Showtime in Vegas

Organizers say ConExpo-Con/Agg is building momentum as the show prepares to open its doors March 4.

ConExpo-Con/Agg will be held March 4-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding area, and this year’s event will have the most exhibit space ever. The show is set to cover a record-breaking 2.3 million net sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Also that week, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) will hold its Annual Convention March 3-6. And Pit & Quarry hosts its 2014 Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Encore Las Vegas, March 3.

ConExpo-Con/Agg attendees say key reasons for attending the event are to view new equipment and technology, and to have access to industry experts. Show management notes these reasons propel new attendees, as well, and they’ll find both at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014.

“The common thread among those making their first trip to ConExpo-Con/Agg [and co-located IFPE show] is an excitement about new products and new technology,” says John Rozum, attendee acquisition manager. “The ability to compare products and talk with company experts make the shows a very unique opportunity.”

Show management has worked proactively with exhibitors, attendees and industry groups in the show planning process to make ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE shows that are run by the industry and for the industry.

“Our strategic alignment with the needs of the industry leads us to produce events geared towards helping exhibitors and attendees achieve the greatest value possible for the time they spend,” says Megan Tanel, ConExpo-Con/Agg show director.

“Throughout our planning, our primary goal is to create the most return on investment possible for exhibitors and attendees,” she says. “We want our events to be where everyone in the industry can find the ideas, information and knowledge to run their businesses more successfully.”

Education, 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 at both shows reinforce the global scope of the events and offer attendees access to a wider range of companies and product options. To date, the shows have eight official country pavilions: ConExpo-Con/Agg with China, Germany, Ireland, Korea and United Kingdom; and IFPE with China, Italy and Taiwan.

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.

International Buyer Program
ConExpo-Con/Agg has again earned International Buyer Program (IBP) status from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The IBP helps qualified international buyers, representatives and distributors more easily attend the show and connect with export-minded exhibitors looking to boost sales and establish global connections.

Under the IBP, the U.S. government promotes shows through its worldwide network of embassies and consulates. It also recruits official trade delegations to attend and assists delegations with travel, housing and registration.

ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2014 will produce a special show Export Opportunities Guide (print and electronic) to help attendees locate exhibitors interested in doing business globally through export sales, agency relationships, distributor investment and joint ventures. The guide will be available at the shows and distributed to U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) international posts.

An onsite International Trade Center (ITC), staffed by experienced DOC trade specialists and show management staff, will operate during the run of the shows with multi-lingual interpreters fluent in several world languages, a message center, phone/fax/email access and private meeting rooms.

Expanded international outreach
ConExpo-Con/Agg has won recognition as the most global of all shows in North America, with international attendance of 24 percent in 2011, from more than 150 countries. For 2014, show management will expand and refine its international marketing outreach, especially to emerging markets.

Show management will establish more matchmaking opportunities and country roundtables to bring together buyers and sellers. Show management will also work closely with in-country DOC commercial service officers and exhibitors’ regional representatives to pinpoint specific needs and actions to ensure optimum use of IBP services.

“Everyone benefits when we create more opportunities to help exhibitors and attendees find the right business partners. We value the continued support of the U.S. Commerce Department and we urge exhibitors to take full advantage of the IBP program and what the shows offer to help increase their global business,” Tanel says.

Getting around
It will be easier than ever to get around at the shows, so attendees can 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 (including IFPE) exhibits.

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

You can find Pit & Quarry exhibiting in the Central Hall, booth 51208.