StoneGal 2026 has concluded with resounding success, intense commercial activity, and global resonance, confirming its status as the premier meeting point for the international natural stone industry. For three days, the city of Vigo, Spain, became the heart of the sector, bringing together the entire market value chain — from quarrying and stone processing to architecture and high-end design.
This year’s edition exceeded all expectations, hosting more than 70 exhibitors and attracting thousands of professionals and visitors from around the globe. The atmosphere was exceptional from day one, with exhibition floors bustling with activity, business meetings (networking), and presentations of innovative technologies that are redefining the future of the industry.
StoneGal Summit: Architecture and the Industry’s Future Take Center Stage
Alongside the commercial showcase, the StoneGal Summit established itself as an international platform for strategic dialogue. Leading figures and influential voices from the worlds of architecture and design gathered to analyze current trends and map out the future of the industry.
Presentations by the renowned César Portela and Xavier Ferrés, combined with the international perspectives brought by Andy Shaw, Ibai Rigby, and Marisa Santamaría, offered a comprehensive look at how innovation is transforming the way we design and build today. The debate was further enriched by the expertise of Alejandro Miras and José Ángel Lorenzo, who focused on the challenges and new opportunities that will shape the natural stone market in the coming years.
StoneGala: A Magical Night of Pride Inside the Quarry
Undoubtedly, the most iconic and moving moment of the event was the StoneGala, held in a breathtaking setting carved into the mountainside inside an active quarry. The evening, which kicked off with musical performances by young talents Maison, Lucía Touzón, Alba Iglesias, Iker Faure, Laura Marino, Simón, and Naro, evolved into a celebration of the cultural and economic identity of stone — a material deeply intertwined with the history of the region.
During the event, the official Stone Awards were presented, honoring the vision and contribution of figures who have shaped the course of the industry:
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Lifetime Achievement Award (Premio á Traxectoria): Awarded to José Luis de la Hoz, an iconic figure who for more than three decades has led the global expansion of Galician granite with excellence and passion.
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Founders Award (Premio Fundadores): Awarded to Francisco Cabaleiro Nogueira and Nemesio Martínez Novás, the “living history” of O Porriño, who built the industry from its roots, making their names a hallmark of guarantee and authenticity.
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“Antonio Palacios” Stone Architecture Award: Awarded to the great architect César Portela, a creator who knows how to listen to the “soul” of the stone and transform it into “frozen music” through iconic works such as the Fisterra Cemetery and the Museum of the Sea.
As its three intensive days came to an end, StoneGal 2026 left behind a powerful legacy of strong commercial connections and a shared strategic vision for the future. The exhibition proved to be much more than a trade show; it is the living entity where the pulse of the global stone market beats.
