The AIA 2006 National Convention and Design Expo, which will take place in Los Angeles, CA, from June 8 to 10, will bring together more than 24,000 architects and building industry professionals. Once again, the exposition will include the Stone and Tile Pavilion, which is sponsored by Stone World and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design magazines.

In addition to suppliers of stone materials and installation/maintenance products, the Stone and Tile Pavilion has always included the presence of trade organizations such as the Marble Institute of America, the Italian Trade Commission, IMM Carrara (the organizer of the CarraraMarmotec trade show in Carrara, Italy), and Veronafiere (the organizer of the Marmomacc trade show in Verona, Italy). Additionally, the Natural Stone Council made its debut two years ago at the AIA Expo in Chicago, and it also made a strong impression with visitors at last year's event in Las Vegas. In addition to providing continuing education, the Natural Stone Council's exhibit has featured a broad range of stonework, including granite countertops, paving, fieldstone, machinery and a magnificent limestone entry arch.

Expo Education

In all, there are over 85 Expo Education sessions, including 40 new topics, each reviewed for quality and accuracy by a team of AIA-member auditors. As of press time, the following list of stone-related sessions taking place on the expo floor was released by the AIA. New programs are denoted with an asterisk.

Internazionale Marmi E Macchine (IMM) Carrara

• The Use of Stone in External Cladding*

Italian Trade Commission

• Dimensional Stone from the Lazio Region in Italy* Mapei Corp.
• Need for Speed - Lightweight Mortar
• Thinset Mortar Myths

Natural Stone Council

• Natural Stone Masonry Veneers
• Introduction to Dimensional Stone Designs*
• Introduction to Specifying Natural Stone*
• Exterior Cladding of Natural Stone*

Protecto Wrap Co.

• Anti-Fracture Membranes

Veronafiere

• Selection of Natural Stone Materials
• Testing of Natural Stone Materials