With an extensive educational program, product demonstrations on the show floor and a lineup of displays from numerous manufacturers from the stone, tile and flooring industries, plans are in place to ensure success for The International Surface Event this year

The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, will once again buzz with activity when more than 800 brands exhibit during The International Surface Show, which will take place from Tuesday, January 30 to Thursday, February 1, 2018, with the educational program beginning on Monday, January 29. The annual trade exhibition, comprising Surfaces, StonExpo/Marmomac and Tile Expo, is the industry marketplace for stone, tile and floorcovering industry professionals.

Throughout the four-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to view displays of the newest products, witness hands-on demonstrations, talk with key manufacturers and industry suppliers, as well as participating in educational and networking opportunities.

TISE 2018 SCHEDULE

Exhibits: January 30 to February 1, 2018

Education: January 29 to February 1, 2018

Exhibit Hours

• January 30:  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• January 31:  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• February 1:  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Education Hours

• January 29: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• January 30: 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• January 31: 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Registration Hours

• January 28: 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
• January 29: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• January 30: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• January 31: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• February 1: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Cage Schedule

Tuesday, January 30th

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Subject: Miter Seams and Rodding Demo
• Presenter: Wade Parsons, Integra Adhesives

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

• Subject: Overcoming the Challenges of Ultra Compact Surfaces
• Presenter: Mark Zevotek, Hard Rock Tool   

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Subject: Quartz Surface Repair and Quartz Renew
• Presenter: John Colton, Regent Stone Products

Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Subject: Pads
• Presenter: Rick George, Weha                              

Wednesday, January 31st

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Subject: Miter Seams and Rodding Demo
• Presenter: Wade Parsons, Integra Adhesives

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Subject: Hand Fab Tools and Techniques
• Presenter: Annie Cline/James Donaire, Diamant Boart

Time: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

• Subject: Drilling for Jobsites — Pneumatic Stone Cutter
• Presenter: Travis Adams, Alpha Professional Tools

Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Subject: StoneGlo Backlighting System for Illuminating Translucent Stone
• Presenter: Chuck Trujillo/Paul Ruthardt, Defusco Industrial Supply

Thursday, February 1st

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Subject: Cartridge Glues and Techniques
• Presenter: Rick George, Tenax

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Subject: 3 Step Pads and Grinder Blades
• Presenter: Alex Bores, Helix 

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Subject: Sealers and Adhesives 101
• Presenter: Craig Zelle/Andrew Morris, Chemical Concepts

Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Subject: Diamond Tooling Q & A
• Presenter: Angel Arias, Infinity Diamond   

Come celebrate the 2017 Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award

Each year, Stone World honors a Fabricator of the Year. The person is nominated by industry members and goes to someone who has shown dedication to growing their own or employer’s business, as well as a willingness to share their knowledge to assist other industry members. This year’s nominees include:

• Dustin Braudway of Blue Water Surfaces
• Geoffrey Gran of The Countertop Factory Midwest
• Laura Grandlienard of ROCKin’teriors
• Gil Rangel of Marble Palace, Inc.
• Karen Roe of NSMotif
• Jon Ryan of Inspiration Design Center

Join the Stone World staff at booth 3511 on Wednesday, January 31 at 3 p.m. to honor the person who has been voted the 2017 Fabricator of the Year.

MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute Corner

Tuesday, January 30th  |  4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.- Join MIA+BSI for their 2018 Awards Ceremony celebrating the 2017 Pinnacle Awards winners. MIA+BSI Industry Award winners will also be honored at this event. RSVP requested. Visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org to learn more.

Tuesday, January 30th  |  5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- Join members of MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute for a Members-Only After Party immediately following the MIA+BSI Awards Ceremony.

