Marble Institute of America: Press Room

StonExpo 2004 to Feature Over 40 Stone Industry Education Seminars in Five Specialized Tracks

Most Comprehensive Array of High-Quality Education Available Anywhere to Stone Professionals

Columbus, OH, June 18, 2004 –Attendees at StonExpo 2004, the stone industry’s #1 trade show and networking event, will have the opportunity to learn from the industry’s leading experts through more than 40 Stone Industry Education seminars sponsored by the Marble Institute of America (MIA).

Designed to deliver expert guidance on skill improvement and business development, the seminars will be offered daily during StonExpo 2004, which runs from October 28-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Several extended-length programs are also being presented Wednesday, October 27 for stone professionals already in the area or arriving early for the event.

"Based on the overwhelming response to the MIA seminars offered at StonExpo 2003 -- more than 3,100 registered for the 28 programs, an increase of nearly 75% over 2002 -- we expect attendance at this year’s seminars to reach a new all-time high," says Pennie Sabel, Executive Director of the StonExpo Federation, which produces the show.

"We've once again assembled many of the stone industry's most outstanding experts and educators to bring quality education to StonExpo 2004," says Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of MIA, which is among StonExpo's largest co-sponsors. "This year, we're offering more seminars than ever before on an exciting range of technical and business topics critical to success in the natural stone industry."

This year's seminars are organized into five specialized tracks:

Stone Selection/Specification
Fabrication/Installation
Restoration
Business Management
New/Emerging Issues

New this year are seminars that focus on enhancing customer relations, streamlining business operations, and increasing profitability. Architects will enjoy two new seminars geared specifically to their needs, and those exploring business opportunities in the Orient will find two new seminars on the complexities of doing business with China.

Attendees can choose from more than 40 practical and technical programs in all, including:

Put A Bit of Science in Your Business: Understanding Stone from Formation to Façade, presented by Dr. Claude Rust, California State University, Fresno.
How to Value Your Company for Sale or Merger, presented by Terry Gambill of Terry Gambill and Associates
Selling Stone Products to Architects — An Industry Opportunity, presented by Mark Fernandes of Luck Stone Corporation.

Plus,
- Fabrication forums on residential and commercial projects
- Countertop fabrication and installation seminars
- Seminars on stone care and maintenance And many more!

Seminar space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register early. Seminar details and fees can be found at www.stonexpo.com or by calling (740) 869-9990 or e-mailing info@stonexpo.com to request an Attendee Brochure.

The best value option is the "Full Registration" that entitles registrants to their choice of any nine Stone Industry Education seminars, a three-day trade show ticket, a Pinnacle Awards luncheon ticket, MIA Gala Reception ticket (MIA members only), and a $25 MIA Bookstore coupon. A $660 value, the Full Registration fee is just $315 for MIA members ($365 after September 13) and $415 for non-members ($465 after September 13).

About StonExpo Federation, Inc.
Headquartered in Mount Sterling, Ohio, StonExpo Federation is a nonprofit corporation composed of representatives from major stone industry trade associations, vendors, and publications. The Federation owns and manages StonExpo and channels its profits back to the stone industry to create opportunities for stone professionals. StonExpo Federation is a key supporter of the Natural Stone Council formed in 2003 to build demand for natural stone in the commercial and residential marketplaces.