Nearly 37,000 concrete, construction and masonry professionals convened in Las Vegas for peer-to-peer connection, deal-making, education and competition at the 2022 World of Concrete show, Informa Markets’ premiere exhibition. The show’s 47th annual event took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
The consistent foot traffic in the expo halls, high engagement with the comprehensive educational offerings and overall vibrance exuded from participants underscores the industry’s critical need for in-person connection.
SEMCO Publishing was there to report on the show, including Rock Products Associate Editor Josephine Patterson; and Editor Don Marsh and National Sales Manager Bill Green from sister publication Concrete Products.
World of Concrete took over 632,000 net square feet of the expansive and newly expanded LVCC, hosting more than 1,100 industry-leading suppliers in the expo hall, just over 150 of which were first-time exhibitors, offering attendees a wide range of brands to explore from the most sought-after global enterprises to niche SMBs spanning a variety of applications.
“The level of engagement from companies of all sizes and corners of the industry was very encouraging, especially following the past couple challenging years, and points to the revival of the trade show industry and continued growth of the construction and masonry sectors,” remarked Jackie James, group director, World of Concrete. “We are thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received from our community, buyers and suppliers alike, and look forward to seeing a wealth of new business partnerships and industry innovation resulting from this week’s event.”
In addition to a robust expo floor, registered participants had the rare opportunity to engage with world-class education made available at the must-attend event. World of Concrete’s coveted educational programs serve as an incubator for knowledge sharing and technical know-how, helping the industry overcome challenges and tap into new opportunities for growth.
With more than 11,000 expert-led sessions, this year’s highly curated education explored a balance of technical and forward-looking topics, ranging from 3D printing in concrete construction, women in construction, waterproofing: the next generation of solutions, and much more.
James continued, “Year after year, industry professionals flock to World of Concrete for its highly regarded education and the unique opportunity to garner technical certifications to help professionals navigate this complex industry. This year was no different; we were pleased to see meeting rooms packed with engaged attendees bouncing ideas off peers – it is admirable to witness this industry’s continued ambition to grow and share ideas.”
Not only does the industry gather at World of Concrete’s annual event for deal-making and education, but to see and demo the most cutting-edge products available on the market and see the latest industry developments that lay the groundwork for the coming year. Trends from the 2022 event include, but are not limited to:
- Greater job site productivity, with new battery systems that deliver more power to the hand tools used to perform demanding concrete tasks, such as drilling, cutting, and demolition.
- Introduction of equipment that is automating concrete construction activities, including 3D printing, rebar tying, and drilling overhead holes.
- Entrance of new materials that increase contractor productivity while still ensuring durable repairs.
- Streamlined management data management systems that enable contractors to tighten a project’s critical path.
- Product and equipment updates that reduce a project’s carbon footprint and increase contractor productivity.
Returning for the 17th consecutive year, the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program held its Silent & Live Auctions, generating an all-time record of more than $1,740,000.