The stone industry trade shows occure all over the world, however their are a few International Shows that are really worth while, as a visitor and a exhibitor point of view.

To actually call a trade show an International Trade show it should have exhibitors from several countries and continents. Most International shows that I have seen publicitised are really local trade shows, they use the word International to help marketing.

In the stone business you'll find especialised trade shows and others that are grouped in other construction materials show. Personally I have visited quite a few, and surely would love to visit some that unfortunately I never had the opportunity to.

In my opinion the main Stone Trade Show in the world is the Marmomacc fair in Verona Italy, I've visited it and exhibited their a few times, actually almost every year. And my opinion is based on my experience and other people in the industry which have been all over. This International fair is held once a year, Normally in End of September beginning of October. Verona is a small city between Milan and Venice, it has a small airport, but it's easier to get flights to Venice or Milan.

Next on my list of important Trade Shows in the stone business is 2 chinese shows one in Shangai and the other in Xiamen: the Xiamen Stone Fair, is held in March and this year 2009 was one of the best fairs so far.

The Stone+Tec in Nurnberg Germany, this fair is available 2 in 2 years, it was this year (2009), the next one will be in 2011. Normally this fair takes place in May.

Coverings in Chicago is also a good fair, however you may find other products outside the stone business sector, it takes place in April/May.

Carrara Marmotec is a fair that has been losing importance in the industry, back in the 80s and 90s it was one of the best ones, nowadays it's basically equipment fair. It takes place in June, however in 2010 it'll be in May.

The Brazilian fair Mármore e Granito normally takes place in Victoria, Brazil during February.

Surfaces is another North American fair, it used to exchange cities every year, however the last few years it's been held in Las Vegas, and normally held in February.

The Piedra fair in Madrid is also important to the industry, it's held every two years, being the next one next year (2010).

Apart from the above list we have a few more important fairs worth mentioning:

• Marble takes place in Izmir Turkey, normally in March
• Expostone - Moscow, Russia
• STONA - Banglore, India
• STONE EXPO - Gent, Belgium
• INTERNATIONAL FORUM STONE INDUSTRY -Kyiv, Ukraine
• NATURAL STONE - Istambul, Turkey
• KAMIEN - Wroclaw, Poland
• TECHNIPIERRE - Liege, Belgium