Wednesday, January 31st  |  3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.- Block Party at the MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute Booth

The Marmomac International Pavilion at TISE 2018

During The International Surface Event (TISE) 2018, slated for January 30 to February 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, the Marmomac International Pavilion will host leading stone and machinery suppliers from India, Italy, Portugal, San Marino, Canada and Turkey. Marmomac invites attendees to visit the following companies, which will be exhibiting within the Pavilion:

AIREMÁRMORES — Portugal

Founded in 1983, Airemármores is a leading family company, active in the extraction and production of Portuguese limestone and marble.
The company’s production facilities allow it to produce unique personalized finishings and treatments, achieving uncommon results that continue to amaze clients, architects and contractors. As a result, Airemármores’ reputation has conquered the world and a large part of its products are mainly marketed in Europe, China, the U.S., Colombia and Brazil. Airemármores — A touch of natural beauty.

ANIET — Portugal

ANIET - Associação Nacional da Indústria Extractiva e Transformadora (National Association of the Extracting and Manufacturing Industry) is a prestigious association with more than 40 years of work defending and representing the extractive and manufacturing industry. Representing several companies in the natural stone sector and in the mining sector, ANIET is an important player and an active voice for ornamental and industrial stone. Searching for Portuguese stone, specific products or services? ANIET can help you find them in Portugal.

CALLACHE STONE QUARRIES  —  Canada

Callache Stone Quarries’ white marble quarry is located on the rugged western coastline of Vancouver Island, in the traditional territory of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation. Situated in a temperate rain forest where the western continent meets the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, Canada, the region is known for its natural beauty and resources. The company reports its marble is of the highest quality.

BELLINZONI — Italy

Founded in 1937 in Milan, Italy, Bellinzoni immediately stood out for the research and development of innovative products with a high-quality profile. This growth accompanied developments in the stone market by providing solutions to problems that emerged over the years, in an almost centenary path. In order to fulfill this vision, continuous investments have been necessary in manufacturing facilities and in modern and efficient research and development laboratories that provided innovative and certified instruments to the company, while enhancing its legacy of knowledge. Starting from the first product, “Special Preparation for Polishing,” still available on the market today, the company has grown to more than 50 currently available products, all dedicated to the protection, polishing, filling and maintenance of marble, granite, stone, terracotta, ceramics, metals and plastics. Its presence in relevant markets continued in quick steps — the company initially established itself primarily in Italy and Europe — with Bellinzoni currently in over 80 countries worldwide, thanks to a distribution network formed by direct branches, retailers, importers and supermarkets.

BENETTI MACCHINE — Italy

Benetti Macchine offers machines, accessories and consumables for the extraction of commercial blocks from marble and granite quarries. Among its equipment lines are: diamond-wire cutting machines, diamond-belt cutting machines, chain-saw machines, block-cutting machines, oleodynamic rock splitters, drilling machines for quarries, mono diamond wire machines, quarry equipment, special diamond tools, abrasive grind wheels, pneumatic hammers, drill bits, diamond wire and air-operated cushions.

DDX SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS — Italy

DDX develops software solutions for members of the stone- and glass-processing industries who look for innovative, reliable and user-friendly applications. From design to production, passing through an easy and smooth project phase, DDX provides a real support for these industries. This is achieved through an efficient and good use of resources, together with technological innovations, in order to offer the best solutions so as to be competitive in the market. 

DIATEX —- Italy

Diatex S.p.A. is a leading manufacturer of diamond tools for natural stone and ceramic applications. Since 1996, Diatex has continuously searched for innovation and news about the world of natural stone. At TISE 2018, the company will showcase its diamond blades, developed for cutting big ceramic slabs. According to Diatex, its blades are able to cut the following material with excellent results: Dekton, Laminam, Porcelain Gres, Neolith, Lapitec, Kerlite, Techlam and more.

DIMER MARBLE — Turkey

Dimer Marble was established in 1987 as a quarrying operation. In 2000, a processing factory was added.  At the moment, Dimer is producing tiles, slabs and cut-to-size in three different factories — located in Diyarbakir and Adiyaman — with a production capacity of 1,000,000 square meters for 10 different products, such as Brown Espera, Light Emparador, Adara Cream, Sandwave, Koky Beige, Orient Pink, Basalt, Marbella Cream, Silkroad, Grizio Shire, Elios Beige, Adara Cream, Takia Olive and Jean Paul. Dimer exports 80% of its production to 73 different countries. Dimer is currently operating eight of its own quarries, with an export volume of 150,000 tons.

