This year, Stone World celebrates its 35th anniversary. And while the magazine itself has evolved through the decades, the stone industry at large has also experienced change and growth, as well as some hardships over time. During this 35-year period, several trade associations have grown or transformed, while some new ones have also been established. The same can be said for industry exhibitions. Celebrating its 54th edition in September, Marmomac is a long-time institution and continues to annually draw stone industry professionals from around the world to Verona, Italy. The Vitoria Stone Fair, which in recent years partnered with Marmomac, recently held its 47th edition, and since launching in 2001, the Xiamen Stone Fair has exploded – continually increasing its exhibition space and attracting more visitors. Also on the trade show front, the Carrara Fair – also known as Marmotec – has held 32 editions. While it was thought to have held its final exhibition in 2016, last June the iconic stone fair was resurrected with a new format and moving forward will continue to run every other year. Also, Stone+tec in Nuremberg, Germany, at one time drew many U.S. visitors, as well as stone industry professionals worldwide. Although the show has shifted gears and targets a more regional audience, it will hold its 22nd edition in 2020.
There is so much history and significant moments that have occurred in the stone industry in the past 35 years. The following are only some of many highlights we would like to share.