AGG1 Takes Indianapolis by Storm

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The aggregates industry literally took Indianapolis by storm, as more than 10,000 people attended the 2019 AGG1 Academy & Expo and World of Asphalt shows. Rain, sleet, snow and high winds couldn’t prevent record-setting attendance numbers.

Attendees came from all 50 states, including 1,500 from Indiana, and international attendance also increased as attendees from Canada, Nigeria, Russia and 53 other countries came for the world-class education and exhibit floor.  

“Whether you were here to learn about or purchase equipment, attend the shows or our Annual Convention, valuable information and resources were shared to help participants get their businesses on the ‘fast track’ to success,” said Randy Lake, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) 2018 chairman.

Industry support amplified the shows’ networking and knowledge sharing, with more than 30 allied groups from the United States, Canada and worldwide participating as official supporting organizations.  

NSSGA partnered with the Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association, who co-located its winter meeting with NSSGA’s Annual Convention.

Rock Products was an active participant, sponsoring NSSGA’s Young Leaders luncheon, as well as conducting interviews and taking photos and video footage at the event.

Co-located with World of Asphalt, AGG1 grew to more than 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibitors, including more than 145 new to the shows that displayed their latest products and technologies for the aggregates, asphalt, pavement maintenance and traffic safety sectors.

“Our customer base is here at AGG1 each year. It’s about meeting customers we have known a long time and building on those great relationships, and also meeting new customers and letting them know about what Caterpillar has to offer. It’s a critical event for us,” said Tom Klister, Caterpillar global account executive.

The shows offered more than 150 learning opportunities, anchored by NSSGA’s AGG1 Academy and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s People, Plants and Paving Conference.

LN021519 Agg1 2“It’s very important to see the latest technology, keep up with it and come to this show to network and learn more about the aggregates industry,” said Don Gengelbach, equipment manager at Mulzer Crushed Stone in Tell City, Ind.

“It’s been a great show with a lot of interaction on the show floor and in the education sessions; this is where our industry comes together – competitors and peers, to prepare for future growth,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Walsh & Kelly and World of Asphalt 2019 chair.

“World of Asphalt has been a great show for us this year,” said Daniel Friedman, director of marketing with Eagle Crusher. “We’ve seen a lot of attendees with positive feelings for 2019 and beyond, growth with distributors to represent our products worldwide as well as customers signing purchase orders for equipment.”

Ben Everett with About Asphalt out of New Zealand came to the show primarily for the education. 

“Even with many years in the asphalt industry, you have to stay up to date and relevant with your knowledge. Over time with knowledge gained and lessons learned, techniques evolve,” said Everett. “I attended three education sessions and they are world class in quality and delivery. The presenters were excellent and related to attendees in a very collaborative way to get our attention. Most importantly, the content was accurate, up to date and factually correct.” 

Nearly 100 FFA students converged on the show floor the final day of the show for a special #AgtoAsphalt Day to connect with exhibitors and learn about rewarding industry careers.

The next NSSGA Annual Convention will be held in Las Vegas along with ConExpo-Con/Agg in 2020, and the next AGG1 Academy & Expo will be held March 2021 in Atlanta.

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