EMMEDUE USA LLC — Italy/U.S.

Emmedue USA, with its operational headquarters in Florida, coordinates the distribution of all ranges of bridge saws with 3/4/5 axes, CNC work centers and manual saws, as well as providing technical support for spare parts and service maintenance in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

FERRARI & CIGARINI — Italy

Since 1969, Ferrari & Cigarini has specialized in the design and manufacturing of machinery and plants for the cutting, chamfering, profiling, forming, squaring and gluing of single- and double-firing products, porcelain, glass, marble, granite and natural stone. Robotized palletization and depalletization is used to supply production lines.

FILA SOLUTIONS — Italy

For more than 70 years, Fila has developed and offered solutions for the treatment and care of all surfaces, offering its clients a range of high-performing products and professional technical assistance.

HARTEK MERMER GRANIT INS.MAK.SAN.TIC.LTD.STI. — Turkey

Hartek — HRK Diamond Tools has 25 years experience in diamond cutting and processing tools for the production of natural stone, ceramic, engineered stone and for the construction industry. The company’s plant in Istanbul (Turkey) is equipped with high-technology production units and manufactures a wide range of products mainly as circular blades, core bits, profiles, milling-shaping wheels, finger bits, wire saws, gangsaw blades, calibrating tools, etc. The U.S. head office of Hartek LLC is in Kearny, NJ. As a business partner to the stone and construction industries, Hartek is constantly upgrading its product and service quality, in order to supply more convenient solutions. The company has permanent R&D cooperative ventures with reliable technical universities and scientific and academic government institutions. Furthermore, Hartek is exhibitor at WOC, TISE West, Coverings, Marmomac and Marble in Izmir, Turkey.

IONIC STONE — Turkey

Ionic Stone are slab and tile producers of commonly known and unique stones originating in Turkey. Its mission is to offer impeccable service and provide the most innovative ranges of Turkish natural stones. Ionic Stone is well-recognized for its customized products, which add value to its clients’ offerings.

ITALMECC — Italy

Italmecc specializes in the production, sale and servicing of water clarification plants, filter presses, sump pumps for abrasive water, boosting pumps and chemicals, and considers itself a leader in dust control systems, with water or dry technology. Italmecc is based in Canada, the U.S., Italy and the U.K.

KLINDEX —- Italy

Klindex Italy manufactures and designs floor machines, diamond tools and equipment, as well as products for the grinding, polishing, restoration and cleaning of any kind of floor or surface. “Made in Italy” products, produced with the best quality materials. Klindex was founded by Ercole and Enio Bibiano in 1988. The Bibiano brothers, with over 30 years of experience in the sale of machines for the cleaning industry, perfected and patented their new system for grinding and polishing natural stone using synthetic diamond pad technology. At first, it wasn’t easy to introduce this new technology because customers were reluctant to believe that such innovation could improve upon the tried and proven methods geared around traditional heavy grinding machines.

KUTUK MERMER —-Turkey

As Kutuk Marble, the company has been one of the leading and well-established companies of the natural stone industry in Turkey since 1968. It has been supplying its products in a professional manner to domestic and international markets thanks to five quarries, two factories, one warehouse and over 200 workers.

MATEC — Italy

Matec designs and manufactures complete plants for waste water purification and filtration in many sectors — the most important of which are: coal, iron-ore, aggregates, gravel, sand, stone, concrete, ceramic and glass. Matec’s objective is complete customer satisfaction, guaranteeing a fast after-sale service, but also a pre-sale consultancy service to accurately identify the real needs of potential customers. They have  installed over 1,800 wastewater installations all across the world and 250 plants over the last two years alone. This is the real guarantee of its production and service quality. Matec has now become the number one Italian manufacturer of filter presses, based on 2015 turnover.

MGS — Italy

The company was founded with the goal of weaving the knowledge of quarries and materials into the commercial experience gained in major international markets. In its first years, MGS has developed a network of clients mostly abroad. Its clients transform plates into stairs, floors and other finished products. They totally support MGS’ economic philosophy, which is not only geared towards product supply, but also has the aim of offering an information and research service for new types of colors, stones and finishes in order to provide the market with innovation, fantasy, opportunities and a grain of folly typical of those who really want to innovate. During this time, MGS has also specialized in additional services such as laying, measurement and consultancy on the use of the materials.

