ConExpo-Con/Agg makes a triumphant return

By Kevin Yanik| March 11, 2023

The Silver Lot is one of many areas that will house exhibits in and around the Las Vegas Convention Center during ConExpo-Con/Agg. Photo: P&Q Staff

Elements of a normal ConExpo-Con/Agg were in place three years ago at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibitors and attendees alike made the trip to Las Vegas. Brand-new equipment debuted. And business was conducted.

But ConExpo-Con/Agg was hardly business as usual. The number of people on-site was undoubtedly impacted as the COVID pandemic unfolded in the days ahead of ConExpo-Con/Agg – plus with each passing day of the show.

Hand sanitizer stations on the show floor and “no handshake” buttons and stickers were reminders that something was off. Plus, just about every conversation had at least one mention of COVID or world developments.

Fast forward three years, and COVID is now part of the world as everyone knows it. Its impact, however, won’t be felt during the March 14-18 trade show the way it was back in March 2020.

Fortunately, normalcy is expected this time around.

“As the first ConExpo-Con/Agg since COVID, this year promises additional value as a chance for in-person interactions between manufacturers and customers,” says Troy Geisler, vice president of sales and marketing at Talbert Manufacturing, whose company will exhibit in the Diamond Lot (Booth D1611) at ConExpo-Con/Agg. “We have high expectations for the 2023 show because it offers the opportunity to continue building relationships with our customers while reconnecting with those we haven’t had a chance to meet with in person for the last few years.”

What exhibitors are saying

Geisler is hardly the only ConExpo-Con/Agg exhibitor who’s elated about the return of the show. Kristen Randall, marketing manager at Haver & Boecker Niagara, has similar feelings about it.

“ConExpo-Con/Agg is a great opportunity to connect with customers and hear about any new or existing challenges and opportunities they see in 2023,” says Randall, whose company will exhibit in the Silver Lot (Booth S5948). “This is the first ConExpo-Con/Agg since the pandemic, and over the past three years there are some manufacturers who have reevaluated the way they look at trade shows. We believe that in-person meetings and interacting with customers at trade shows are the best ways to understand both the challenges and the opportunities they see as being key to their operation’s success. These experiences simply cannot be replaced.”

While many ConExpo-Con/Agg exhibitors showcase wares that are specific to aggregates, equipment and technology utilized in other construction applications – including asphalt, concrete and earthmoving – are typically also on display. Photo: ConExpo-Con/Agg

Similarly, Philippi-Hagenbuch’s Josh Swank is looking forward to ConExpo-Con/Agg.

“The excitement around ConExpo-Con/Agg is unmatched, and a lot has changed since the 2020 show,” says Swank, whose company will exhibit in the new West Hall (Booth W42435). “We’re always excited for industry opportunities that bring everyone together to build conversation, share innovative technologies and solve common challenges. Everyone attends this show to find solutions that maximize the potential of their operation or jobsite.”

Ian Edwards, senior director for global sales at Major, also looks forward to visiting with ConExpo-Con/Agg attendees.
“ConExpo-Con/Agg is an exciting show for Major because it offers the chance to spend time face to face with our customers,” says Edwards, whose company will exhibit in Central Hall (Booth C32267). “We use this show to get a better idea of what challenges our customers are seeing within the aggregates industry.”