Summary of STONE 2024 trade fair

The STONE 2024 trade fair is a business-oriented event that has become the most important meeting point for the stonemasonry community in Poland. This year's edition was attended by nearly 2,000 people from the industry. Participants had a unique opportunity to establish new business contacts, make key deals and develop their knowledge through substantive lectures, trainings and panel discussions led by leading experts. An important part of the event was also the exhibition zone, which brought together nearly 100 exhibitors. Companies - distributors and manufacturers of tools, machinery and equipment for stone processing, stone chemistry, semi-finished products and natural stones. Also present among the exhibitors were the Polish Stonemasonry Association and the All-Poland Association of Manufacturers of Stone Products, as well as trade publications from Poland and abroad, which took patronage of the STONE Fair.

Education and practice at the highest level

“STONE trade fair organizers know that exhibitors' product presentations and live meetings are just as important as development-oriented education, which is why they constantly collaborate with stone industry experts. Thanks to this cooperation, the STONE fair has once again prepared an intensive educational and business program.” The highlight of this year's fair was the 2nd edition of the Stone Industry Congress, whose theme was “Renovation of Poznan's Old Market Square.” Within the framework of three thematic panels, invited experts discussed in detail the process of realization of large-scale investments - from the design phase to execution. The lectures and discussions also touched on modern renovation technologies and challenges in the selection of stone materials.

The speakers included:

• Jacek Maleszka, Deputy Director of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments in Poznań
• Alfred Marian Sroka, Vice President of the Board of TSOWzK, Expert of SITPMB and NOT, Court Expert
• Włodzimierz Ratajczak, owner of WRIMAR Sp. z o.o.
• Lucyna Wojdyła, Conservator of monuments
• Ewa Kaczmarska-Nagórska from the Office of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments

Participants also had the opportunity to listen to a special session led by Robert Koprowicz of Hufgard Optolith Bauprodukte Polska, which focused on modern stone maintenance and restoration products.

An excellent complement to the program was a panel discussion, which created a space for the exchange of views and experiences between the participants of the fair. The invited guests debated the challenges faced by the industry in the context of renovation work.

Throughout the two days of the fair, the main stage hosted lectures that not only inspired, but also provided practical knowledge - Prof. Andrzej Solecki addressed the topic “What should we value limestone for?”, providing an insightful analysis of its value in various applications. Anil Taneja, director of Natural Stone Industry Magazine LITOSonline.com, talked about “The future of Natural Stone in a world of artificial materials,” highlighting global challenges and opportunities for the natural stone industry. Alfred Marian Sroka, vice president of TSOWzK, discussed “Traps in the selection of stone in architectural projects,” sharing practical tips for designers and contractors. Jakub Podlinski of Klink presented a dynamic talk entitled. “Natural stone - a versatile material in construction and interior design,” showing various applications of stone in modern design. Anna Januszewska of the National Geological Institute presented the topic “From Rock to Work. Geological support for safe business”. Analytical-laboratory and mineralogical-petrological support of rock samples, cooperation in raw material markets, especially in Ukraine, the investment process in domestic raw material deposits and support in the acquisition of geological-mining assets abroad were discussed.

Practical education was also an important element - OXYLINE Sp. z o.o. and Productos Climax, S.A. gave a presentation and training on safe work with respiratory protection, providing participants with knowledge crucial to health and safety at work. But that's not all - an additional element of the substantive program of the STONE 2024 fair was a training session organized by GAMARSTONE, on the use of design visualization in stone plants.

Stone Fair participants were also given the opportunity to gain knowledge on the practical aspects of running a stone business and how to adapt it to current health and safety requirements. The issue of customs and statistical audits and the procedure for issuing Binding Tariff Information decisions for entrepreneurs was also presented in a comprehensive manner.

As part of the educational zone in Pavilion 8, organized by the OSPWZK, operated for all three days of the fair. Experts provided free consultations throughout the day, answering participants' questions and sharing their knowledge.

Among the additional attractions, it is impossible to miss the exciting “Master of Sandblasting” Competition, organized by ABRA Tomasz Czekaj, which returned to the STONE fair this year.

Prestigious awards

Pierwszego dnia targów ogłoszono również wyniki prestiżowego konkursu Acanthus Aureus.

Gratulacje dla nagrodzonych firm:

• ERNST STRASSACKER GmbH & Co. KG
  
  
• MAGMAR Polska Sp. z o.o.
  
  
• ADJATECH Metalworking Sp. z o.o.
  
  
• DG PIETRA POLSKA Sp. z o.o.

Not only business and science

Participation in the STONE fair, is not only an opportunity to gain knowledge and build business relationships, but also a great moment to relax and integrate in a unique atmosphere. After an intensive first day filled with training sessions, panels and meetings, the participants were able to have a little fun during an industry evening prepared under the slogan “Pyra with gziko and more.... Flavors worthy of Poznań.” With a full plate of Wielkopolska specialties, we met again in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy good company, strengthen industry ties and build new contacts in a less formal way. There was no shortage of inspiring talks, music and flavors, which perfectly complemented this special evening.

Thank you

We would like to thank all our exhibitors for your active participation in the event. The commitment, professionalism and passion with which you presented your products, the latest solutions and technologies, were the foundation of this year's edition of the fair. Thanks to you, the participants had the chance to get acquainted with offers and services that perfectly met the needs of the stone industry.

Thank you:

• Industry Patrons - the National Association of Manufacturers of Stone Products and the Polish Stonemasonry Association, for their involvement and contribution in co-creating the events accompanying the exhibitors' exposition and promoting the fair in the industry.
  
  
• Partners and Sponsors - companies: Hifgard Optolith Bauprodukte Polska Sp. z o.o., Marmur Płytki - Jacek Łata, Oxyline Sp. z o.o., U.H. “SOSNOWICA” S.C. J. Wiąckiewicz, G. Rębosz, Productos Climax S.A, Quadra Granit, Zephyr, for sharing their knowledge and experience, preparing materials and for great prizes for participants.
  
  
• To WRIMAR Sp. z o.o. for organizing the Conservation Workshop.
  
  
• The ABRA Company for the “Master of Sandblasting” competition.
  
  
• Media Partners - Nowy Kamieniarz, Kurier Kamieniarski, Marmomacchine Magazine, LITOS and STONE PANORAMA for their support in promoting the fair, exhibitors and the program of events.
  
  

Summary and future

The completed edition of STONE 2024, once again proved that this event is a key platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience for the stone industry in Poland. Professionals from all over the country had the opportunity to take part in face-to-face meetings, make new business contacts, as well as test the latest solutions offered by market leaders.