All too often, design events can feature an overwhelming mass of materials, but at Marmomac, the focus is firmly on one: natural stone. Held 24-27 September in the city of Verona – a region renowned for its stone extraction and processing – this is the world’s leading annual trade fair in the sector.
Visitors range from architects and designers to technicians, distributors and interior enthusiasts, all hoping to connect with key players and professionals in the industry, and gain insight into upcoming trends and the latest cutting-edge technologies.
With a diverse, compelling programme that appeals to all, and global footfall increasing annually (2023 saw 51,000 attendees, with more than 1,500 companies participating – nearly 70 per cent of which were international), this year’s event looks set to be the most anticipated yet.
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Inside the Veronafiere Exhibition Centre, the complete production chain will be represented, from quarrying to the finished product, with 12 halls split into themes such as marble, stone and design; machinery and equipment; tools and chemicals; and unprocessed stone. Expect to marvel at the material in all its forms, from unhewn slabs and blocks to refined outdoor environments. Notable brands to look out for include Elite Stone, Pettrus, I Conci, Cuellar Stone, Fauske Marble by Moser and Stone White.
One of the biggest draws will be the show-stopping A Matter of Stone pavilion in hall one. Last year, this space hosted more than 140 architects, 15 product designers and specialists from upwards of 100 countries every day. After a successful collaboration between Marmomac and Elle Decor Italia last year, the pavilion will once again be curated by the influential magazine to showcase the creative projects of architects and designers who harness the endless possibilities of stone – and the achievements of the talented companies that make their vision a reality. Furniture, surfaces and objects will be displayed as innovative examples of architectural, decorative and interior design solutions across a range of industries, from automotive to nautical and hospitality.
2024 will see the recurrence of the Matter of Stone awards. Last year’s winner was the Beyond project, created by stonemason Nikolaus Bagnara and designed by Boston-based Studio Draw.
Hall one is also home to an events space hosting a series of inspiring talks and workshops – at last year’s edition, Elle Decor Italia explored marble and stone from three different perspectives: architectural, interiors (through surface design, cladding and fixed furnishings) and objects, from limited editions to industrial. The roll-call of high-profile speakers included the editor-in-chief of ELLE Decoration UK, Ben Spriggs; architect Massimo Adario; and designers Paolo Ulian and Elisa Ossino.
Alongside these lectures runs the Marmomac Academy, the educational element of the trade fair, principally aimed at architects. The programme is dedicated to applications of natural stone in architecture, construction and industrial design. Participation in the courses guarantees AIA and RIBA validated training credits, which are essential for professional sector specialists to enhance their knowledge.
Another key highlight will be The Plus Theatre in hall 10. Every year, it hosts architecture, art and interior design exhibitions that focus on experimentation with natural stone, and potential developments likely to emerge in the sector. Hall 10 puts the spotlight on emerging talent, with an exhibition of work from talented university students, and rather crucially, it’s also where you’ll find the VIP lounge, restaurant and wine bar.
A major hub for the global stone industry where product, innovation and creativity merge, Marmomac is a unique platform that puts the spotlight on the latest advances and pioneering uses of this ancient natural material – and its capabilities for propelling the design world into the future. Find out more and plan your visit at marmomac.com
