Slated for September 27th through September 30th, the 2018 edition of Marmomac is anticipated to once again cause a stir in Verona, Italy. The annual stone exhibition, which takes place at Veronafiere, attracts visitors from near and far — all looking to learn about the newest introductions in stone products and machinery, as well as to network with industry professionals.

Last year’s show, which covered close to 870,000 net square feet, totaled 67,186 visitors from 146 countries — 60% which came from outside of Italy. The number of international attendees has risen 13.95% over the past three years, reports Marmomacc officials. Additionally, the 2016 edition comprised 1,670 exhibitors, hailing from 52 countries. A total of 64.07% were international.

Throughout the four-day event, there will be a number of attractions for visitors to view. The filled exhibition halls will offer something for everyone. There will be numerous displays of stone varieties — extracted from quarries around the world — as well as large and small stoneworking equipment for both quarrying and fabrication. Many of the machines will be running to provide an opportunity for visitors to witness their capabilities. Moreover, there will be a selection of stone tooling and accessories, as well as stone cleaners and maintenance products, on display.

The Italian Stone Theater

A main attraction of the 2017 edition of Marmomac will be The Italian Stone Theater, a hall dedicated to culture, training and experimentation with stone and technology. The idea was partially developed due to the special “Made in Italy” promotion plan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development, ICE-Italian Trade Agency and Confindustria Marmomacchine.

Curated by architect Vincenzo Pavan and designer Raffaello Galiotto, The Italian Stone Theater has established itself as a focal point for culture and experimentation. Exhibitions and installations highlighting the technical and artistic skills of Italian companies will be joined by Ristorante d’Autore, a venue dedicated to fine food interpreted by star chefs in a scenic setting as ever inspired by marble and natural stone.

The title of this year’s project — Rosso Verona — pays homage to the city of Verona, its history and its architecture created using materials such as Ammonite Red and Prun Stone, as well as tuffs since Roman times. An intimate framework, with various shades of red highlighting geometric shapes, in turn reflect the fossils imprisoned in the stone, such as the famous Ammonitic marble.

Yet red also recalls many other aspects that can be associated with Verona: wine, and in particular, Amarone, presented here in pairings with dishes thanks to the collaboration with the Famiglie dell’Amarone, the association that brings together 13 historical wine-makers in the Valpolicella district committed for generations to supporting and promoting the local area and one of its most highly prized valuable red wines. “This year’s project highlights and unites the various natural vocations of our province,” said Giovanni Mantovani, CEO and director general of Veronafiere. “I especially refer to the food and wine sector, as well as the flourishing stone industry in the marble district and the natural stones of Verona themselves — also, the added value of history and culture in a city boasting UNESCO world heritage status. These are strategic assets that Veronafiere and this new initiative at Marmomac combine in perfect synthesis, keeping faith with its role in promoting territorial marketing, as well as its mission as a platform for promoting business for companies.”

The Italian Stone Theater will also include a wine bar as a place to meet, relax and enjoy aperitifs, drinks or a Marmito — the cocktail created in 2016 in honor of Marmomac by the Bartenders Academy of Verona — and the Ristorante d’Autore promoting fine Italian food by four star chefs against scenic setting as ever inspired by marble and stone developed by ADI Veneto Trentino Alto Adige Delegation.

The Best Communicator Award

Another highlight of Marmomac, since its development in 2007, is the Best Communicator Award — dedicated to the best exhibition booths at the show. This year, the five authoritative jurors appointed to assess exhibit design are: journalist Giorgio Tartaro, who returns as jury president; architect Cinzia Anguissola, deputy editor of Domus; Donatella Bollani, international stone industry consultant; Piero Primavori and Massimo Rosati, journalist and design blogger.

The self-nomination formula is a new feature this year. All companies will be able to send information about their stands via email. The jury will develop an evaluation based on the documentation received. There are four categories: Stone, Design, Machinery and Tools. Two winners are selected in each category (one Italian and one international).

The awards will be presented during a ceremony in the Forum Area (inside the Italian Stone Theater) on the second day of the event, Thursday, September 28.

Marmomac & The City

The sixth edition of Marmomac & The City confirms its success as the event that strengthens and amplifies Veronafiere’s commitment to promoting the culture of natural stone in its home city of Verona.

Compared to past editions, this year an ideal course around the streets and squares of Verona will showcase works already presented within the scope of The Italian Stone Theater, the hall at Marmomac dedicated to culture and artistic excellence involving natural stone. This is yet another opportunity for Italian companies in the sector to move beyond the exhibition center as such to present their creativity and production skills even to the general public not attending the main event.

From September 27th, the opening day of Marmomac, until October 12th, works completed in recent years will be on display. The event, curated by architect Laura De Stefano, is the outcome of collaboration between Veronafiere, Verona City Council and the Order of Architects of the Province of Verona. Participants and projects include:

• Antolini (stone supplier), Zenit (project), Raffaello Galiotto (architect)
• Cereser Marmi (stone supplier) Gong (project), Giorgio Canale (architect)
• Franchi Umberto Marmi (stone supplier) Erodescape (project), Kengo Kuma (architect)
• MGI Sicilmarmi, Generelli (stone supplier), Moebius seats (project), Giuseppe Fallacara (architect)
• Gmm (machine manufacturer), Caleido (project), Raffaello Galiotto (architect)
• Grassi Pietre (stone supplier), Pedra (project), Massimo Iosa Ghini (architect)
• Helios Automazioni (machine manufacturer), Spongia (project), Raffaello Galiotto (architect)
• Levantina (stone supplier), Dynamic Cities (project)
• Margraf (stone supplier), Organic (project), Raffaello Galiotto (architect)
• Marmi Strada (stone supplier), Agave (project), Raffaello Galiotto (architect)
• Odone Angelo (stone supplier), Crio (project), Raffaello Galiotto (architect)
• Pimar (stone supplier), Hyperwall (project), Giuseppe Fallacara (architect)