Stone+tec 2024 witnessed significant growth across all sectors, setting the stage for a bright future. Compared to the 2022 edition, both exhibitor participation (+20%) and visitor attendance (+12%) saw a rise. The positive atmosphere permeated all four days of the trade fair, with initial registrations for Stone+tec 2026 already rolling in.
Stone+tec: A Platform for Innovation and Networking
Over 250 exhibitors from more than 20 countries showcased their products, services, and groundbreaking innovations at Stone+tec 2024 in Nuremberg. The event attracted roughly 10,800 visitors, primarily from Germany and neighboring countries, but also from farther afield, including Italy, India, and China.
The extensive product categories, encompassing “Building with Natural Stone,” “Equipment for Professionals,” “Place of Remembrance,” and “Design with Tiles,” garnered significant visitor interest. Key highlights included the presentation of the prestigious German Natural Stone Award and the young talent competition organized by the Federal Association of German Stonemasons (BIV). The winners were honored during a special ceremony celebrating the BIV’s 75th anniversary at Stone+tec.
Positive Feedback and Continued Development
Michael Löffler, Division Manager, expressed his satisfaction with the response to Stone+tec 2024: “We’re thrilled to see another increase in visitor numbers. Additionally, discussions with exhibitors revealed a strong appreciation for the high-quality audience. It’s particularly encouraging that non-exhibitors from both Stone+tec and Tile+tec attended the trade fair, expressing interest in exhibiting at future events.”
Held biennially at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, Stone+tec is recognized as the leading international forum for natural stone and related technologies. The event was complemented by a three-day Stone+tec Congress, offering valuable industry knowledge, continuing education opportunities, and a platform for industry professionals to connect. Compared to the previous edition, the Congress witnessed a rise in participant numbers. Live workshops, showcasing expert lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions, further enriched the trade fair program.
A Winning Combination: Stone+tec, Tile+tec, and Congress
Henning and Thilo Könicke, Managing Directors of trade fair organizers AFAG, offered a positive conclusion for Stone+tec and Tile+tec: “The event concept proved highly successful. The combination of Stone+tec, Tile+tec, and the Congress functioned exceptionally well. We extend our sincere gratitude to industry associations and exhibitors for their unwavering commitment, and are delighted with the industry’s overall support. We’re proud of how Stone+tec has evolved and remain dedicated to its further development for the benefit of the entire industry.”
Tile+tec Makes a Promising Debut
This year marked the inaugural edition of Tile+tec, held concurrently with Stone+tec, expanding the event’s scope to encompass tiles. While some companies adopted a cautious approach initially, partly due to current industry trends, the organizers consider the launch a success. Divisional Manager Michael Löffler engaged in numerous discussions throughout the event: “Tile+tec has made an impressive debut, and we’re confident that the range of tile and design-related products and services will significantly expand at the next Stone+tec. The industry clearly recognizes the need for a dedicated platform for the tile market.”
Save the Date: Stone+tec and Tile+tec 2026
The upcoming edition of Stone+tec and Tile+tec is scheduled for June 17-20, 2026, at Messe Nürnberg. As a testament to the event’s success, initial exhibitor registrations for the next Stone+tec have already begun.
