AEC Daily received the following testimonial from contest winner Steven Trott: Dear AEC Daily, I have been to trade shows before, but I was totally awed by the scale and the scope of the show in Verona! “Designing With Natural Stone 2012,” the continuing education program in Verona, Italy, that I was able to attend as the winner of the Veronafiere/Santa Margherita contest hosted by AEC Daily is held in conjunction with the Marmomacc trade show. The show surpassed all of my preconceived notions and expectations about what this international trade fair for stone, design and technology might entail. Anything that one might want to know about the stone trade and industry from all over the world seemed available at this one venue and what better way to immerse oneself in a greater understanding of how stone can be used in the practice of designing and constructing buildings than to come to this place and participate in the many opportunities available to attend seminars, visit quarries, manufacturing plants and testing facilities, and meet people in the trade with the experience and knowledge to assist stone designers in selecting, detailing, and specifying stone for use in the buildings they work on. This was much more than just a week-long “trade show”. It was a chance to focus, through education, on one material, stone -- the way it is processed, historical and conventional uses, new technologies and manufacturing processes, and the how-tos of installation practices. This was truly a focused learning experience covering all aspects of this industry that anyone using stone materials in their practices should not miss! Kudos to the organizers and educational seminar lecturers! This was an excellent program conceived and knitted with the highest standard of professionalism and forethought. To be able to participate in this program with a wonderful group of esteemed peers from all over the world, and to immerse myself in Italian culture for over a week, is and will always be one of the highlights of my professional career. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity and am glad of the new friends I have made on this trip. My deepest thanks and gratitude to all of those involved. Best Regards, Steven R. Trott, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