M STONE & TILE 

M Stone & Tile is a family-owned and operated international distributor of a wide variety of natural stone, wood and metal finish products. With three generations and over 40 years of combined experience, it has created an expansive product line that encompasses every aspect of natural stone application, be it commercial or residential, interior or exterior, contemporary or vintage, high end or high volume. The company enjoys exclusive patronage of some of the best mining, fabrication and finishing facilities, allowing it to offer architects, designers, builders and masons an unmatched ability to create precisely what they envision. M Stone & Tile’s product styles and finishes are exclusively its own. It is not in the business of following trends. Rather, it creates and facilitates new trends in the industry.

NUOVA MONDIAL MEC — Italy

Nuova Mondial Mec Srl entered the market in 1979, manufacturing its first models of polishers. Over the years, the company has notably and successfully broadened its production — becoming a world-wide leader in the production of bench-cutting machines, floor grinder-polishers and stone slab saws — all provided with a wide range of accessories for easy processing of marble, granite and natural stone.

PARDAIS GRANITES — Portugal

Pardais Granites is a family-owned business with approximately 40 years of experience. The company started with the father (Mr. Monteiro) and now continues with three sons. Pardais has about 80 workers and possesses three quarries, producing light gray, gray and yellow granites.  With a modern granite processing unit that includes three high-precision machines (CNC), Pardais Granites exports about 70% of its production and has a rich portfolio of emblematic works throughout Europe.  Pardais Granites — Remodeling Stone Concepts.

PORFIDO TRENTINO — CAVE CUGINI PISETTA — Italy

Porfido Trentino by Cave Cugini Pisetta — located in Albiano, to the north of Verona and Lake Garda, in the middle of Trentino’s porphyry platform — can boast a very large variety of porphyry products for outdoor, landscaping and urban design, as well as other more sophisticated materials with polished, flamed, brushed and sanded surfaces, which are especially suited for luxury indoor floorings and coverings.

PROGRESS PROFILES S.p.A. — Italy

Progress Profiles is a leading company in the field of finishing decorative and technical profiles, as well as systems for interiors and exterior environments, expansion joints, membranes and skirting, with more than 40 years of experience and a future-oriented vision. Its 100%-made-in-Italy brand is exported in more than 60 countries and is internationally represented through branches in the U.S., UAE and Australia.

PRUSSIANI ENGINEERING S.p.A. — Italy

Prussiani Engineering S.p.A. offers high-quality automatic cutting and processing equipment for stone.

STEINEX SRL — Italy

For over 40 years Steinex has been the international leader in the design, construction and distribution of splitting machinery for every type of natural stone, concrete and prefabricated material. In all its operations, Steinex is guided by a set of core values: continuous innovation in production technology to increase user competitiveness; delivering tailored solutions to meet specific needs; and developing and maintaining continuous dialogue with customers before and after sales. The machinery manufactured by Steinex covers a wide range of applications and brands. Some of these include:  Igloo (machinery for the production of wall stones and dimensional stone), Sherp (complete range of conveyors for transporting and managing stone), Menhir (range of machinery for splitting large blocks and slabs), Wind Star (automatic lines for splitting sawn material) and Broadway (specialist machinery for the production of tiles).

TAGLIO SOFTWARE HOUSE — Italy

Taglio is a leading company established in 1982, whose products are based on the full in-house development of its creativity and programming, in accordance with the principle of full-in-house creativity, thus guaranteeing the total and lasting intellectual and operational property of the solution provided to the customer. With over 35 years of experience, Taglio has always aimed to introduce innovative technologies in all industrial fields requiring highly-accurate, efficient and qualitative material cutting, modeling and sculpting, directing the development of its products.

TOKSEL MAKINA — Turkey

Toksel, based in Istanbul and New Jersey, manufactures stone-, porcelain- and concrete-processing equipment with customers in 52 countries.

