Among the record 360 exhibitors are Brazilian stone producers as well as companies from Italy, Spain, China and Egypt, among other nations. To handle the increased size, some improvements have been made to the Carapina Exposition Park, including the construction of two climate-controlled pavilions -- one measuring over 35,000 square feet and another measuring nearly 10,000 square feet.

Brazilian exhibitors will be dis-playing natural stone with an eye on the export market, particularly North America. There are high expectations for solid attendance among foreign visitors, and the fair has been promoted internationally at events such as Marmomacc in Verona, Italy. Also, invitations were sent to consortiums and other company associations, embassies and international groups.