(January 2012) A „trend and sample bank“ will be set up for the first time at the Stone Expo to be held from January 21st to 23rd in the Belgian city of Ghent. Here exhibitors are invited to present their newest products. For visitors the platform offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into developments in the branch quickly and efficiently.
The bi-annual Stone Expo focuses on natural stone and ceramics. For a better overview and ease of orientation for visitors, the fair will be sectioned into natural stone, ceramics and machinery/equipment.
Geographically the fair focuses on the Benelux markets (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg). They may be small in size and population. But the per-capita consumption of stone is among the highest: on a global scale Belgium has overtaken Switzerland for first place. The Netherlands ranks at ninth position according to the statistical yearbook „XXII World Marble and Stones Report“ (by Dr. Carlo Montani, Aldus Casa di Edizioni, Carrara).
The fairgrounds are situated in close proximity to the airport and can be accessed within about one hour’s drive. The fair includes seminars in Dutch and French.
Ghent boasts an important historical city centre which a number of famous guildhalls. The city was one of the most important trade centres for the textile industry of the Middle Ages and owes much of its wealth to this branch. Today the city is an important centre for the floral industry.
Stone Expo, Ghent, 21.-23. January 2012