Program ScheduleThere will be multiple sessions over three days covering different topics
related to the Stone Industry. |
Stone Technology | Business Insights
International Conference & Industry Awards Program
Theme: Shaping the Future of Stone Through Innovation, Sustainability & Technology
Location: Toronto, Canada
Dates: May 6–8, 2026
Day 1 - Wednesday | May 6, 2026
Industry Vision, Technology & Digital Transformation
Welcome Note – Chief Guest
The Strategic Role of Stone & Surface Industries in Canada’s Built Environment
A high-level address highlighting:
• Infrastructure and housing growth in Canada
• The role of advanced materials and technology
• Innovation, sustainability, and global trade
StoneTech Canada Expo Organizing Committee
• Vision and objectives of StoneTech Canada 2026
• Industry challenges and opportunities
• Positioning Canada as a global hub for stone technology
Opening Keynote
Session 1: From Quarry to Smart Factory – The Digital Evolution of the Stone Industry
• Automation, robotics, AI, and data-driven manufacturing
• Global competitiveness and cost optimization
Plenary Panel Discussion
Panel 1:
Session 2: AI, Automation & Smart Fabrication – The New Standard
Key Discussion Points:
• CNC automation, robotic cutting & polishing
• AI-assisted design and yield optimization
• Barriers to adoption for SMEs
• ROI, scalability, and workforce impact
Panelists
Technology providers, large fabricators, SME operators, and automation specialists
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Session A: Digital Software Solutions for Stone Businesses
• ERP, CRM, and production management platforms
• Cloud-based estimating and scheduling tools
Session B: IoT, Sensors & Predictive Maintenance
• Smart machines and real-time monitoring
• Reducing downtime and maintenance costs
Industry Roundtable
Session 3: Technology Adoption: How Small & Medium Fabricators Can Compete Globally
• Financing automation
• Training skilled operators
• Partnering with tech providers
Panel 2
Session 4: Cybersecurity & Data Protection in Stone Manufacturing
• Protecting CNC systems and digital assets
• Cyber risks in connected factories
• Best practices for industrial cybersecurity
Session 5: Protecting Our People: Silica Safety & Labour Health in Stone Fabrication
• Speaker: Industry Safety Expert / OSHA/Canadian Health & Safety Representative
• Content:
⁃ Overview of silica and its health hazards (silicosis, lung disease)
⁃ Statistics: incidence of silica-related illnesses in stone fabrication
⁃ Regulatory requirements in Canada (Occupational Health & Safety Act, Workplace Safety Guidelines)
Panel Discussion
Panel 3: Topic: Best Practices for Silica Safety in Fabrication Shops
Panelists:
• Occupational Health Specialist
• Fabrication Shop Owner / Manager
• Industrial Hygienist
• Technology Provider (dust extraction, ventilation, monitoring equipment)
Discussion Points:
• Engineering controls: ventilation systems, dust collection, wet cutting techniques
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): respirators, gloves, protective clothing
• Training and awareness: educating workers on risks and safe practices
• Monitoring and compliance: air quality testing, silica monitoring devices
• Integrating safety into production without reducing efficiency
Audience Engagement:
• Q&A session
• Live poll: What is your shop’s current silica safety strategy?
Day 2 - Thursday | May 7, 2026
Sustainability, Materials & Global Market Challenges
Networking Breakfast
Session 6: Keynote / Case Study
• Speaker: Leading Fabricator or Safety Officer
• Content:
⁃ Real-world example of a fabrication shop implementing silica safety measures
⁃ Challenges faced during implementation.
⁃ Quantifiable outcomes: reduction in exposure, improved employee health, compliance achievements
Workshop / Interactive Segment
Activity: Small group discussion or live demonstration
• Demonstrate proper dust collection setups or PPE usage
• Interactive checklist creation for silica safety compliance in attendees’ own shops
Keynote Address
Session 7: Sustainability, Carbon Footprint & the Future of Natural Stone
• Environmental accountability
• Transparency and ESG expectations
• Stone’s positioning versus alternative materials
Plenary Panel Discussion
Panel 4:
Session 8: Sustainability, Quarrying & Responsible Sourcing
Topics Covered:
• Low-carbon quarrying technologies
• Water and dust management
• Ethical sourcing and traceability
• Certifications and green compliance
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Networking
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Case Study Sessions
Session C: Circular Economy & Waste Reduction in Stone
• Recycling offcuts and by-products
• Secondary stone applications
Session D: Green Building Standards & Market Access
• LEED, WELL, Net-Zero buildings
• Impact on architects and specifiers
Panel 5
Session 8: Global Trade, Supply Chains & Market Volatility
• Tariffs, logistics, and geopolitical risk
• Import vs local production strategies.
• Managing cost fluctuations
Industry Debate
Session 9: Natural Stone vs Engineered & Sintered Surfaces
• Performance, sustainability, and aesthetics
• Market demand and consumer perception
• Co-existence or competition?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
StoneTech Canada Excellence Awards
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
StoneTech Canada – Excellence Awards Presentation
Award Categories:
• Stone Fabricator of the Year
• Excellence in Stone Technology Innovation
• Sustainability & Environmental Leadership Award
• Best Quarrying & Resource Management Practice
• Outstanding Architectural / Design Stone Project
• Health & Safety Excellence Award
• Emerging Industry Leader Award
• International Brand Excellence Award
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 3 - Friday | May 8, 2026
People, Design, Marketing & Industry Future
Breakfast Roundtables
Leadership Keynote
Session 10: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow – Skills, Safety & Talent Retention
• Skills gap in stone & manufacturing
• Training, apprenticeships, and automation
• Workplace safety and wellbeing
Session 11: Concurrent Sessions
Session E: Workplace Safety, Automation & Ergonomics
Session F: Stone Design Trends & Architectural Applications
Marketing & Sales Panel
Session 12: Reaching Architects, Designers & Developers in a Digital World
• Digital branding and storytelling
• Social media and visual marketing
• Specification-driven sales strategies
StoneTech Canada Booth Awards & Lunch
StoneTech Canada – Booth Awards Presentation
• Best Overall Booth Design
• Most Innovative Booth Concept
• Best Technology Demonstration
• Best Sustainable Booth Design
• Best International Pavilion
• People’s Choice Award (Visitor Vote)
Closing Panel
Session 13: The Future Roadmap for the Stone & Technology Industry in Canada
• Investment priorities
• Technology adoption timeline
• Collaboration between industry, government, and academia
Official Closing Remarks
StoneTech Canada Expo Organizers
Why This Program Works
• Addresses real industry concerns (costs, sustainability, workforce, trade)
• Strong technology & innovation focus
✔ Balanced business, design, and operational content
✔ High-profile awards and recognition
✔ Attractive to exhibitors, sponsors, media, and government stakeholders
