StoneDimensions

The MIA just concluded day 1 of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2012 and to say it was a success would be a serious understatement. Traffic on the tradeshow floor was up significantly over 2011 and attendance at education events was tremendous! Here are the highlights:

• The day kicked off with an Accreditation Commission meeting where the commission charted a marketing and advertising plan for 2012.
• MIA President Michael Twiss kicked off the MIA Member Get a Member Campaign. Over 40 MIA members signed up to find at least one new MIA member in the next year.
• Bulgaria became the 53rd country with an MIA member.
• The education session on the MIA Accreditation Program had more attendees than in past years and signal momentum for stone industry's only credible credentialing program. MIA members Tony Malisani of Malisani Inc. and Jon Lancto of Surface Products helped to educate attendees on the value of becoming accredited.
• MIA Executive Vice President Garis Distelhorst and Communications Director Garen Distelhorst facilitated a seminar on iPad app development for natural stone companies. Over 75 people were in attendance and post-seminar buzz about the presentation was electric. Rest assured, MIA is leading the way on this new technology!

That's all from Day 1...look for another update tomorrow night.  Viva Las Vegas!!!