The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) strategic focus on the Latin American market took a giant step forward with the debut of ConExpo Latin America in Santiago, Chile, Oct. 21-24.
ConExpo Latin America offered attendees 40,000 sq. meters of exhibits, education and networking, including more than 300 exhibitors from around the world.
Nearly 32,600 registrants from more than 90 countries attended the event, exceeding organizers’ original expectations. In addition to the host country of Chile, significant numbers of professional attendees came from throughout the region. The top five Latin American countries besides the host country were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.
“We appreciated the opportunity to co-locate with these two prestigious exhibitions and bring another dimension and broader perspective with the addition of the equipment manufacturers,” said Paul Puissegur, ConExpo Latin America show director. “We are very pleased with the positive reaction to our exhibition. Our manufacturers understand the continued business opportunities in the region and Chile as a leader,” said Puissegur.
AEM partnered with the Chilean Chamber of Construction and co-located the show with EDIFICA and Expo Hormigon, two established industry events that have been held in Santiago for many years.
“We have a first-class show here in Chile that has many exhibitors,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “Attendance is very promising and the support of the Chamber is also very important. We have achieved our original objective.”
As part of the event’s educational offerings, Rock Products and Mining Media International sponsored an aggregates industry educational track featuring sessions on cone crushers, portable crushing, dry, fine screening, fines recovery and water management. Rock Products Editor Mark Kuhar moderated the sessions. Mining Media International Latin American Editor Oscar Martinez was also there to cover the show.
Some of the familiar manufacturers taking booth space at the show included the Astec Group, Atlas-Copco, Brunner + Lay, Esco, Kubota, Link-Belt, Manitou Group, McLanahan Corp., Mellott Co., REMU USA, Ritchie Brothers, Volvo and Weir Minerals.
“ConExpo Latin America provided a great opportunity for the Volvo brand to establish contacts even closer to our customers in the important Latin American market. We are expecting good results with regard to sales and excellent showcase for our brand,” said Afrânio Chueire, president – Volvo Construction Equipment Latin America.
“It was a great experience to be able to participate in a high-quality, international trade show that, without doubt, put us at the center of the market,” said Bruno Maldonado, marketing specialist, Doosan Bobcat Chile.
“It is a very emotional moment for the Latin American region and also for JLG to participate in this first edition of ConExpo Latin America. AEM’s commitment with producing this trade show in the region has provided us with an excellent experience this week. It’s a clear indication of growth and the importance of Latin America for the industry,” said Diana C. Serna-Serrano, marketing manager – Latin America, JLG Industries Inc.
“It has been a nice surprise that the first ConExpo Latin America has been a success, great attendance and quality exhibitors,” said Nayib Joussef, international sales manager Latin America, McElroy. “If you consider the economic environment in the region, the mining sector is down and construction has lifted the business for mining companies that are taking the opportunity to do business in new markets. The decision to exhibit at ConExpo Latin America has been a good decision for McElroy.”