The Internationale Marmi e Macchine Carrara S,p.A. (IMM) is the most famous company in the world promoting natural stone and relative technologies. The primary intent of the IMM is to favour consumption of stone materials using programmes, activities and initiatives directed particularly towards architects. Founded in 1978, the IMM has a company capital of 32 million euro.

Principle share holders

• Comune of Carrara
• Comune of Massa
• Province of Massa Carrara
• Province of Lucca
• Regione Toscana
• Other public administrations

Private share holders

• Banks
• Cassa di Risparmio di Carrara
• Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca
• Banca della Versilia e della Lunigiana Credito Cooperativo
• Private companies (over 400)

Marble Architectural Awards (M.A.A.)

As part of an initiative aiming to promote greater familiarity with stone and its connected industries, the IMM announces the Marble Architectural Awards (M.A.A.), an international architectural competition in the use of stone material. The initiative wishes to pay tribute to designers that have contributed to the most significant use of ornamental stone in contemporary architecture, both in the technical and the formal sense.
M.A.A.s are set up under the patronage of the Union Internationale des Architectes (U.I.A.), of the Consiglio Nazionale degli Architetti (C.N.A.) and the Istituto Italiano per il Commercio Estero (I.C.E.) and they take place every year in particular geographical areas, following this succession: North America, Far East, Europe (excluding Italy), Italy, Australasia / Central and South America / Southern Africa, North Africa / the Middle East. The first cycle began in 1985 and at present the third cycle, which began in 1997 in North America, has just finished. The 2000 edition was reserved to Italy.
The involvement of organisations like the Union Internationale des Architectes, the Consiglio Nazionale degli Architetti and other Associations competent in the single areas, like the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) and the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA), attracts the participation of the project makers: during the various editions, some of the most prestigious names in contemporary design have presented their works, further contributing to enrich a documentary archive that is unique in the world.

The Fair Complex: Carrarafairs

Strategically placed in the centre north of Italy, on the borders between Tuscany and Liguria, the fair complex CARRARAFIERE is of easy access by any means of transport and it is at the centre of a concentrated network of quick and easy connection: airports, railways and motorways.

The particular attention reserved to its architectural design lends elegance and beauty to the complex, which, at just a few metres from the sea, covers a total land surface of 95,000 square kilometres, of which 20,000 in covered structures. The modern, versatile architectural design of these constructions are capable of hosting high level exhibitions and shows, guaranteeing the best possible use of space as well as combinations which cover widely differing needs.

Five entrances stream the public to the single zones, thus making it possible to divide up the exhibition area. More than 20,000 square metres of parking space can accommodate over 3,000 cars. The three pavilions and the wide uncovered spaces are suitable for public meeting or performances. A number of covered passage ways in glass and metal give continuity to the tours as well as connecting the covered structures.

A central area that is more spacious than the exhibition zones brings together useful services like banks, news stands, technical offices, hotel booking offices, internet points, the press room and press office. Six congress halls are available, from 30 to 600 places, each fitted with all services and technology, as well as a number of snack bars, two restaurants and a self service. Equipment, the services available and expert personnel will satisfy the specific needs of every event.

Organized Meetings:

• 4x4 fest
• Balnearia
• Buon Italia
• CarraraMarmotec
• Com.Amb.
• Dire & Fare
• È fitness
• ENCI
• Seatec
• Septemberfest – Tutti in fiera
• Tirreno CT
• Toscana sposi
• Tour.it
• Tutto casa
• Work & Shop

For more information:
www.immcarrara.com