Stone-Ideas.com 
Stone+tec in Nuremberg (June 17 – 20, 2026) will showcase a wider variety of natural stone types from German-speaking and international regions than at the last edition two years ago. This move responds to the wishes of many visitors, as stated at the trade show’s press conference: Over a quarter of the exhibitors will be showcasing stone. Insights into current trends will be brought to the event by the industry heavyweights such as Rossittis and Brachot.
The organizers anticipate a slight decline in the number of exhibitors: around 220 from 24 countries are expected. Two years ago, there were 250. The currently expected decline is attributed to the generally difficult economic situation.
As for visitors, the organizers expect that the number of 11,000 will be reached again – or even exceeded – compared to two years ago.
The main themes in the three exhibition halls are “Building with Natural Stone,” “Equipment for Professionals,” and “Place of Remembrance.”
Stone+tec is aimed at all stoneworkers in the construction, cemetery, monument, and design sectors, as well as developers, planners, and architects. It also plays an important role for smaller stonemasonry businesses, as modern machinery such as CNC machines is becoming increasingly widespread alongside traditional craftsmanship, according to Markus Steininger, Master of the Federal Stonemasons’ Guild.
Young talent plays a special role. Various initiatives have been organized for this purpose, such as the Young Talent Competition at the fair’s entrance near the subway station, where young stonemasons will create small sculptures embodying the motto “Read, Listen, Laugh”.
The newly redesigned expert forum will take place in Hall 11. It will feature presentations on topics such as “Micro-repair of Stone & Ceramics” (Akemie) and “Natural Stone as a Solid Building Material” (Bamberger Natursteinwerk Hermann Graser). Information will also be available on the social media campaign for young talent, “Proud of Stone.”
On the first day of the fair, the Natural Stone Association (DNV) will once again host the Architecture Congress, this time with free admission in Hall 11. Presentations will focus on “Innovative Stone Structures,” “Natural Stone as a Load-Bearing Building Material,” and “Low-Carbon Construction with Natural Stone.”
The highlight of the first day of the fair will be the presentation of the German Natural Stone Award, starting at 5 p.m., following a lecture by architect Hans Kollhoff. A Student Award for Emerging Talent is part of the initiative.
Another new feature at the trade show is the “Master of Sandblasting” competition organized by ABRA, a company based in Opole, Poland. As a family-owned business with a 30-year history, ABRA is a leading manufacturer of stone processing machinery and was one of the first companies to introduce dust-free sandblasting equipment to the market. At Stone+tec, participants will compete to sandblast a specified pattern into a stone slab. Registration is available on-site. The prize for the first-place winner is a Sandmaster Compact mobile dust-free sandblasting machine valued at €3,000.
For the first time, there will be a minerals exhibition in Hall 10.
Unlike in 2024, the Tile+tec tile trade fair will not take place this year. Instead, its products will be integrated into the stone presentations, according to the press conference; however, the topic is expected to “play a role” in the future.
Stone+tec, June 17 – 20, 2026
