The Natural Stone Show is back at ExCeL London, which hosted some of the indoor Olympic events last year. It is in its usual two-yearly spot but a bit later in the year this time, opening for its three-day run on 30 April.

With two months still to go, the number of visitors registering to attend the Show is 14% higher than in 2011.

Those already booked for the CPD-approved Architect & Designer Day on 30 April has exceeded expectations but, rather than turn people away, extra provision is being made to accommodate everyone. The event includes RIBA-accredited CPD presentations, a visit to the Show and lunch.

As ever, at the centre of the Show is Stone Federation Great Britain with a ‘Stone Village’ of its members, including leading dimensional stone mine and quarry operators in the UK, contractors and consultants. The Federation will have its experts on hand to answer questions from visitors.

Jane Buxey, Chief Executive of the Stone Federation, says: “The Natural Stone Show is the preferred trade exhibition for Stone Federation Great Britain and its members. It ticks all the right boxes for us, providing the best platform to maintain and raise our profile, attract new members and, most importantly, promote industry initiatives such as CE marking and sustainability.”

The Stone Federation also runs seminars as part of the Natural Stone & Building Conservation Conference that is now an important and established part of the Natural Stone Show and the stone industry calendar.

This is the fifth edition of the Conference and maintains its original objective of bringing together all those who have an interest in the design and use of stone as a building material.

Of course, the stone industry is international and as well as the British industry, there is a broad spectrum of overseas companies exhibiting in the hope of establishing or increasing their presence in the UK market. They have a lot to offer.

There is also a special conservation area at the Show dedicated to the heritage sector and a Gallery of the winning projects in the Natural Stone Awards presented at the world famous Lord’s Cricket Ground, home of the MCC, in November.

Next month NSS will be previewing the show, and the April issue of this magazine is also the Natural Stone Show Official Catalogue. The Catalogue has a cover price of £5 but you can get it free, as well as avoiding the queues at the entrance of the Show while it is on, by registering in advance online. Go to www.stoneshow.co.uk