This Italian Stone

Marmomac offers a look at the latest design and technology innovations in natural and engineered stone.

Centuries ago, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans employed stone to create awe-inspiring structures and monuments—many of which still captivate us today. In modern times, the use of stone in design has evolved and expanded, as craftsmen continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, ever reimagining ancient materials in new ways.

For anyone interested in the world of stone crafting, Marmomac, in the enchanting city of Verona, Italy, is the place to be this autumn. Scheduled for September 26 to 29 this year, this captivating annual international trade fair brings together the best of the stone, design, and technology industries for one blockbuster event, enticing architects, designers, and stone aficionados from across the globe. It explores the future creative possibilities of the materials while honoring their rich history and heritage in the here and now. Last year, the fair attracted 47,000 professionals from 132 countries, and it promises to be even bigger this time around.

Exhibitors display a dazzling array of natural and engineered stones—last year more than 1,200 varieties were on view, encompassing unhewn blocks, slabs, and processed stone. Attendees can marvel at how a single type of stone can come in a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and textures, as well as learn about the latest architectural trends shaping today's design world.

However, the fair is about more than just types of stone: Marmomac serves as an unparalleled platform for state-of-the-art stone-processing machinery and equipment, such as polishing and cutting machines and quarrying technology. Past exhibitions have included in-depth looks at more than 700 machines and systems, featuring highly innovative technology for quarrying, cutting, processing, and transport, along with opportunities to test out hundreds of additional products including tools, abrasives, and chemicals. "Marmomac's success is first and foremost due to its ability to represent the world of natural stone, from blocks to semi-finished and design products, from machinery to technology and accessories," says Maurizio Danese, CEO of Veronafiere, the event space in which Marmomac is held.

The trade show also spotlights the immense artistic potential of stone in both architectural and design projects, featuring cutting-edge installations, sculptures, and prototypes crafted from natural stone by visionary creators. And it serves as an exceptional networking hub, fostering collaboration between professionals from various sectors: architects, designers, stone processors, quarry operators, and machinery manufacturers. It's an ideal setting for forging new business relationships and sharing expertise.

To make the event even more collaborative this year, a new networking-and-business-oriented space will welcome guests to Marmomac. Hall 1, formerly a cultural-exhibition venue, will become "A Matter of Stone": a commercial exhibition space designed by Calvi Brambilla studio in collaboration with the Hearst Group (also the publisher of ELLE Decor). Here, companies will be able to exhibit their best projects and materials in an exclusive setting. "With this project, we want to demonstrate not only the incredible functional and aesthetic potential of the material, but also the function of design to create value," says Veronafiere sales director Raul Barbieri.

All this is encapsulated in the design of the new space. Featuring a three-dimensional façade with cladding, it takes the form of three triangular totems that extend out to individual arrows pointing out the various entrances. Inside, these entrances wind over to distinct dedicated areas meant to provide peaceful moments amid the chaos: a cinema, playing videos about the importance of marble in our lives; a restaurant, for leisurely meals; and a lounge, available to exhibitors and visitors for casual business meetings. The purpose of the 1,500-square-foot display is to encourage guests to think outside the box and to give them an opportunity to be inspired by recent industry breakthroughs.

In the newly constructed Plus Theater in Hall 10, meanwhile, visitors will be able to participate in an extensive program of workshops, seminars, and conferences. Industry experts will speak on topics ranging from sustainability to technological breakthroughs, offering invaluable insights into the future of the business. Continuing-education classes for architects will be on offer as well.

And of course, those visiting this region of Italy for the first time will also be captivated by the allure of Verona, Marmomac's stunning backdrop. So whether you come for the displays or the education, its culture-rich location and cutting-edge programming make Marmomac a must-visit for both design enthusiasts and professionals looking to stay at the forefront of the stone, design, and technology industries.

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