Yanik: AGG1 provides industry with major boost

More than 11,000 people attended the co-located AGG1 and World of Asphalt March 29-31 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: P&Q Staff

Energized. Motivated. Reinvigorated.

AGG1 was all of that – and then some – for those who attended the trade show this week at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

AGG1, which co-located with World of Asphalt, was expected to be a major draw this year because the pandemic is at a manageable stage and three years had passed since aggregate producers last had the opportunity to be at the shows. But AGG1 and World of Asphalt turnout exceeded expectations for many, with show management reporting that 11,400 attendees ventured out to the combined shows.

“It’s been a fantastic show,” says Evan Clarke, vice president of sales at Kleemann. “There’s been a lot of interest. We didn’t expect there to be anywhere near the numbers coming through the booth. It’s great to see people’s faces again. It’s great to have excitement back in the industry.”

IRock Crushers leaders were very pleased with the outcome of AGG1. Pictured from left are IRock’s Paul McCaffrey, Nate Russell and Chris Larson. Photo: P&Q Staff

Nate Russell, director of sales and business development at IRock Crushers, was similarly pleased with the show’s outcome.

“The show has been absolutely phenomenal for us,” says Russell, whose company showcased a portable plant in its booth. “Traffic has been great. People have finally been able to get out of the house after COVID, see each other and feel comfortable doing that. From the perspective of just being out and seeing people, it’s been great.”

A number of exhibitors noted that they were extremely pleased with the sales leads they generated at the show. Similarly, attendees shared their excitement to be back at AGG1 and searching for solutions in a market environment where construction materials demand is as strong as it’s been in years.

One thing AGG1 did not necessarily have a ton of was brand–new equipment, although some did debut on the show floor. Still, AGG1 presented producers with a venue to explore solutions that were launched or updated over the last two years had they missed MINExpo International 2021 or ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020.

Other Nashville events

Pictured, from left, at the 2022 Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner are Chris Nawalaniec, George Sidney, EJ Burke, Kim Snyder, Paul Mellott, John Baker, Ward Nye and Dave Thomey. Photo: P&Q Staff

The buzz at AGG1 translated to the NSSGA Annual Convention across the street at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Ballrooms were packed for the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) general sessions, which explored community relations, issues impacting the industry on Capitol Hill, and more.

The Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner returned, as well, with Ted Baker, EJ Burke, Nathan P. Stedman and Dave Thomey enshrined during a black-tie induction ceremony. The powerful induction speeches drew some tears from those both accepting and within the audience. Several past Pit & Quarry Hall of Famers were also on hand for the ceremony, including Don James, Paul Mellott, Ward Nye, George Sidney and Kim Snyder.

What’s next?

AGG1 won’t return for another two years, when it’s back in Nashville in March 2024. The show will shift to St. Louis in 2025.

“I think that (St. Louis) will be a good draw,” says Mark Krause, managing director of North America at McLanahan Corp. “It’s centrally located, people can drive, come and go. There’s a lot of nice things going on in the city.”

ConExpo-Con/Agg returns in 2023 in place of AGG1.