As part of the milestone 60th edition of the international Marmomac trade fair (September 22–25, 2026), the annual Masters of Stone – Mastri della Pietra awards ceremony took place at The Bedrock (Hall 10).
This prestigious award recognises individuals who stand out for their passion, vision, and ongoing contribution to promoting the culture of natural stone worldwide.
The “Masters of Stone 2026”
This year, the title of Master of Stone was conferred upon five distinguished industry figures:
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Flavio Marabelli: Honorary President, Confindustria Marmomacchine
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Joe Parenza: CIOT
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Jim Hieb: CEO, Natural Stone Institute
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Grazia Signori: Geologist and natural stone expert
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Domenico Tommasi: Quarryman
A Heritage Spanning Centuries
The Mastri della Pietra award is more than just a modern accolade; it is the continuation of a deep historical tradition dating back to 1319 with the founding of the Ancient Corporation of Masters of Stone in Verona. The award bridges the past and the future, celebrating the craftsmanship and knowledge that keep the culture and value of natural stone alive across generations.
The ceremony was attended by the leadership of Veronafiere, including Federico Bricolo (President of Veronafiere), Giovanni Sacripante (General Manager of Veronafiere), and Francesca Zivelonghi (Event Manager of Marmomac), highlighting the significance of the event for the global marble and natural stone community.
