StonExpo at tise 2026

This meeting of the Natural Stone Institute Board of Directors is invitation only.

Earn the Natural Stone Institute’s new Silica & Slab Safety Certificate in this live training session. Learn the key components of a stone fabrication safety program and gain insights into safe slab handling and reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Get the tools you need to improve workplace safety, maintain OSHA compliance, and train your employees to ensure a safe and secure work environment for your entire team.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the key components to create an overall safety program.
• Gain insights into safe slab handling and reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
• Discuss best practices for reducing RCS exposure through PPE, testing, engineering controls, and housekeeping.
• Gain access to tools, documents, and additional resources that will help build your comprehensive safety program.

Build meaningful relationships within the Women in Stone (WIS) community. This informal meet-up brings together mentors, mentees, and industry peers for conversation, shared experiences, and relationship-building designed to support your career growth. Whether you're new to WIS or a longtime participant, it’s the perfect way to plug in before the week gets busy.

Discover how to position natural stone as the premier sustainable building material. This session explores key environmental benefits, certification opportunities, and messaging strategies that resonate with todays eco-conscious market. Learn to leverage sustainability to differentiate your products, win more projects, and strengthen your brands competitive advantage.

One of the most important aspects of fabrication is knowing how a material will perform. Are you confident the material you are cutting was correctly identified in specification? During this session, we will perform basic stone identification techniques that will help you correctly identify materials before you start fabrication. Leave with a plan to confirm the geology of materials you are cutting and installing every time.

Join us to learn essential techniques for assessing, cleaning, and repairing stone surfaces. Discover expert tips on polishing, sealing, and maintaining various stone types, ensuring their beauty and longevity. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, elevate your restoration skills in this hands-on session!

Quartzite is a beautiful natural material, and its unique characteristics require thoughtful fabrication and installation. This session will explore the geology behind quartzite, along with best practices for fabrication and installation to ensure optimal performance. Well also cover how to set clear expectations with customers to support a smooth project experience. You'll leave with practical guidance to help you maximize the value of quartzite for both your business and your clients.

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming stone fabrication machinery and operations. This session examines how AI-driven technologies enhance precision, optimize cutting and routing, predict maintenance needs, and improve overall efficiency. Learn how automation and data insights are shaping the next generation of fabrication and positioning shops for a smarter, more competitive future.

This interactive forum is an excellent opportunity to discuss challenges with your fabricator colleagues. The session will include three breakout groups (technical, business administration, and marketing) where fabricators will discuss top challenges in each area. Participants will then reconvene for a facilitated discussion to recap each topic group. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution. Bring your topics and we will provide the forum.

Safety is a key priority for the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Join us for a discussion of how the NSI is addressing silica safety in 2025. Attendees will learn about the Natural Stone Institutes Silica and Slab Safety certificate, discuss current safety guidelines and silica resources, and talk about the impact of silica in the industry.

Connect with members of the Latin American Fabricator Association to share insights, challenges, and opportunities in the stone industry. This session fosters cross-border collaboration, highlights market trends, and builds relationships that strengthen business connections throughout Latin America, creating a network for shared success and industry growth.

This event is where the industry’s top achievements take center stage. We’ll recognize award-winning projects from around the world, honor outstanding individuals through our Person of the Year and Craftsman of the Year awards, and spotlight those who set the standard for excellence.

Keep the celebration going immediately following the Awards Ceremony. Enjoy drinks, light bites, and relaxed networking with fellow members, award winners, and friends of the industry. It’s the perfect way to connect and continue the evening’s momentum.

Join Marine veteran Brandon Dodson as he shares his powerful story of resilience and renewal through the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. Program. Hear how his custom smart home, crafted with support from our industry, transformed his daily life. Joined by a stone industry professional involved in the project, the discussion explores collaboration, craftsmanship, and the profound impact of giving back through skilled trades.

Learn how to leverage the Natural Stone Institutes CEU Program to build strong relationships with architects, designers, and other specifiers. This session covers course selection, presentation tips, and follow-up strategies to position yourself as a trusted resource, showcase your expertise, and increase natural stone specifications in future projects.

Join the Natural Stone Institute for an overview of ASTM standards and stone testing requirements for projects in the United States. Learn the requirements of performance placed on stone at the time of installation and in the future, and how these standards serve as benchmarks for quality limits of products.

Join us for an exclusive panel discussion featuring design and stone industry professionals behind recent Pinnacle Award-winning projects. This 50-minute session will explore the innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship that set these projects apart. Panelists will share insights into the design vision, technical challenges, material selection, and execution strategies that led to their recognition. Gain a deeper understanding of how natural stone can elevate architectural and landscape design, and leave inspired to push the boundaries of whats possible with this timeless material.

Whether you're an architect, designer, fabricator, or supplier, this session offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and apply their lessons to your own work.

You will not want to miss out on Women in Stone’s Amazing Race. Participants will team up to complete the race through the Natural Stone Pavilion. Teams will work their way through a series of clues and challenges to fill their passport and learn more about natural stone and our growing industry. The team with the most points at the end of the race will win a swag bag full of great prizes from Women in Stone sponsors.

Join us at the NSI booth for an hour of celebration, recognition, and community connection. Stop by to toast key contributors, hear important updates, and network with peers. It’s a great place to meet the NSI team and connect with members from across the industry.