Indianapolis, Ind.— Cast Stone Institute (CSI), the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), and the Portland Cement Association (PCA) announced that the International Concrete Exposition (Icon Expo) will be held February 26–28, 2009, at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

"Since the 1980s the NCMA has joined together with other organizations to sponsor a combined trade show for the producers of concrete, masonry and hardscape products. We are very pleased to be joining together with the CSI, ICPI and PCA for Icon Expo 2009," said Steve Doty, chairman of the NCMA (the principal organizer for Icon Expo) and president of Peerless Block. "These industry events — dating back to the Masonry Expo and including the more recent Manufactured Concrete Products Exposition (MCPX) — have always been very successful for all of the participating organizations, highly valued by their members, and very productive for the exhibitors. We would like to extend an open invitation to all other concrete industry organizations to join with us in sponsoring Icon Expo."

"The ICPI is pleased to be a part of the initial Icon Expo. It is important for our industries to partner together to provide our manufacturer members' value through a joint concrete products industry show focused at their needs," stated Ed Fioroni, chairman-elect of the ICPI and vice president of distributor sales and marketing for the Pavestone Company. "We look forward to a successful trade show in 2009."

"The CSI is pleased to participate in this unique opportunity that exposes our products and the Institute to the masonry industry. The multifaceted exposition is an eagerly awaited event for our members, to see the newest and best products and technology," stated Tom Lepisto, president of the CSI and president of Hoyle Stone Products. "Participation in a combined industry trade show fits into our mission to develop standards and promote the use of Cast Stone, and we are eager to join with the other masonry-related associations in this event."

"The PCA is proud to be involved with this groundbreaking event," added Mark Justman, vice president of the PCA. "Since its founding more than 90 years ago, PCA has had the same mission: 'Improve and expand the uses of Portland cement and concrete.' By bringing the concrete products industry under one roof, Icon Expo reflects this commitment."

"The city of Indianapolis and our entire hospitality community look forward to welcoming the International Concrete Expo in February 2009," said Bob Bedell, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. "We enjoy working with the concrete industry and especially with the leadership from CSI, ICPI, NCMA, and PCA, and are excited to showcase the city and our convention center expansion to their tradeshow attendees."

Nearly 6,000 plant owners, managers, production personnel, and suppliers from 30 countries attend the concrete products trade show — including the 2005 event that was held in Indianapolis — making these events the largest trade show of its kind. The 2007 show, held earlier this year in Orlando, featured a floor that was filled with more than 100,000 net square feet of the latest production equipment, materials and services for the precast concrete, concrete masonry, interlocking pavers, and concrete pipe sectors of the industry. For more information about Icon Expo 2009, please visit www.iconexpo.org.