Launch of the new MedtecLIVE Community
Stone+tec 2018 impressed exhibitors and trade visitors alike with its fresh new trade fair concept. The international trade fair for natural stone and stone technology drew to a successful close on 16 June 2018. From Wednesday to Saturday, some 11,819 trade visitors flocked to Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, where 333 exhibitors from 28 countries inspired the highly interested audience with their innovations in technology, materials and accessories. Other highlights included the new forum with practice-driven presentations, the special show “Our natural stone” and the young talent competition organised by the Association of German Stonemasons (BIV) on the forecourt of the exhibition centre.
The 20th round of Stone+tec brought a breath of fresh air to the longstanding event thanks to some new features: A new hall configuration, clear thematic structures and a high-calibre programme of presentations in the central trade fair forum gave Stone+tec a new lease of life. Alongside innovations from established companies, 116 first-time exhibitors contributed to an industry-appropriate, focused display that was well received by visitors from the artisan and industrial segments. The large majority of exhibitors were also very satisfied with the event and praised the high proportion of decision-makers among the visitors, their propensity to invest and the high calibre of the discussions. “Stone+tec is exactly the kind of trade fair that we need in the sector at the moment. Practical and contemporary product ranges are complemented by topics that really matter to stonemasons and stone processors, including sustainability, regional focus and the latest technology,” says Joachim Grüter, President of the German Natural Stone Association (DNV).
Targeted range
“We are delighted about the positive mood at this year’s Stone+tec and note that the new features in the trade fair concept have been popular,” confirms Gustav Treulieb, Federal Guild Chairman in the BIV. “The supporting programme in the forum was very well attended, which shows that we are covering the right kinds of issues. Through the opportunities to acquire knowledge, clarify problems and get talking, the new Stone+tec is living up to its role as the gathering place for the industry and is on the right track for the time ahead. With an eye to the future I am particularly delighted about the results of the young talent competition!”
Expertise on machine technology and more
This year the supporting programme included daily discussion panels on the topic of machine technology and presentations on sustainability and on cemetery concepts. The events relating to cemetery culture brought together decision-makers in the cemetery segment from all over Germany to take part in the exchanges. The special shows “Our natural stone” for native stone and “Technology and Chemicals: Workbenches” covered important topics. “The new direction and format are a good fit for the trade fair,” says a delighted Beate Fischer, Exhibition Director Stone+tec at NürnbergMesse. “We are so proud that Stone+tec 2018 has managed to bring momentum and new ideas to the stone industry!”
Opening address: Sustainability is a win-win situation!
The official opening of the 20th round of Stone+tec on Wednesday 13 June featured welcoming addresses by Dr Ulrich Maly, Mayor of the City of Nuremberg, Hans Peter Wollseifer, President of the German Federation of Skilled Trades (ZdH), and Gustav Treulieb (BIV) and Joachim Grüter (DNV). In a subsequent panel discussion, the participants underscored the good sustainability record of natural stone. Professor Alexander Rudolphi, President of the German Society for Sustainable Building (DGNB), emphasised the opportunities for natural stone as a result of the new EU-wide public procurement law which takes greater account of the ecological and social aspects of building projects.
BIV young talent competition: 1st prize goes to Poland
From Wednesday through Friday, visitors to Stone+tec were greeted by the characteristic clinking sound of the stonemason’s chisel. On the forecourt of the exhibition centre, 15 young stonemasons from Germany, Switzerland and Poland took part in the young talent competition organised by the BIV and created objects on the theme “Paths of Life”. The jury awarded first prize to Albert Wrotnowski from Poland, while Esther Schmelcher from Switzerland came second. Third place was shared by Damian Schymalla from Brennberg and Felix Kleine from Stollberg. During the commendation, Federal Guild President Gustav Treulieb praised the diversity and supreme craftsmanship of the works presented and stressed the importance of having a dedicated younger generation to continue the stonemason’s craft.
German Natural Stone Award presented to Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei
Successful examples for the use of natural stone in architecture were highlighted at the presentation of the German Natural Stone Award on the first day of the fair. The German Natural Stone Award 2018 went to architectural firm Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei for the new building for the Historical Museum in Frankfurt, which also won the category “Public buildings and commerce”. The jury selected the overall winner and 19 nominations from the 94 submissions in four categories. The architectural prize is awarded by the DNV in partnership with the Association of German Architects (BDA) and NürnbergMesse.
Save the date: Stone+tec 2020
The next Stone+tec will take place from 17 to 20 June 2020 at Exhibition Centre Nuremberg. Exhibitors can register for the event from autumn 2018. For other news about Stone+tec please go to: www.stone-tec.com/en/news
About Stone+tec
Stone+tec, the international trade fair for natural stone and stone processing is organised by NürnbergMesse with honorary sponsorship from the DNV (German Natural Stone Association) and BIV (Association of German Stonemasons). It also receives international support from Confindustria Marmomacchine, the Italian Association for Natural Stone Working Machinery and Equipment.
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