StonExpo at TISE 2025

Join us for a brief overview of the philanthropic programs available to Natural Stone Institute members, including the Natural Stone Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E program. Learn about current initiatives and accomplishments and understand why it is important for stone companies to get involved.

One of the most important aspects of fabrication is knowing how a material will perform when cut. 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 building material. With that beauty comes unique fabrication and installation techniques. During the session, we will discuss the geology, fabrication, and installation practices that provide the best product application of this material. We will also review how to set expectations with customers to ensure successful installation and a happy client. Leave with a plan to maximize the value of quartzite to both your company and the customer.

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

Join us for a comprehensive update on sustainability within the natural stone industry, addressing key concerns from the design community, including embodied carbon, ethical labor practices, and land impacts. This session will provide a refresher on the inherent attributes that make natural stone a sustainable choice, along with practical guidance on aligning your company’s practices with industry-wide sustainability goals. Explore exciting opportunities for natural stone, such as structural applications, substituting low-carbon stone for high-impact materials, and achieving global alignment on sustainability initiatives. Attendees will also receive an introduction to upcoming micro-learning sessions designed to equip your team with essential skills to align with these sustainability initiatives.

Natural stone is a premier building choice due to its durability, timeless aesthetic, inherent beauty, and versatility. However, we often are faced with architects and designers avoiding utilizing natural stone in their projects. This panel discussion will help highlight how to sell high end natural stone projects to architects and designers, discuss what architects and designers are looking for with when working with natural stone, and how to inspire the use of natural stone. Attendees will leave with the tools to empower architects and designers to use natural stone in their projects.

Discover the secrets to the successful use of natural stone in hardscape projects. Learn essential techniques for selection, installation, and maintenance, along with design tips that enhance outdoor spaces. Transform your hardscape skills and create stunning, lasting landscapes with natural stone.

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.