When Stone+tec 2009 takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 20-23 May, the International Trade Fair Natural Stone and Stoneprocessing Technology can look back on three decades in which it has developed into one of the largest events of its kind in the world. In 1979, 98 exhibitors and 7,000 visitors attended the Deutsche Naturwerksteintage, as the exhibition was called at that time; approximately 800 exhibitors and some 40,000 trade visitors are expected this year. In addition to natural stone as extremely varied material for applications such as facades and high-grade interior finishing, the visitor finds all the necessary equipment for the professional processing of natural stone and a unique range of products for gravestone culture.



The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology's initiative for promoting innovative, young companies has grown tremendously: whereas just five exhibitors used this opportunity to exhibit in a pavilion at the last Stone+tec 2007, there are now 22 companies in two pavilions – and the display area is five times larger than two years ago.



But Stone+tec also has a convincing range of products to offer again in the classic exhibition segments. Besides the large German companies, the international natural stone industry shows its colours in Nürnberg. Visitors naturally find the classic natural stone countries like Italy, Spain, Greece or Turkey here, but many exhibitors from non-European nations are also coming to the exhibition centre again.



For tilers who would like to get to know the special requirements for laying natural stone tiles, Stone+tec has offered a special series of seminars since 2003. The seminar "Laying natural stone without damage" takes place on Wednesday, 20 May 2009. Tilers also have a place for exchanging views and information this year – the "Tilers Meeting-Point".



Stone+tec also provides inspiration for the restoration of historic works, contemporary architecture and cemetery design. First there is the Peter Parler Award as a tribute to outstanding achievements in restoration, and second the German Natural Stone Award, one of the most noted architecture prizes in Germany. The awards are presented on the coming Thursday and Friday morning respectively. In addition, the German associations offer informative presentations and special shows, such as the presentation "Natural Stone Architecture – Made in Germany".



The 500 m² special show presents examples of concepts showing how existing cemeteries can be redesigned from within. The show is supplemented with an information event on Friday afternoon, which presents a study on the present mourning and burial culture in Germany. The presentation by well-known trend researcher Matthias Horx analyses the change in social values and deals with the changed attitude to mourning.