand the psychology of how and why people buy

• Examine the direct connection with the the stone industry

• Learn powerful, practical tips that will help close deals based on customer needs instead of price alone


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Business Management - Advanced

Title: Make More Money on Every Job – Profitability Drivers

Speaker: Al Bates, Ph.D.

• Review “Profit Structures”

• Identify two key profit pressure points for retailers

• Examine the role of pricing in a margin sensitive world

*A calculator is needed for this seminar.


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing – Introductory to Intermediate

Title: Grow Your Business Through Diversification

Speakers: Dave Corey, Allan Gowan

• Identify growth opportunities in your existing business

• Determine what products can complement an exisiting business

• Select other niche markets to introduce or to expand your business


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Building/Design - General

Title: A World of Color!

Speaker: Mark Woodman

Color and design are practically inseparable and one of the most exciting elements to stone is color. Learn firsthand what the trends are in home décor for natural stone. Color is key and throughout this lively presentation, attendees will better understand the new direction for color. Be aware of what’s new and unique for clients.


4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing - Intermediate

Title: Inventory Management - Controlling Your Cost (New)

Speakers: Owen Kingsman, Ed Hill, Ed Ligon

• Understand inventory management using principles from “The Beer Game”

• Create effective ordering procedures

• Understand inventory metrics (carrying costs vs. ordering cost)

• Recognize the value of clear communication in the supply chain

* Note extended time


1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Track: Building & Design - Advanced

Title: Joint Treatment for Natural Stone (New)

Speakers: Bernie Bishoff, Rodney Harvey

• Identify proper adhesive and use for interior and exterior natural stone applications

• Identify proper joint fillers for interior and exterior natural stone applications

• Identify minimum sustainable and warrantable joint widths for various fillers

• Gain a basic understanding of field tested design ideas to improve the quality, performance and sustainability of interior and exterior natural stone applications

(AIA/CES and HSW credit pending)


Friday, October 17


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Business Management - General

Title: Heart and Mind Leadership - Rewards that Produce Results (New)

Speaker: Sam Allman

• Manage projects while leading and inspiring employees to increase productivity

• Extend influence by replicating abilities through people

• Learn that the most effective bosses combine the best qualities of both managers and leaders into inspiring leadership


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing - General

Title: The Power of Persuasion (New)

Speaker: Maura Schreier-Fleming

• How to demonstrate credibility through persuasive dialogue

• To identify more persuasive vocabulary

• To effectively use listeners’ emotions as an advantage in the sales process


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - Intermediate

Title: A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship between Cost & Price -  (Part 1)

Speakers: GK Naquin, Tony Malisani

• Learn that understanding of cost is a pre-requisite to understanding price

• The impact cost and break-even point have on the bidding process


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - General

Title: Countertop Installers Forum

Speakers: Don Taylor, Jason Nottestad, Ronald Hannah (Moderator)

This open forum for countertop installers changes with the audience. Share ideas and discuss opportunities and challenges faced everyday. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution. Attendees bring topics and panelists and audience will provide the forum.


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Business Management - Intermediate

Title: Maintain a Valuable Workforce

Speakers: Jim Hieb, John Cogswell

• Learn how to implement an effective hiring process

• Create an employee handbook with well-written job descriptions

• The components of a fabricator apprenticeship program

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation – Intermediate to Advanced

Title: Maximization to Increase Profits

Speaker: Kenny Laymons

• Session is for owners and employees of a fully automated fabricating shop

• Learn ways to increase profits with current equipment in a competitive market


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Business Management - Intermediate

Title: A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship between Cost & Price -  (Part 2)

Speaker: Tony Malisani

• Learn how to create a dealer pricing program based on market segment

• To easily implement pricing strategies into your business


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - General

Title: The Digital Difference

Speaker: Mark Lauzon

• See how to increase efficiency and profit with digital marketing, job tracking and templating

• Learn steps necessary to incorporate a digital system


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing - General

Title: Selling in a Leaner Economy (New)

Speaker: Sam Allman

• See why a slow yet very competitive market prompts a change in attitude

• Find creative ways to tighten expenses and boost revenue


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation – Intermediate to Advanced

Title: Avoid Countertop Installation Failures

Speaker: GK Naquin

• Determine causes of countertop installation failures by reviewing blueprints and jobsite inspections

• Learn how to repair and/or replace countertops due to structural damage


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Building/Design - General

Title: Resin Treated Slabs

Speakers: Filippo Emanuel, Keith Graves (moderator)

• Learn why slabs are resin treated and see samples in various stages of material process

• Solutions for common problems with epoxy-resined slabs


4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing - General

Title: The Art of Selling (New)

Speaker: Maura Schreier-Fleming

• Learn how to adapt your selling message based on cues with perspective customers

• Build rapport with customers to avoid sales resistance and objections


Saturday, October 18


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - General

Title: Stone Maintenance & Problem Solving

Speaker: Rod Sigman

• Know what to recommend and use to remove grout haze, efflorescence, restore neglected installation and other common issues

• Offer solutions for acid, alkaline cleaners and solvent strippers


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation – General

Title: Countertop Fabricators Forum

Speaker: Panel, Duane Naquin (moderator)

This open forum for countertop fabricators changes with the audience. Share ideas and discuss opportunities and challenges faced everyday. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution. Attendees bring topics and the audience and panelists will provide the forum.


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Building/Design - General

Title: New Design Options for Stone

Speakers: Fred Jackson, Christine Jenkins

Explore design options with various stones that can complement granite, such as gemstone, soapstone, travertine, white marble, etc. Make sure the right stone is selected for the right application designs for both engineered and natural stone.


8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Fabrication/Installation - Intermediate

Title: Why Treating and Recycling Water is a Good Investment

Speaker: John Fallon

Are you familiar with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations? Learn how EPA non-compliance can have a negative effect on bottom line and why water recycling should be a part of the next equipment purchase. Wastewater can no longer be thought of as disposable byproduct. Instead, recycling is an important part of our future and can be a very important part of a marketing plan. 

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Track: Sales/Marketing  - General

Title: Top Your Customers with Excellent Customer Service

Speaker: Keith Graves

This seminar will cover customer service specifically for the stone industry. Attendees will learn a number of customer service pointers such as identifying the right customers for a business, how to gain and retain customer confidence, handling objections and much more.


Additional Activities


Marble Institute of America

MIA Gala Reception

Thursday, October 16

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

MIA members only


MIA Awards Luncheon and Annual meeting

Friday, October 17

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Natural Stone Council

Board Meeting

Wednesday, October 15

11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tradewinds C


American Institute of Architects (New)

The 2008 AIA Las Vegas Product Show will be held in conjunction with StonExpo. The cost is free to all qualified StonExpo attendees.


2008 AIA Las Vegas Product Show

Thursday, October 16

3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.



Avoid Design Disaster for Heavy Commercial Projects

Thursday, October 16

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Room: Islander E

Joint and Application Treatment for Natural Stone

Thursday, October 16

1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Room: Islander C



Stone Fabricators Alliance

Sponsors’ Appreciation Reception

Thursday, October 16

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mandalay Bay

Convention Center

- Bayview Patio

*Members and Sponsors

 by invitation only



Annual Membership Meeting

Friday, October 17

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tradewinds C