How AGG1 2019 proved the doubters wrong

By |  February 15, 2019
The 2019 AGG1 and World of Asphalt trade show attracted 10,063 attendees to Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of World of Asphalt

The 2019 AGG1 and World of Asphalt trade show attracted 10,063 attendees to Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of World of Asphalt

AGG1 in Indianapolis? In the middle of February?

Whose idea was that? What if there’s a snowstorm? Who’s making that trip?

These were the kinds of questions the doubters had about the location and timing of the 2019 AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, a trade show that co-locates with World of Asphalt. The show, after all, is historically held in March, and it’s usually hosted in a warmer city than Indianapolis.

In the end, though, the 2019 AGG1 and World of Asphalt shows collectively drew more people than any in the history of the 10-year venture. More than 10,000 people attended the events at the Indiana Convention Center, with Tuesday (Day 1) and Wednesday (Day 2) being the high-traffic days.

A record show

Based on a number of conversations P&Q had with AGG1 exhibitors, the quality of the 2019 attendees was very good for most. There are “tire kickers” at every trade show, but most exhibitors detailed to P&Q how AGG1 provided them with a series of serious leads.

Aggregate producers came ready to buy. Co-locating with the Indiana Mineral Aggregate Association‘s Annual Meeting (IMAA) surely helped, as this state organization brought a strong contingent of its members to Indianapolis. The Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Monday evening was located next to the IMAA Awards Banquet, and the hallway outside IMAA’s ballroom was bustling with producers from within the state.

Situating the show in Indianapolis proved to be a good decision, too, because of the opportunity to draw producers from nearby high-production aggregate states like Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.

Neighboring states weren’t the only sources of quality attendees, though. One crushing manufacturer shared how surprised he was to see producers from Texas and California, and an automation systems provider remarked how shocked he was to have a high-level conversation with a prospect from Kazakhstan.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, which organizes AGG1, confirmed that attendees came to Indianapolis from all 50 U.S. states. More than 50 countries were represented among AGG1’s attendees, as well.

How far AGG1 has come

While AGG1 doesn’t showcase as much brand-new equipment as ConExpo-Con/Agg, there were some new products on the trade show floor – a few of which you can read about here. But perhaps where AGG1 has gained ground on ConExpo or, for some producers, potentially where it has surpassed the triennial trade show, is in how efficiently they can explore the floor.

No industry trade show in the United States, of course, can match the footprint of ConExpo-Con/Agg. The Las Vegas trade show is massive, and it’s only outmatched globally by Bauma, which has its next showing April 8-14 in Munich.

Anyone and everyone with equipment or a service who wants to effectively market to the aggregate industry exhibits at ConExpo-Con/Agg. And while AGG1 doesn’t have the sheer volume of exhibitors as ConExpo, the AGG1 trade show experience is highly manageable for the producers who participate.

Looking to buy a crusher, screening equipment or a wash plant? AGG1 presents plenty of opportunities in these areas, and the same goes for mobile equipment, pumps, power transmission components, wear parts and other equipment and services that are essential to your operation.

The AGG1 experience is undoubtedly more manageable for exhibitors, as well. It doesn’t require a month-long stay in the host city to set up a booth leading into the show – maybe just an extra day or two on the front and back end of it.

More manufacturers are bringing equipment to AGG1 now, as well. The trade show that was tabletop-dominant in its infancy is now a substantial equipment hunting ground for producers.

The 2019 AGG1 outcome also reflects the ongoing strength of the industry. 2018 was a great year for aggregate producers, and expectations as we flipped the calendar eight weeks ago were very high, as well. The turnout at AGG1 and the mood of those who attended reinforce the notion that the industry is doing well – and at a time when production will soon ramp up across the country.

Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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