Once again this year, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas (IACC Texas) collaborated with Veronafiere on the International Buyers Program at Marmomac, recruiting qualified U.S. buyers and bringing a delegation of six industry professionals from Houston and Dallas to Verona. The selected operators represented the architecture, interior design, and natural stone industries.
Promoted by Veronafiere, the program aims to facilitate targeted meetings between exhibitors and international buyers, encourage commercial negotiations, and expand business and development opportunities for companies participating in the trade show.
The selected operators were: Ashley Beshara (Thorntree), Anne Breux (AB Interior Architecture), Lisa Carls (Charmed Life Design), April Renee Graves (Aria Stone Gallery), Gaia Guidi Filippi (Gaia G Interiors), and Sarah Harper (Harper + Drummond Davis Architects).
During the exhibition, the selected operators participated in B2B meetings with Italian and international exhibitors, discovered innovative materials and technologies, and explored new opportunities for business collaboration.
One of the highlights of this year's edition was the presentation by April Renee Graves, COO and Partner of Aria Stone Gallery, entitled “Natural Stone as a Medium for Evoking Emotion-Based Design”, held on September 24. Her speech explored the role of natural stone in shaping the emotional experience of architectural spaces, emphasizing how texture, temperature, and color contribute to creating the atmosphere of an environment. As Graves highlighted, natural stone is much more than a surface: it is a material capable of transforming how spaces are perceived and experienced.
Another particularly appreciated experience was the visit to the Grassi Pietre quarries, where the delegation had the opportunity to discover firsthand the quarrying traditions, craftsmanship, and expertise that distinguish Italian excellence in the natural stone industry. The visit was personally guided by Ms. Maria Vittoria Grassi, who introduced the participants to the company's operations and extensive knowledge of natural stone. IACC Texas would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Maria Vittoria Grassi for her warm hospitality, generosity, and valuable time.
Through its longstanding collaboration with Veronafiere, IACC Texas reaffirms its commitment to promoting Italian excellence and fostering meaningful business opportunities between Italian companies and U.S. industry professionals.
