Bigger than ever

Record-breaking show spotlights product innovations, industry education.

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 is nearly upon us, and this year’s show promises to be another record breaker. At last report, with exhibit space still selling, the show is set to cover a record-breaking 2.3 million net sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding area. ConExpo-Con/Agg takes place earlier this time around – March 4-8, and coincides with the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Annual Convention, which takes place March 3-6. Also that week, Pit & Quarry hosts its 2014 Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Encore Las Vegas, March 3, 7:00 p.m., following the NSSGA Chairman’s Reception.

Early registration
By registering early for ConExpo-Con/Agg, you can save time and money and take advantage of an opportunity to:

■ Connect with the leading U.S. and global manufacturers and service providers.

■ Take advantage of expert education.

■ Network with industry peers from around the world.

Registering in advance, by Jan. 17, saves one-third off the badge fee. Register online for the exhibits as well as show education programs. Attendees can also make hotel reservations online. Registration is required to access the official show room block.

Online ConExpo-Con/Agg show planners help attendees organize their onsite itinerary of exhibits, education and meetings. And an enhanced internal show transportation system with a show-specific mobile app will be available this month.

More new technologies
While this will be the largest ConExpo-Con/Agg, show management stresses that quality, not size, is the goal. A strategic alignment with needs of the industry has led to programs and events geared toward helping attendees and exhibitors achieve the most value out of their time at the shows.

“Attendees will find the newest products and technologies and technical experts ready to discuss product features and applications,” says Megan Tanel, ConExpo-Con/Agg show director and AEM vice president, exhibitions and events. “In the space of a few days, in one place, visitors can examine and compare the best of what our industries have to offer.

“Attendees will also find the focused industry education – with the latest techniques and information – they need to run their businesses most efficiently. The opportunity to share experiences and ideas with industry peers adds another dimension to the show experience,” says Melissa Magestro, IFPE show director and AEM senior director, exhibitions.

Education and exhibit pavilions
On the ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 show floor, a new Demolition & Recycling exhibit pavilion, sponsored by the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association, will showcase exhibits and products specific to C&D recyclers and demolition contractors.

AGC, the Associated General Contractors of America, brings back its Technology & Construction Solutions pavilion for contractor software providers, finance and leasing companies, insurance providers, and related suppliers of contractor business solutions.

International exhibit pavilions reinforce the global scope of the event and offer attendees access to a wider range of companies and product options. To date, the show has official country pavilions for China, Germany, Ireland, Korea and the United Kingdom.

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 features a comprehensive Education Program with more than 110 sessions over 10 subject-matter tracks: aggregates; asphalt; business management best practices; concrete; cranes and rigging; earthmoving and site development; equipment management and maintenance; recycling and preservation; safety and regulations; and workforce development.

New for 2014: ConExpo-Con/Agg education sessions will be offered at varying times to fit attendee schedules, and new ticket packages provide flexibility for more cost savings.

Getting around
It will be easier than ever to get around at the shows, so attendees spend less time searching and more time connecting with the companies and products they want to see.

A new show footprint consolidates outdoor exhibit space into three large areas (a new Platinum lot joins Gold and Silver) to create better attendee flow between outdoor and indoor exhibits, says show management.

The event includes an enhanced internal shuttle system, better-defined product concentration areas, and knowledgeable onsite guides to answer questions and help attendees navigate the show floor.

“The goal, as with all our planning, is to create the most return-on-investment for attendees and exhibitors, and these moves will definitely make a positive difference for 2014,” Tanel says.

International visitors
Show management encourages all international participants who need visas to initiate the application process well in advance of the show dates. For the convenience of international show visitors onsite, a comprehensive International Trade Center will provide assistance. Services include multi-lingual interpreters, a message center, phone/fax/email access and private meeting rooms.

ConExpo to offer Young Leaders event
ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 will host the inaugural ConExpo-Con/Agg Young Leaders event, which will bring together up-and-coming industry leaders to share ideas and build relationships for the future. The event features a luncheon with keynote speaker.

Contractors, producers, fleet managers, distributors and others involved in the aggregate and construction industries who are under 40 years old are encouraged to participate. Show management says it’s also an ideal opportunity for companies to spotlight their emerging leaders.

The ConExpo-Con/Agg Young Leaders event, set for Wednesday, March 5, provides an opportunity for these future leaders to take a quiet break from the hectic show floor to engage with each other, to learn from seasoned veterans and to expand their industry networks.

“ConExpo-Con/Agg is the perfect place to recognize the excellence of our next generation; it’s where the industry gathers and where the next generation of new technologies is on display,” Tanel says.

“Our young leaders can also participate in focused education while at the show, as well as find the equipment and products that will help them achieve continued success.”

For more information about ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 in Las Vegas, visit the show’s website.