Organizers of StonExpo, a major industry stone show held annually in Las Vegas, are planning to expand the reach of the event to the East Coast with the launch of StonExpo East. Slated for March 23-25, 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, StonExpo East aims to provide a forum for both stone manufacturers and stone professionals who are based in the area and might be otherwise unable to attend.

"The Marble Institute is excited about the introduction of StonExpo East, and we will strongly support it," said Gary Distelhorst, executive vp of the Marble Institute of America, an official sponsor of StonExpo. "We believe this is another solid, progressive move to strengthen, solidify and improve the natural stone industry."

Under the leadership of the MIA, a group of natural stone trade associations, vendors and industry publications incorporated as the StoneExpo Federation sold StonExpo to show exhibition company Hanley-Wood in 2004. StonExpo began in 1987 as a showcase for natural stone companies, and has grown into the sector's premier industry stone event, according to show organizers. MIA's Distelhorst noted that his organization plans to hold a series of stone-related events at StonExpo East, including a member reception and a meeting of the MIA board of directors.

For their part, show organizers say they are expecting more than 200 exhibiting companies at the inaugural StonExpo East, displaying the latest stone products, machinery and technologies to a potential crowd of 5,000 attendants comprising fabricators, installers, architects, designers, distributors, builders, retailers and kitchen & bath specialists.

For more information on exhibiting at or attending StonExpo East 2007, call {866) 550-6808.

Links