StonExpo just finished a very successful show in Los Angeles, CA. The show delivered a strong audience of stone professionals to leading manufacturers of stone products, services and supplies. With the strength of this event and the added reach of Hanley Wood, the 2005 event looks to further improve on that success. Peter Edwards of EuroStone Machine, a division of Pyramid Supply, noted: “We participate in several shows annually, and this past StonExpo event in Los Angeles was by far our best event this year, with more serious buyers, more leads, more post-show contact. With StonExpo 2005, I expect the same. With a larger support organization, the participation of members of the industry and StonExpo's long-running history of success, I expect StonExpo to have the biggest draw.”

“We expect and look forward to the largest StonExpo in history, the largest MIA convention in history, the strongest educational program for the stone industry and the best-attended stone-only show in North America,” said Garis Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of the Marble Institute of America (MIA). “We're all excited about what Hanley Wood will bring to the table working closely with the MIA and with the exhibitor community; we know it will be special.”

Preliminary information was sent out highlighting pricing and new programs for exhibitors, and rates for the 2005 event either remained the same or are lower than the rates for the 2004 event. In addition, lower prices are available for exhibitors taking large-volume exhibit space.

“GranQuartz supports StonExpo because it was the first show devoted to the stoneworking industry, is supported by the major associations and is the show best supported by genuine stoneworking professionals. It is where professionals meet professionals,” said Peter DeKok, President of GranQuartz.

Hanley Wood has a successful history of partnering with leading industry associations to ensure that their events continue to serve the industries they represent. At shows such as Remodeling, The International Pool & Spa Expo, World of Concrete and Surfaces, Hanley Wood has worked with each respective industry to create larger, more productive events. Each of these events provide a forum where industry professionals can meet their business and education needs. This pattern will continue with StonExpo and the stone industry, as the event has prominent industry associations serving as official sponsoring organizations, including the Marble Institute of America,

American Monument Association, Canadian Stone Association, Elberton Granite Association, National Building Granite Quarries Association and Northwest Granite Manufacturers Association. A special member rate for exhibit space is being offered to companies that are members of one of these sponsoring organizations.

The 2005 event will also expand on the education that StonExpo has always provided, with new topics, speakers and tracks that address the most current information the industry needs.

For more information on attending or exhibiting at StonExpo 2005, call 866-550-6808 or 972-536-6440 or visit www.StonExpo.com. The official sponsor of StonExpo is the MIA.