What Is TISE/StonExpo? Definition & Guide for Countertop Fabricators
TISE/StonExpo (The International Surface Event/StonExpo) is the largest annual trade show in North America dedicated to natural stone, tile, and surface materials. Held each year in Las Vegas, it brings together countertop fabricators, stone suppliers, equipment manufacturers, software vendors, and industry professionals for exhibits, live demonstrations, education sessions, and networking. For fabrication shop owners and managers, TISE/StonExpo is the primary venue to evaluate new tools, materials, and technology.
TL;DR
- TISE/StonExpo is North America's largest trade show for the stone and surface industry
- Held annually in Las Vegas, typically in late January or early February
- Combines three co-located events: StonExpo/Marmomac, Coverings (sometimes), and The International Surface Event
- Attracts 25,000-30,000 attendees and 900+ exhibiting companies
- Fabricators attend to see CNC machines, software, tooling, materials, and safety equipment
- Educational sessions cover business management, fabrication techniques, and industry trends
- Registration is typically free for basic exhibit hall access
What Happens at TISE/StonExpo
Exhibit Hall
The exhibit floor spans over 250,000 square feet and features everything a countertop fabrication shop might need:
| Category | What You Will See | Example Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machinery | Bridge saws, routers, waterjets | Park Industries, Intermac, Breton |
| Digital templating | Laser and touch-probe systems | LT 2D3D, Proliner |
| Software | CAD/CAM, shop management, nesting | Alphacam, SlabSmith, Moraware |
| Tooling | Blades, pads, bits, routers | Diamut, GranQuartz, Weha |
| Stone materials | Granite, quartz, marble, porcelain | Cosentino, Cambria, MSI, Caesarstone |
| Safety equipment | Dust collection, PPE, water systems | Dustcontrol, iQ Power Tools |
| Support hardware | Brackets, sinks, adhesives | Federal Brace, Integra Adhesives |
Live Demonstrations
Equipment manufacturers run their machines on the show floor - cutting, polishing, and shaping stone in real time. This is one of the few opportunities to see multiple competing machines side by side, operating on similar materials, so you can make direct comparisons before committing to a purchase that may cost $50,000-$500,000+.
Education Sessions
TISE/StonExpo hosts dozens of seminars and workshops covering:
- Shop management and profitability
- Fabrication techniques for new materials (sintered stone, porcelain panels)
- Safety and silicosis prevention
- Business growth strategies
- Digital templating best practices
- Material science and stone geology
Sessions are led by industry experts, fabrication shop owners, and representatives from organizations like the Natural Stone Institute and ISFA.
Networking
The show brings together fabricators from across the country who share common challenges - labor shortages, material costs, customer management, technology adoption. Hallway conversations, evening events, and organized networking sessions often produce more actionable insights than the formal program.
Why Fabricators Attend TISE/StonExpo
Equipment Evaluation
A CNC bridge saw costs $100,000-$400,000. A digital templating system runs $15,000-$40,000. At TISE/StonExpo, fabricators can see these machines running, talk to the engineers who built them, and compare competing options in a single day. This condensed evaluation saves weeks of individual shop visits and online research.
Material Sourcing
Stone and surface suppliers use TISE/StonExpo to launch new colors, patterns, and materials. Fabricators who attend early get first access to new product lines and can negotiate distribution agreements or pricing before competitors.
Software Comparison
Shop management software, CAD/CAM systems, and nesting tools are all represented on the floor. Fabricators can see live demos, ask questions about specific workflows, and compare features that matter to their operation - quoting speed, inventory tracking, template integration, and customer communication tools.
Staying Current on Safety Regulations
OSHA silica dust regulations (Table 1 compliance) are a major concern for every fabrication shop. TISE/StonExpo sessions cover the latest enforcement trends, best practices for wet cutting and dust collection, and new products designed to keep workers safe.
TISE/StonExpo by the Numbers
| Metric | Approximate Figure |
|---|---|
| Attendees | 25,000-30,000 |
| Exhibiting companies | 900+ |
| Exhibit floor space | 250,000+ sq ft |
| Education sessions | 50-80 |
| Countries represented | 80+ |
| Years running | 30+ |
Planning Your TISE/StonExpo Visit
Registration
Basic exhibit hall registration is usually free if you register in advance. Education session passes and VIP networking events carry additional fees, typically $50-$500 depending on the package.