TISE 2018 stone–specific & related sessions

Monday, January 29, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

MN02 - Top 10 Care & Maintenance Tips for Stone and Tile

Presenter: Rod Sigman, Business Development Manager, Technical Installation & Care Systems at Custom Building Products

Location: Islander B

This talk will focus on 10 of the most common mistakes and misunderstandings that are associated with sealers and maintenance programs. Lack of understanding and knowledge with regard to the use of sealers and cleaners is a daily problem that can have serious consequences. An easy-to-understand format will help attendees learn how to make the right choices for their customers and ensure a profitable and successful outcome.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the need and benefit to sealing stone and some porcelain tiles.
2. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls selling sealers and cleaners and how to increase your sales and profits.
3. Learn what cleaners to avoid and what ones to use or sell and why.
4. Understand the differences between alkalines, acids and solvents and how to use or sell them for the right applications.

Credits: 0

Monday, January 29, 10:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

MN06 – Can OSHA Compliance Really Save You Money?

Presenter: Stephen Rodgers, Program Coordinator at OSHA NV –– Safety Consultation and Training Section

Location: Islander A

If you can save thousands of dollars in consultation fees while avoiding OSHA penalties why wouldn’t you? The OSHA consultation program can offer owners such benefits. Part two of this session will demonstrate a study from a facility with enforced safety policies, representatives will demonstrate how the company has profited from their excellent safety program. A must attend session if safety and increased profit is a priority in your business.

Credits: 0

Monday, January 29, 10:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

MN08 – Old School vs New School: Let’s Rumble! (Stone Restoration)

Presenter:Rawi Tabbah, President at International Stoneworks, Inc.; David Bonasera, Owner at ESP/Enviromentally Safe Products and Procedures; Jacqueline Tabbah, Vice President at International Stoneworks, Inc.; Lucas Willemse, New Business Development at Castel–Mare Marble Care

Location: Islander C

As the size of tile increases, the importance of starting with a flat substrate also increases. This session will look at the methods, materials and tools required to address surface flatness. Many of these methods and materials will be quite familiar to installers of resilient, wood and carpet flooring, but may be new or less familiar to installers who have traditionally worked with tile.

Credits: 0

Monday, January 29, 12:20 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

MN13 - Stone Cladding Restoration Design Challenges

Presenter: Katie Hatfield, P.E., Cladding Engineering Manager at Curtain Wall Design and Consulting

Location: Islander C

When considering a potential stone facade replacement on an existing building, there are many design challenges that one should recognize before taking on that project. The designer must be able to identify what limitations to factor into their new facade design. The structural stability of the existing building must be reviewed. The historical integrity may play a key role in the new design. The limitations of installation capability on a currently occupied building introduce additional challenges. There are many hurdles to overcome when approaching such a project and this presentation will review those problems and possible solutions. Past stone facade restoration projects, their challenges and resolutions will be showcased throughout.

Credits: IDCEC: 0.1 CEU General; AIA CES Approval 1 LU

Monday, January 29, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

MN21 - What Stone Is This? Learn How to be a Rock Sleuth

Presenter: Karin Kirk, Geologist

Location: Islander A

The variety in natural stones can be dizzying, and how can anyone keep them all straight? In this lab–like session, geologist Karin Kirk will show you the essential methods of rock identification. This session is hands–on, fun and empowering. You’ll learn the basic differences between rock types, and you can bring these skills home to help you understand many of the varieties of natural stone.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learn about what properties to look for when diagnosing different types of natural stone.
2. Learn how to determine a rock’s hardness with the glass test and the knife blade test.
3. Learn how to do the acid test and the powdered–rock acid test.
4. Understand what the different test results mean, particularly in differentiating quartzite and marble.

Credits: IDEC: 0.2 CEU General; AIA CES Approval: 1 LU

Monday, January 29, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

MN23 – Recruiting, Training and Retaining Employees

Presenters: Jon Namba, President of Namba Services; Gasper (GK) Naquin, President at Stone Interiors; Robert Varden, CEO at CFI (Int’l Certified Flooring Installers Assoc.); Mike Turner, President at Floor Covering Consulting

Location: Islander C

This session is an update from 2017 on recruiting, training and retaining qualified employees –– in sales, front office staff, installers, etc. Is it challenging to recruit and retain staff in an economy at low unemployment? Are you looking for answers? Turn to industry veterans that have had proven success in this area. Join us for an interactive session, audience engagement encouraged.

