The QMJ Group, the company behind The Natural Stone Show, has contracted Joe Simpson as consultant to help drive the development of Hard Surfaces, the show that runs alongside the Natural Stone Show at ExCeL in London, the next of which is 6-8 June next year.
Joe is the Founding Editor of The Specifier’s Guide to Ceramic Tile & Natural Stone, Tile UK, and Tile & Stone Journal. He is also the voice behind www.diaryofatileaddict.com, the world-wide blog that is a must-read commentary on tile design.
Richard Bradbury, Event Director of the Natural Stone Show and Hard Surfaces, says of Joe’s appointment: “I am delighted that Joe has joined the Hard Surfaces team. He has a wealth of knowledge about, and infectious enthusiasm for, ceramic tiles and surface solutions.
“His global network is unsurpassed. And, as we have already discovered, he has a deep pool of ideas to make Hard Surfaces a must-attend date in the construction calendar.”
Joe says of his role with Hard Surfaces: “My mission is to make Hard Surfaces educational, inspiring, and informative.
“This is an extremely vibrant market that has changed beyond all recognition over the past few years. Continuous pressing and digital decoration technologies have driven rapid advances in the technical and aesthetic qualities of porcelain and sintered stone surfaces. New composite materials, advanced concrete formulations, and multi-material laminates have further increased the diversity of solid surfaces on the market.
“All these materials bring unique processing, installation, and maintenance challenges. My role is to curate a series of seminars, masterclasses, and live demonstrations that truly reflect this diversity. I want every visitor to leave the show having had their preconceptions challenged and their curiosity piqued.
“I have enormous respect for the QMJ team. They truly understand their industry and are key contributors to its success. QMJ has shown that it is willing to really invest in Hard Surfaces and to listen to the market. I have been given a very free rein and I am already in discussion with experts from Canada, Australia, USA, and Germany who can offer insights on everything from high-tech antibacterial panels through to intricate hand-decorated tiles.
“There will be something for everyone in the supply chain at ExCel in June 2023 – architects, designers, fabricators, contractors, distributors, house builders, developers, and the public sector.
“The speakers will also cover all the hot topics, such as sustainability, energy usage, health & hygiene, transport costs…
“Hard Surfaces is going to be a truly energising event.”
To exhibit at Hard Surfaces contact David Fisher on [email protected] +44 (0) 115 865 8283 or Charlotte Stacey on [email protected] +44 (0) 115 945 3897.