Timing
The show typically runs Tuesday through Thursday in late January or early February. Tuesday is the busiest day. Thursday afternoon is the quietest and best for unhurried conversations with exhibitors.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (you will walk 5-10 miles over the show)
- Business cards (still widely used in the stone industry)
- A list of specific equipment, software, or materials you want to evaluate
- A phone or tablet for photos and notes
- A budget range and timeline for any planned purchases
Getting the Most Value
- Pre-plan your route. The exhibit hall is massive. Identify your top 10-15 booths in advance and plot an efficient path.
- Schedule demos. Major equipment manufacturers book demo slots. Reserve yours before the show.
- Attend at least 2-3 education sessions. Even experienced fabricators pick up ideas that pay for the trip.
- Talk to other fabricators. The show floor is one of the best places to get honest opinions about equipment and software from people who use it daily.
Related Industry Events
TISE/StonExpo is the biggest, but other events serve the fabrication community:
| Event | Focus | Location | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverings | Tile + stone | Rotating US cities | Spring |
| Marmomac (Verona) | Global stone trade | Verona, Italy | September |
| Stone Industry Education | Workshops/training | Rotating | Year-round |
| Regional stone shows | Local markets | Various | Various |
How TISE/StonExpo Affects Fabrication Technology Trends
Major technology shifts in countertop fabrication often debut at TISE/StonExpo:
- Digital templating gained mass adoption after early demonstrations at the show in the 2000s
- CNC bridge saws replaced manual saws after fabricators saw the speed and accuracy difference firsthand
- AI-powered nesting and verification tools are among the newest technologies being showcased, helping shops reduce waste by 10-15% and catch template errors before cutting
- Cloud-based shop management platforms have increasingly replaced desktop software, with live comparisons available on the show floor
FAQ
When is TISE/StonExpo held?
Typically in late January or early February each year, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How much does it cost to attend TISE/StonExpo?
Basic exhibit hall access is free with advance registration. Education passes and premium networking events range from $50-$500.
Is TISE/StonExpo only for large fabrication shops?
No. The show attracts shops of all sizes, from one-person operations to multi-location companies with 100+ employees. Small shops often benefit the most from seeing technology that can help them compete with larger operations.
What is the difference between TISE and StonExpo?
TISE (The International Surface Event) is the umbrella event that includes StonExpo/Marmomac Americas as one of its co-located shows. StonExpo focuses specifically on natural stone, while the broader TISE event also covers tile, decorative surfaces, and floor covering.
Can I buy equipment at the show?
Yes. Many exhibitors offer show-special pricing and financing. Large equipment purchases often begin with a show-floor conversation and are finalized in the weeks following the event.
How many days should I plan to attend?
Two days is the minimum to cover the exhibit floor and attend education sessions. Three days allows for more thorough evaluation and unhurried conversations.
Is it worth attending every year?
Most serious fabricators attend every 1-2 years. Annual attendance makes sense if you are actively shopping for equipment or want to stay on top of rapidly evolving technology like AI-based fabrication tools.
What organizations are involved in TISE/StonExpo?
Key organizations include the Natural Stone Institute, ISFA (International Surface Fabricators Association), and Informa Markets (the event organizer). The MIA+BSI (now the Natural Stone Institute) has historically been a major presence.
Are there international exhibitors?
Yes. TISE/StonExpo draws exhibitors from 80+ countries, including major stone-producing nations like Italy, Brazil, India, Turkey, and China.
Can I bring my installation crew?
Some shop owners bring key team members, especially when evaluating equipment that installers or fabricators will use daily. Getting crew buy-in before a major purchase avoids resistance during rollout.
See How Technology from TISE/StonExpo Works in Your Shop
Many of the AI-driven tools showcased at industry events are available to try today. SlabWise offers AI template verification, slab nesting optimization, and a customer portal you can test in your own shop environment. Start a 14-day free trial - no trade show ticket required.
Sources
- TISE/StonExpo Official Event Website
- Natural Stone Institute - Event Programming
- Informa Markets - TISE Event Data
- Stone World Magazine - Annual Show Coverage
- Fabricator Industry Survey Data, 2024
- ISFA - Event Partnership Information