Just a month and a half after joining Portable Plants, I flew out to Las Vegas in September 2021 to take part in MINExpo. It was my first industry trade show, my first time in Las Vegas and I was in awe.
The scope of the show and the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) was breathtaking. I had never seen so many people and so much equipment together in one space at the same time.
After MINExpo, however, I was told about another show that dwarfs it in comparison. “The Super Bowl of trade shows,” it was called. The show at hand, of course, is ConExpo-Con/Agg.
ConExpo has been a regular talking point as I’ve met people within the industry. Whether it is about the abrupt end to 2020’s show or the equipment and technology highlighted at that show – or ConExpos prior – it was clear right away that this show is a substantial benchmark in the industry.
As I prepared for my first ConExpo experience, it was hard for me to wrap my head around the enormity of this show. Between the more than 139,000 attendees at the show, the 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries and the more than 175 education sessions on tap, I was simultaneously exhilarated and daunted throughout the five-day show.
As intimidating as this show was, my excitement for my first ConExpo was off the charts. Getting the chance to be around so many intelligent and passionate industry members and learn about the latest innovations is invaluable.
Scoping out the show
Previewing a show the size of ConExpo-Con/Agg was no easy feat. After organizing dozens of equipment releases, booth plans and more, I believe we put together an informative and detailed guide to the nation’s largest construction trade show for all ConExpo attendees.
The Portable Plants team put together previews of the show as a whole, including comments from show organizers and attendees, a look at the equipment and technology that ultimately was on display and a selection of education sessions that were geared toward portable plant operators. We also had a preview of C&D World and the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s Annual Convention, both of which took place in Las Vegas the same time as ConExpo.