A Glimpse into StonExpo 2024

Energy levels ran high in a bustling exhibition hall filled with machinery and product demonstrations, as well as product displays, during The International Surface Event (TISE) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Fifth Gear Technologies product demo — Companies such as Fifth Gear Technologies provided product demonstrations to visitors.

TISE education session — Education sessions started the day before the exhibition and continued until the end of the show.

Stone Theater at StonExpo — The Natural Stone Institute presented education sessions on the Stone Theater stage each day of StonExpo.

The Cage run by SFA — The SFA Cage was busy with live product demonstrations each day.

Glenn Kross and Jennifer Richinelli at Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award presentation — *Stone World* congratulates Glenn Kross of Coastal Stone Group for being named our 2023 Fabricator of the Year. Kross was honored during a ceremony presented in the Natural Stone Pavilion.

Stone World conducting podcast at StonExpo — Jason Kamery of *Stone World* was busy conducting podcasts with industry members throughout the three days of the exhibition.

Women in Stone Amazing Race at StonExpo — Women in Stone (WIS) held their annual Amazing Race -- a fun and competitive way for members to interact.

Women Who Rock Welcome Breakfast — Women Who Rock held a Welcome Breakfast at Border Grill, introducing themselves to future members and sharing their story and initiatives.

Stone Fabricator's Alliance reception at the Foundation Room in Mandalay Bay. — The Stone Fabricator's Alliance (SFA) invited members and sponsors to a social event at the Foundation Room in the Mandalay Bay.

The International Surface Event (TISE), including StonExpo, Surfaces and TilExpo, wrapped up last Friday, January 26, 2024, with positive vibes. Education sessions began on Tuesday, January 23rd, with the exhibition floor opening on Wednesday, January 24th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Each day was permeated with live demonstrations, education on and off the show floor, interactive networking events, receptions and awards.

As part of the educational program that began on Tuesday, January 23^rd, the Natural Stone Institute’s (NSI) held a live training session on its new Silica & Slab Safety Certification. The live session provided an opportunity for attendees to learn the key components of a stone fabrication safety program and gain insights into safe slab handling and reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Fabricators received necessary tools to improve workplace safety, maintain OSHA compliance and train employees to ensure a safe and secure work environment for their entire team.

The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) also had a large presence at this year’s StonExpo. The Cage drew a crowd several times a day throughout the exhibition with live demonstrations on various products and techniques. The association also held a roundtable discussion, which allowed fabricators to share experiences on common issues felt across the industry.

Here are some show highlights. Be on the lookout for a more extensive report soon.

As Group Editorial Director of Stone World, Contemporary Stone & Tile Design and TILE, Jennifer Richinelli has been covering the stone and tile industries since she launched her career at BNP Media in 1996. Throughout her tenure, she has visited and reported on numerous national and international quarries, stone fabrication shops, trade shows and other industry events. She has also collaborated with members of the A&D community, including many renowned architects, on articles about designing with stone and tile.

Contact Jennifer at richinellij@bnpmedia.com or (201) 245-5204.