This year’s AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo and World of Asphalt shows bring with them not just the latest equipment and technology developments, but an expanded exhibit hall presence in a new location as well.
For the first time in the 17-year history of AGG1 and the 25-year history of World of Asphalt, the co-located shows are headed March 25-27 to America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis. While show locations are planned years in advance, the timing for this change of venue is ideal as it provides these rapidly growing shows an additional 30,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space compared to the Music City Center in Nashville, where AGG1 and World of Asphalt were held in 2022 and 2024.
Organizers of both shows are excited about having this extra space.
“After the success we had in Nashville, we are looking forward to carrying that momentum and excitement into St. Louis,” says Brittany Schmidtke, director of exhibitions and project management for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which puts on World of Asphalt. “America’s Convention Center offers that large exhibit space we need to ensure the show grows and continues providing the best selection of exhibitors for the industry.
“More space means larger displays, a wider variety of exhibitors and better attendee services,” Schmidtke adds. “St. Louis gives us room to deliver the best possible experience. The fact that World of Asphalt keeps expanding speaks to how vital this event is for the asphalt and aggregates industry.”
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), which puts on AGG1, is elated to have a larger show footprint.
“NSSGA is thrilled that more member companies are able to participate in AGG1 this year,” says Jen Dugas, vice president of memberships and events at NSSGA. “Last year, we had a really long wait list and, from an association perspective, we want to give our members an opportunity to exhibit on the trade show floor, should they want to. St. Louis really gives us that opportunity.”
Attendance trending strong
While exhibit space is once again already at capacity, both NSSGA and AEM are optimistic about attendance for this year’s shows.
The associations have a high bar to aim for coming off 2024’s turnout. Last year, the shows saw a 38 percent increase in attendance, with nearly 16,000 people coming to Nashville. Additionally, more than 440 companies exhibited at the Music City Center.
This year, having the show in a centrally located region could play a big part in driving attendance.
“Registrations right now are looking really good,” Dugas says. “We anticipate another strong turnout in St. Louis. We’re very bullish that the location and affordability of St. Louis is going to be a driver for registration.”
Schmidtke says it isn’t out of the ordinary for Midwest states to drive an uptick in on-site registration. She anticipates this could be the case again this year.
“We’re seeing steady sign-ups for both attendees and exhibitors,” Schmidtke says. “Historically, Midwest locations experience a surge of registrations closer to the event due to high drive-in numbers. That was the case in Indianapolis, our last Midwest location (in 2019), when 20 percent registered on site. Our expectation is we’ll experience a similar trend in St. Louis.”
These optimistic expectations are due, in large part, to the excitement the associations are hearing ahead of the show.
“Industry members are filled with excitement and positivity,” AEM and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), which co-owns World of Asphalt with AEM, said in a written statement. “Many are excited about the opportunity to experience a new city while still enjoying the same high-quality exhibits and education sessions they’ve come to expect from World of Asphalt.”
Ian Edwards, vice president of global sales at Major, is one industry member looking forward to St. Louis.
“We expect this year’s show to be highly dynamic with a strong emphasis on innovations that drive efficiency and productivity in the field,” Edwards says. “As the industry navigates challenges like labor shortages and increasing production demands, we anticipate insightful conversations around technology and solutions that help producers maximize output while minimizing downtime.”