Raleigh, NC, May 20, 2008 - The Concrete Countertop Institute, organizers of the annual Concrete Countertop Industry Conference (CCIC), has announced an exciting new venue for designers to learn about concrete countertops. The first Concrete Countertop Design Expo will be held August 23, 2008 at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, CA, in conjunction with CCIC.

CCIC draws hundreds of concrete countertop professionals from the local area, throughout the United States and Canada, and beyond. With the new Concrete Countertop Design Expo immediately following CCIC, architects, builders and designers will be able to meet these professionals, see examples of their work and learn how to successfully use high-quality concrete countertops in their projects.

The Expo will include inspiring “Show & Tell” sessions by industry leading concrete countertop professionals, a myriad of concrete countertop examples in a Showcase area, an educational luncheon design seminar, and participation in judging a Designer’s Choice award in the concrete countertop design competition.

Lane Mangum, Conference Manager, says, “We hope the Design Expo will inspire design and build professionals to make use of this versatile, moldable material to allow themselves to think outside the box when building their kitchen, bath, sink, tub, fireplace, and even furniture designs.  Secondly, we hope to provide them with the practical knowledge to create their designs without problems.  Lastly, we hope to connect them with the craftspeople who can collaborate with them and execute their creations.”

For more information about the Concrete Countertop Design Expo, visit www.ConcreteCountertopDesignExpo.com or call 866-844-0999.

About The Concrete Countertop Institute:

The Concrete Countertop Institute’s mission is to help concrete countertop professionals succeed. The Institute provides contractors with intensive training via its CCI Training Programs and information and networking opportunities via the Concrete Connections Web site and the Concrete Countertop Industry Conference.