"More and more companies continue to generate strong sales activity as a direct result of their participation in StonExpo," said Pennie Sabel, executive director of the StonExpo Federation. "Increasing numbers of companies are joining StonExpo because they know they will meet more qualified buyers who are driving the growth in stone, fabricating and processing machinery and ancillary products that are all part of the industry."

To meet the growing demand, StonExpo Show Management has committed an additional 100,000 square feet of space at the Georgia World Congress Center. At this time, committed exhibit space already exceeds the total size of the 2002 show, which was held in Baltimore, MD. More new companies are joining the show and current companies are expanding space in response to the sales activity generated, reports show organizers. Some returning exhibitors have dramatically increased space as evidenced by one exhibitor who occupied 600 square feet in 2002 and is committed to 2,800 square feet in 2003. The increased size represents a growth of over 450% for the company.

Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center is also a proven venue for StonExpo. The city is centrally located to one of the industry's largest markets, and the Georgia World Congress Center is one of the premier trade show facilities in the U.S., boasting state-of-the-art exhibit halls, meeting rooms and close proximity to leading hotels, according to show organizers.

"Atlanta has always been a top performing market for StonExpo, and 2003 will definitely continue that tradition," said Sabel.