The ConExpo-Con/Agg countdown continues

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023 is expected to feature large international attendance alongside a number of additions from 2020’s show and a new awards program. Photo: ConExpo-Con/Agg

After having to cut its 2020 show short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is expecting a bigger-than-ever ConExpo-Con/Agg when the show returns to Las Vegas March 14-18.

Dana Wuesthoff, vice president of exhibitions and event services at AEM, says attendees should expect 2.7 million sq. ft. of displays and demonstrations from more than 2,000 exhibitors.

“For 2023, we’re expecting both attendees and exhibitions to break records,” says Wuesthoff, who visited with Pit & Quarry earlier this year to share her expectations of next year’s show. “Both because the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has grown, making more exhibits possible, but also because the construction and aggregates industries are hands-on, in-person industries.”

Due, in part, to reduced or eliminated international travel restrictions, AEM expects an increased international presence at next year’s show. As of late-October, AEM says the largest groups of international registrants are coming from Canada, Australia, the UK, Mexico and New Zealand.

ConExpo-Con/Agg will also feature several additions from 2020’s show. The largest of those additions being the new West Hall and the connecting Diamond Lot on the site of the old Gold Lot. AEM says the new West Hall will add 1.4 million sq. ft. of indoor space.

Also new to ConExpo-Con/Agg is the LVCC Loop, an underground transport system that will make stops at the South Hall (providing access to both floors of the South Hall), the Central Hall (allowing attendees to also access the North Hall) and the Diamond Lot (providing access to the West Hall as well).

ConExpo-Con/Agg and the International Fluid Power Exposition, which is co-located with ConExpo-Con/Agg, also launched an awards program to celebrate exhibiting companies that develop cutting-edge products, technologies and services that advance the construction industry.

According to AEM, the new Next Level Awards program will highlight 10 finalists at the 2023 trade show. A panel made up of Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) members will judge entries. Show attendees will then vote on-site to determine the Contractor’s Choice Award winner.

“Exhibitors, large and small, have an opportunity to be recognized for driving ideas and developing products or services to advance the industry,” Wuesthoff says. “This is an exciting edition to ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE, and we strongly encourage exhibitors to enter.”

Other 2023 shows

Several other industry shows are on tap for the first quarter of 2023.

World of Concrete will take place Jan 17-19 at the LVCC, and the International Society of Explosives Engineering’s Conference on Explosives & Blasting Technique will be held Feb. 4-8 in San Antonio.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Annual Convention will take place March 12-15 in Las Vegas. In the second quarter, NSSGA will also host its annual Young Leaders meeting from April 23-26 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and it’s Leadership Summit from June 25-27 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Editor-in-chief Kevin Yanik contributed to this article.