There’s a specific sector of the natural stone industry that’s very active in Rimini and that’s the surfaces sector, which gathers at TECNA. As the industry evolves under the pressures of digitalization, sustainability, and global design trends, this exhibition remains a critical point for conversations on an international level. TECNA has a much broader appeal than covering ceramics and bricks as it speaks to the needs of the construction, architecture and interior design industries. Running for over forty years should tell you enough about why TECNA continues to attract top players from the global stone industry to Rimini. Through curated business matchmaking and one-on-one sessions with international buyers, the event connects global demand with Italian and international manufacturers across a growing spectrum of technologies. At the core of TECNA’s longevity is its dedicated focus on technological transformation. The Future Lab area, introduced in recent editions, highlights best practices and tools aligned with Industry 4.0. Automation, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing systems are the dominant topics of conversation and are being integrated into the production of surface materials from digital decoration and finishing to logistics and sustainable packaging. Start-ups also find space to shine at TECNA. With dedicated support from ITA, a select group of emerging Italian and international ventures showcase solutions in digitalization, green technologies, raw material handling, and design-enhancing technologies every edition. This dynamic ecosystem is driving forward the next generation of processing tools for natural and engineered stone, aiming to meet the aesthetic and environmental standards of increasingly sophisticated markets. A key theme throughout the exhibition is the growing influence of design in industrial production. The Aesthetics and Design routes at TECNA spotlight companies that have mastered the integration of raw materials and advanced technologies to deliver high-quality finishes.