Marble Institute of America: Press Room

StonExpo Gears Up for Exciting 2005 Event!

December 10, 2004 StonExpo 2005 is off to a solid start with lots of important new programs created to enhance THE industry’s stone event. The show, which was recently purchased by Hanley Wood, LLC, has a number of announcements and changes in the works.

StonExpo just finished a very successful show in Los Angeles, CA. The show delivered a strong audience of stone professionals to leading manufacturers of stone products, services and supplies. With the strength of this event and the added reach of Hanley Wood, the 2005 event is poised to be the best ever.

Peter Edwards of Eurostone Machine, a division of Pyramid Supply, notes, “We participate in several shows annually, and this past StonExpo event in Los Angeles was by far our best event this year…more serious buyers, more leads, more post-show contact. It is very difficult to measure the performance of shows but, in this case, StonExpo was the clear winner.”

“With StonExpo 2005, I expect the same,” says Edwards. “With a larger support organization, the participation of members of the industry and StonExpo’s long-running history of success, I expect StonExpo to have the biggest draw.”

“We expect and look forward to the largest StonExpo in history, the largest MIA convention in history, the strongest educational program for the stone industry and the best attended stone-only show in North America,” says Garis Distelhorst, Executive Vice President, Marble Institute of America. “We're all excited about what Hanley Wood will bring to the table working closely with the MIA and with exhibitor community—we know it will be special.”

First of all, the show has announced new dates for its Las Vegas event, which will be held October 20-22, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show dates were changed to provide more strategic timing for the event and eliminate conflicts for those exhibiting and attending the show.

“Everyone in the industry is looking forward to StonExpo in Las Vegas. You put together the best and strongest show in the industry with the appeal of the number one destination in the world, and you have an unbeatable combination,” says Distelhorst.

Manufacturers are also excited to sign up to exhibit at StonExpo 2005. Preliminary information was sent out highlighting pricing and new programs for exhibitors. Exhibitors will find that rates for the 2005 event either remained the same or are lower than the rates for the 2004 event. In addition, lower prices are available for exhibitors taking large-volume exhibit space.

“GranQuartz supports StonExpo because it was the first show devoted to the stone-working industry, is supported by the major associations and is the show best supported by genuine stone-working professionals. It is where professionals meet professionals,” says Peter de Kok, President, GranQuartz.

Hanley Wood has a successful history of partnering with leading industry associations to ensure that their events continue to serve the industries they represent. Shows such as Remodeling, The International Pool & Spa Expo, World of Concrete and Surfaces are all great examples of how Hanley Wood has worked with each respective industry to create larger, more productive events. Each of these events provide a forum where industry professionals can meet their business AND education needs. This pattern will continue with StonExpo and the stone industry. StonExpo is the ONLY event with the following prominent industry associations serving as official Sponsoring Organizations:

Marble Institute of America
American Monument Assn
Canadian Stone Assn
Elberton Granite Assn
National Building Granite Quarries Assn
Northwest Granite Manufacturers Assn

A special Member Rate for exhibit space is being offered to companies that are members of one of these Sponsoring Organizations.

Exhibitors at StonExpo 2005 will find an expanded audience and more buyers at the show. As a media leader in the construction industry, Hanley Wood can tap into resources that no other show can provide. The marketing arm of Hanley Wood, both internal and external, is far reaching. Some of the major components include a database of over 800,000 construction professionals, 32 leading publications such as Builder, Remodeling, Residential Architect and Concrete Construction, plus online products such as e-build and Dream Home Source and a research division dedicated to building and construction. This unparalleled marketing reach will allow StonExpo to keep pace with the growth of the stone industry and grow the show’s audience in size and scope.

De KoK adds, “Professional management can only make StonExpo better. More and precisely directed advertising will enhance the attendance numbers. More attendees means more exhibitors…that’s a win-win!”

Stone industry professionals who attend StonExpo 2005 will find more choices than ever. The show will offer more exhibitors, more product categories and more options for their businesses. In addition, they will find one of the most comprehensive education programs in the industry. The 2005 event will expand on the top-notch education that StonExpo has always provided, with new topics, speakers and tracks that address the most current information the industry needs.

For more information on attending or exhibiting at StonExpo 2005, 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).

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 $200 million company owned by VS&A Communications Partners III, LP, the private-equity affiliate of media industry merchant bank Veronis Suhler Stevenson.