Marble Institute of America: Press Room

StonExpo 2005 On Pace For Record Show!

(Dallas, Texas) StonExpo 2005 is off to a great start. The initial Space Draw process is complete and was a tremendous success. The show is already approximately 70% sold out and is on pace to be sold out well before the show!

Manufacturers from around the world have already committed to this year's event. While many major manufacturers, including Salem Stone/Bergman-Blair, Pyramid Supply Inc./Eurostone Machine, Park Industries, GranQuartz and numerous others, are already on board for this year's show, 20% of the companies contracted for 2005 are new exhibitors who have also chosen to participate in StonExpo.

The support for the show is stronger than ever. Returning exhibitors are occupying 17% more square feet on the show floor than they did last year. In addition, contracts continue to pour in for StonExpo 2005.

"The fantastic response from exhibitors for StonExpo 2005 is testimony to the great value that StonExpo and MIA bring to the natural stone industry," says Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President, Marble Institute of America. "We are very proud that a large number of the early space contracts are from members of MIA and the other sponsoring organizations. These companies know that both MIA and StonExpo are dedicated to building a stronger and better industry."

Companies participating in StonExpo 2005 will experience many new benefits. For the first time ever, StonExpo will be produced by the construction industry's leading exhibition company, Hanley Wood. With a solid, proven history of growing shows in both size and buyer attendance, Hanley Wood and its industry partners are committed to making StonExpo the industry's can't-miss event for 2005!

Distelhorst adds, "By working together with the folks at Hanley Wood to build the preeminent stone show in North America, MIA and the other leading associations help the industry continue to grow and succeed. As a result of the early positive response, we fully expect a record number of both exhibitors and MIA members in Las Vegas for StonExpo this fall."

"Professional management can only make StonExpo better," notes Peter DuKok, GranQuartz. "More and precisely directed marketing will enhance the attendee numbers. More attendees means more exhibitors: The show is a win-win for everyone!"

"Hanley Wood is committed to the success of StonExpo and we are pleased to see that the industry is on board to support the growth and success of the show too," says Michelle Troop, Senior Show Director, StonExpo. "All indicators are showing us this will be one of the biggest and best shows to date!"

StonExpo 2005 is also positioned to deliver new markets and new buyers. With a database of more than 800,000 construction professionals; 32 leading publications, including Builder, Remodeling, residential architect and Concrete Construction; online products such as e-build and Dream Home Source; and a research division dedicated to building and construction, Hanley Wood has unparalleled marketing reach that will allow StonExpo to keep pace with the growth of the stone industry and grow the show's audience in size and scope. StonExpo's 2005 advertising campaign will reach thousands of stone professionals and key buyers through industry trade publications. Plus, targeted direct-mail and electronic campaigns will reach hundreds of thousands of prospective attendees-beginning months before and continuing through show time.

StonExpo 2005 Sponsoring Organizations include Marble Institute of America, American Monument Association, Canadian Stone Association, Elberton Granite Association, National Building Granite Quarries Association and Northwest Granite Manufacturers Association. Manufacturers who are members of these organizations receive special, discounted pricing for exhibit space at StonExpo.

StonExpo 2005 will take place October 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas Nevada. For more information on the show, call 866.550.6808 or 972.536.6440 or visit www.StonExpo.com.

The Official Sponsor of StonExpo is the Marble Institute of America (MIA). For 60 years, MIA has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the suitable application of natural stone products. MIA is also a leading promoter of stone usage in the commercial and residential marketplaces.

About Hanley Wood
Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media company serving housing and construction. Through five operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading publisher of home plans.

Hanley Wood Exhibitions (Dallas) conducts 15 trade shows, including World of Concrete, one of the top 20 trade show events in the country.

Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $225 million company owned by VS&A Communications Partners III, LP, the private-equity affiliate of media industry merchant bank Veronis Suhler Stevenson.