AGG1 Preview: Before you go to the show

By |  March 4, 2016

AGG1With the AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo steadily approaching, it might be a smart idea for attendees to plan out how they’ll spend their time at the event. Although the show is simpler than events like ConExpo-Con/Agg, it can still be daunting at times if attendees aren’t certain of what’s offered and who’s exhibiting.

Pamala Bouchard, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) vice president of membership and meetings, shared a couple tips with Pit & Quarry on what producers should keep in mind before they attend AGG1:

Download the AGG1 app. The AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo will feature a mobile app for iPhones and Android phones again this year. Bouchard says the app serves as a tool to help show attendees plan their event, as well as track which educational sessions they want to attend. The app details both AGG1 and World of Asphalt. Bouchard says producers who used the app for last year’s AGG1 will need to download this year’s version.

Wake up early for educational sessions. While the AGG1 show floor doesn’t open until later in the morning most days, educational sessions start well before that. Bouchard recommends attending educational sessions in the morning since they conflict less with show floor hours.

“There’s a lot of opportunities to check out the show floor in the afternoon if you attend most of your classes in the morning,” she says. “Dedicate your afternoons to looking at the exhibits.”

Get to classes on time. There’s no preregistration for educational sessions, as they are open to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Although it’s rare for educational sessions to max out on attendance, Bouchard says there have been occasions where they reach standing-room only. “If there’s an educational session you really want to attend, I recommend you get there ahead of time to get a seat,” she says.

Map out exhibits you want to see. Before the show’s opening day, check online to see which companies will feature exhibits at AGG1. Bouchard adds that this year’s show floor is much simpler than the 2015 AGG1 show floor, as it’s shaped like a rectangle. She still recommends attendees take time to “conquer the exhibit hall” by learning where the booths are their first time on the show floor, and then deciding if there are other booths worth checking out.

Enjoy the country music scene. It’s not typical for AGG1 to integrate a musical aspect to the show, but Bouchard says the show’s planning committee made an exception for its stop in Music City. Anyone who registered for NSSGA’s Annual Convention automatically receives a ticket to a country music concert 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, at NSSGA’s Annual Membership Meeting prior to AGG1. Bouchard says AGG1 attendees not a part of the NSSGA Annual Convention can also attend the concert for $75. She says about 1,500 NSSGA Annual Convention and AGG1 attendees will be at the concert. “This is definitely the first time we’ve done something like this,” Bouchard says. “We wanted to take the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of the city we’re in and integrate more music into the convention because of the location.”

About the Author:

Megan Smalley is the associate editor of Pit & Quarry. Contact her at msmalley@northcoastmedia.net or 216-363-7930.

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