Marmomacc, the international stone exhibition held in Verona, Italy, in late September, drew strong attendance throughout its run, with particularly heavy traffic in the machinery halls.
 
 “By the end of day two, three, I was bumping into people in the aisles, I felt like,” said Jennifer Richinelli, editorial director of Stone World. “And we go to, especially went to the machinery halls, it was packed. I was at Donatoni, and Breton, and Biesse, and there was just tons of people. So, that to me, is a good sign.”
 
 The show featured a global meeting of stone associations from various countries. Jim Hieb of the Natural Stone Institute was among the leaders who spoke at the gathering, which brought together representatives from the United States, Brazil, Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom, Portugal and other nations.
 
 Exhibitors showcased innovative booth designs and experiences this year. Antolini, celebrating its 69th year, transformed its main booth into a “black box” experience featuring work by a Florence-based artist. The company guided visitors into a pitch-dark room before illuminating backlit stone installations, including a reception desk-style display suitable for high-end homes. Antolini also operated a separate pavilion in the Mercado, a historic building across from the fairgrounds, where visitors with special appointments could view slabs alongside the original blocks of the same material.
 
 Pokarna introduced a new booth aesthetic, moving away from its traditional large white display to create what Richinelli described as a more cultural atmosphere.
 
 “They had, when we came up, it was in the afternoon, and they’re getting ready for a cocktail party, and they had some music playing,” she said. “They have a new color scheme, and it was just really cool vibe, new way that they’re showing their new lines.”
 
 The Stone Equipment and Supply Alliance (SESA) held a press conference announcing plans to launch its own trade show in Indianapolis in November 2027.
 
 “They’re still in the planning stages, but they wanted their members and others to start thinking about it, because as you all out there know, if you, especially if you are an exhibitor at a trade show, you know it takes planning a year or two in advance,” Richinelli said.
 
 SESA indicated it would release additional details about the trade show within the next month or two.
 
One exhibitor installed a stone basketball court where attendees could shoot baskets, adding an unexpected interactive element to the show floor.