Credits: 0

Tuesday, January 30, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

TU01 – How Does Your Social Media Measure Up?

Presenter: Shannon Vogel, Director of Social Media at Creating Your Space

Location: Islander A

In this session, we will conduct a live review of several different popular social media sites. Attendees will create an account, walk through proper page set up, content review and instructions on how to set your social media apart from others in the industry.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn the difference of IIC/STC sound ratings and what they mean to you.
2. How to avoid common mistakes and some basic rules to follow.
3. Understand what makes a social media site effective in reaching your target audience.

Credits: IDEC: 0.2 CEU General

Tuesday, January 30, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

TU08 – Fabricator’s Forum: Networking, Learning, Sharing

Presenters: Gasper (GK) Naquin, President at Stone Interiors; Karen Roe, Owner at NSMotif; Jorge Gonzalez, Founder JG Natural Stone, LLC; Matt Ocallaghan, Countertop Division Manager Stone & Surfacing Manufacturing; Joey Ganassa, Vice President at Washington Marble & Granite Co.

Location: Islander C

This open forum will offer insight on important issues challenging countertop fabricators today. The topics will change depending on questions from the audience, but will include areas such as: fabrication methods, equipment, sales strategies, importing slabs, compliance and liability, ultra–compact materials, legal issues, OSHA, design, the commercial market and managing customer expectations.

Credits: 0

Tuesday, January 30, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

TU10 – Quartz – The Sexiness of Style and Practicality

Presenter: Fred L. Jackson, President at Estudio Group LLC; Mark Woodman, Past President, Color Marketing Group; Owner, at Mark Woodman Design+Color

Location: Islander H

Considered the fastest growing surface specification in the market, quartz is still a misunderstood material. What exactly is it? What are the design elements? Where can you use it? Join Mark and Fred as they take you on a journey through the quartz landscape, covering the basics of the material, its features and benefits, its style, and what makes it an important element to designing residential and commercial spaces. Get the material facts and the aesthetic fantasy of designing with quartz and create with knowledge, confidence and style.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the inner workings of quartz.
2. Specify with knowledge for your upcoming projects the right product for the right room.
3. Create better design with the optimal materials.
4. Discover design trends and see ideas using quartz.

Credits: IDCEC: 0.1 CEU General; AIA CES Approval 1 LU

Tuesday, January 30, 3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

TU15 – Photo Smart: An Amateur’s Guide to Capturing Great Photographs for Social Media

Presenters: Jennifer Smiga, Co–Owner of Marketing Rival; Shannon Winning, Professional Writer at Marketing Rival

Location: Islander H

Let’s remember the whole point of social media: that we are to be social. And it’s your company photos, captions and the people behind the lens that drive business. Sharing photos and words that spark emotion (“Wow, look at that color!” or “Aw, puppies...) make our social media feeds memorable and engaging. Good photographers and writers have an ability to zero in on one subject in a crowd and tell a simple story with one photo. In their high energy, interactive talk, Shannon and Jennifer will provide you with three simple fixes to take and explain the photos that attract customers, bloggers and editors.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover the colors, angles and subject matter that attract people to your photos.
2. Choose words that make people pay attention.
3. Learn new tools to present your photos on social media.

Credits: IDCEC: 0.2 CEU General

Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

BS06 – Quarry Producers Workshop

Presenters: Brenda Edwards, Owner/General Manager at TexaStone Quarries; Kathy Spanier, Marketing Director at Coldspring

Location: Marmomac Booth

Preparing for an MSHA Inspection, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00.a.m.

Speakers: Mark Meriaux, MIA+BSI; Steve Konop, Coldspring; Greg Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply

Is your quarry prepared for an MSHA inspection? This session will address key elements that regulatory inspectors look for when visiting a stone quarry. The audience will learn best practices for safety from industry professionals. The session will conclude with a short panel discussion to provide perspectives from multiple stone companies.

