The AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo and World of Asphalt Show & Conference hosted its first-ever St. Louis show with resounding success. From March 25-27, more than 11,500 industry professionals gathered at the America’s Center Convention Complex to explore the latest innovations, network with peers and enjoy the Gateway City.
That attendance number is comparable to the show held in 2022, but is down from the more than 15,000 that attended last year in Nashville.
Almost 60% of total attendees were under the age of 45, reflecting the positive future of the industry. Additionally, 10% of attendees were women, underscoring this growing segment of the industry.
Visitors traveled from across the country and abroad, some traveling as far as Australia, England, Argentina and Mexico to take part in the leading aggregates and asphalt trade show and conference, including a special delegation from Nigeria.
The 2025 event featured a record amount of square footage, demonstrating the growth in cutting-edge equipment and technologies from exhibitors. The exhibit floor spanned more than 230,000 sq. ft. of the America’s Center Convention Complex; a roughly 23,000-ft.-increase compared to the 2024 event in Nashville.
“This success is a direct result of the collaboration and hard work of all our partners, exhibitors, and staff,” said show Director Brittany Schmidtke. “The momentum and growth in the asphalt and aggregates industry is evident by what we saw exhibited on the show floor and ultimately provided a richer experience for our attendees.”
Attendees engaged in more than 120 educational sessions through the People, Plants and Paving and AGG1 Academy. These conferences covered a wide range of topics essential to the asphalt and aggregates industries.
Rock Products’ Women in Aggregates group held a successful seminar session on technology issues.
“The 2025 AGG1 and World of Asphalt show offered the increased ability for exhibitors and attendees to connect – from the Community Zone area, to the larger show floor space and media one-on-one opportunities,” said Michele Stanley, interim CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. “Every year the event becomes better with new innovations and updates. We are proud to offer our NSSGA members this unique meeting environment so they can continue to reach their own business goals.”
A few of the most popular sessions included “Lean Principles: It’s About People, Process & Change,” “Unleashing the Power of Intentional Leadership: Leading Yourself to Lead Others,” “Autonomous Quarry Trucks 101,” “Extreme Ownership for Business and Life,” “Laydown Best Practices,” and “Compaction 101: Doing the Right Things, the Right Way.”
“Boosted by a significant expansion in exhibit space, we’re proud to have executed another tremendous World of Asphalt with our partner, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), as well as the highly valued and well-attended People, Plants and Paving Conference that drives industry innovation and crew expertise,” said Audrey Copeland, Ph.D., P.E., president and CEO of NAPA, the majority show owner.
One of the highlights of the show was the new Community Zone, which provided a dedicated space for attendees to relax, work and network. The Community Zone quickly became a favorite spot, fostering connections and creating a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Speakers at the Community Zone included Marvin Joles with Blacktop Banter, who presented tips for maintaining a successful business as well as Ashley Baston who presented on the Women of Asphalt, and social media influencer Annie Agar, a multi-media star known for her humorous sports commentary. Her appearance – including a speech to the NSSGA Young Leaders group – was sponsored by Rock Products.
In addition to the bustling exhibit floor and educational sessions, attendees enjoyed the Rock & Road Reception. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for networking on the show floor on Wednesday evening. It featured live music, mascots from the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, and treats from roaming characters.
New in 2025, 21 exhibiting companies participated in the Media Matchup. This event, held Tuesday night in the newsroom, provided a laid-back atmosphere for exhibitors to engage with media members – including Rock Products – and present their company’s new innovations or equipment in the industry.
Exhibitors unveiled new products, partnerships and advancements at a record 19 press events.
Volvo Construction Equipment showcased enhancements to its soil and asphalt compaction product lines with upgrades to multiple models and a forthcoming electric model. The company unveiled updates to the SD75 and SD45 soil compactors and the PT125 pneumatic tire roller aimed at enhancing safety, serviceability and the user interface for operators. Show attendees also got the first look at a DD15 Electric asphalt compactor.
IntelliShift unveiled its advanced asset-tracking technology. The system allows companies to monitor equipment location, track utilization and idle time, and mitigate theft and misuse.
XBE announced the acquisition of PriceBee, an emerging provider of construction material price, quote, and order capabilities. In addition, XBE also announced the release of Giant Anchor, a market-focused project pricing platform that increases confidence about the profitable deal range and profit-optimizing price for every bid.
Metso unveiled the Nordberg HPe range expansion and aftermarket kits for the new HPe range. The company also celebrated a major milestone, the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking Lokotrack® mobile crushers.
“It does seem like this industry innovates a lot,” said Andy O’Brien with the Santa Barbara Public Works Department. “They’re always pushing for something better, how to do it more efficiently and faster. It’s all about fuel and raw materials. The more you can save doing that, especially as a government agency, we have to look at that. I think it’s great.”
Running concurrently with AGG1 was the NSSGA Annual Convention, which featured the announcement of the 2025 NSSGA Leadership including Board Chair Ted Baker, II of Blue Water Industries and the presentation of the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award to Ward Nye of Martin Marietta. The Annual Membership Meeting keynote was a moderated discussion by football legend Archie Manning.
On the final day of the show, Women of Asphalt celebrated the second annual Women of Asphalt Day. Women and allies from across the country participated in special programming and networking activities.
After a year off for ConExpo-Con/Agg in 2026, AGG1/World of Asphalt convenes in New Orleans in 2027.