During this lesson you will:

• Learn what MSHA looks for when they inspect a quarry for the first time.
• Discuss what policies and procedures quarries should institute when training employees.
• Review case studies of successful quarries and how they tackle safety issues./li>
• Learn how to prevent long–term employee health issues like silicosis./li>

The Natural Stone Research and Promotional Board – Marketing for the Future ,10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Speakers: Greg Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply

Plans are currently underway to create a Natural Stone Research and Promotional Board, which will provide funds to promote the use of natural stone and increase demand for natural stone through advertising, market research and consumer education. Attend this session to learn how to get involved with this program.

During this session you will:

• Gain knowledge about the Natural Stone Research and Promotional Board.
• Review progress on the formation of the Natural Stone Research and Promotional Board.
• Discuss how this program can help your company.
• Learn how to become involved in this program.

Quarry Sustainability: Acting as a Steward of the Earth 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Speakers: Brenda Edwards, TexaStone Quarries; Kathy Spanier, Coldspring; Greg and Eric Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply

This session will address best practices utilized by several companies to showcase sustainable stone practices in quarry and fabrication facilities. Attendees will learn how to share the value proposition of being good stewards of the earth’s resources to the local community and key stakeholders.

During this session, you will:

• Discuss how quarries become better stewards of the environment and how they market that for sales.
• Review criteria for NSC373 certification and how your quarry can qualify.
• Review case studies from quarries who have completed their NSC373 certification.
• Create a plan to utilize your sustainable practices in your marketing and sales pieces.

Note: This session will be held on the show floor.

Credits: 0

Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WE06 – Art & Technology Collide: Creating Unique Designs with Waterjets

Presenters: Jim Belilove, Owner/President/Executive Management at Creative Edge; Lisbeth Calandrino, Associate Publisher & Social Media Director at Fabulous Floors Magazine

Location: Islander A

Waterjet technology is a specialized process that can create unique designs and become a valuable profit center for your company. It’s not just for countertops, the technology has become an essential part of the premium floor covering business. It allows for special patterns, art designs and logos to adorn the entrances to shops, theaters, casinos, hospitals, schools and any noteworthy structures. This seminar will explain how to specify the process of waterjet, where to look for new business and how to determine pricing. This is an opportunity to offer a customized product to your customers. Learn to access designs, fabrications and the services of waterjet experts.

Credits: IDCEC: 0.1 CEU General

Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

CST2 – A Case Study: Single Slab Effect and Levelling Natural Stone

Presenter: Christian Mirabella, Operations at Castel–Mare Marble Care Ltd.

Location: Marmomac Booth

This session will highlight the advantages of specifying a ‘levelled floor’ or a ‘single–slab effect’ floor with epoxy grout. Review a traditional yet modern approach to natural stone finishing, the absolute premium floor finish. Come prepared to share ideas with fellow architects, designers, contractors and natural stone restoration professionals on how to achieve this style of floor finish.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduction to this traditional style of floor.
• Learn how to create this finish for –new install and existing install.
• Understand how to isolate the challenges and how to overcome the challenges.
• Showcase the advantages to this method of installation and restoration.
• Review how to quote this style of work.

Credits: AIA CES Approval 1.5 LU

Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

WE15 – To Restore or Not to Restore…Is That Truly the Question?

Presenters: Laura Muller, Co–Founder, Principal, Creative Director at Four Point Design Build, Inc.; Cliff Muller, General Contractor at Four Point Design Build, Inc.

Location: Islander H

REMOVAL VS. REPAIR: How do we retain the property envelope while giving it a new modern life? This presentation will cover the value of a “Legacy Home” while still updating to meet current codes. Can a restored property still integrate contemporary and innovative design and technology and still call itself a “restoration?”

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to approach restoration in a comprehensive and dynamically strategic way.
• Discussion questions will include: What to look for; What to ask?
• What are your creative and building options? (i.e., regarding stair railing, electrical, plumbing, asbestos, paint, plaster, etc.)
• Maintaining the health and safety standards and requirements for removal and new construction.
• Where does “wellness” factor in?

Credits: IDCEC: 0.2 CEU General