VIDEO: ConExpo Crushes Expectations

Mon March 20, 2023 - National Edition
CEG

After five days of a plethora of innovative product launches and major company announcements, enlightening education sessions and seemingly infinite networking opportunities, ConExpo-Con/AGG & IFPE 2023 came to a close Friday, March 18, 2023, but not before taking the construction industry to the next level.

According to AEM, the show crushed expected attendance numbers, drawing more than 139,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from March 14-18, 2023, making it the largest trade show in North America with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over 3 million sq. ft. of exhibit space.

"The innovations in the construction industry unveiled this week will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth," said Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar senior vice president and ConExpo-Con/AGG show chair. "Live events in the construction industry are very important, because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed this past week across the show floor."

This year's show emphasized how the construction industry is evolving in many ways to adapt to sustainable technologies, products and practices. Show attendees were treated to sustainability in action, from electric- and hydrogen-powered construction equipment, to more recyclable materials and waste reduction opportunities.

One of the biggest sustainability efforts on the part of ConExpo-Con/AGG directly is a partnership between the show and the Arbor Day Foundation. ConExpo and the Arbor Day Foundation will be planting more than 139,000 trees, one for every show registrant in a forest of greatest need.

Additionally, ConExpo exhibitors, attendees and fans of the show can contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation's funds, allowing it to further its goal of involving itself in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees around the globe.

The show also featured a wide range of educational opportunities, including 190 expert-led sessions on topics such as construction safety, equipment technology and sustainable building practices.

"The success of ConExpo-Con/AGG & IFPE 2023 is a testament to the resilience and strength of the construction and fluid power industries, which has continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years," said Marcia Klein, treasurer of Casappa Corp., and show chair of IFPE. "We're proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build."

After the difficulties faced since the previous time the industry gathered for the show in 2020, attendees and exhibitors expressed excitement to see the return to normalcy. One of those individuals is 89-year-old Leonard McCurley. McCurley has attended the show for the past six decades and is a true ConExpo veteran.

Raised on a farm in Michigan and working in construction his whole life, McCurley has found the show to be a home away from home throughout his adult life. He attended his first show in 1963 and has made it back to each and every one in the 60 years that have followed.

"There are so many interesting people I've talked to; it's an education just to talk to all of them," said McCurley. "I think everybody that is around heavy equipment should go to that show."

ConExpo is a family reunion of sorts for McCurley. Several of the companies he has worked for in the past have booths at the show, and he looked forward to reconnecting with their representatives whenever and wherever he possibly could during the week.

In addition, his own children and grandchildren were in Las Vegas attending the show. However, McCurley recalled his fondest memories of attending ConExpo were with his wife in years past.

"She went to every show with me when she was alive, and she really enjoyed them, too," he said.

Now that he has made it to this year's ConExpo, McCurley said he has nothing but love for North America's largest construction trade show and would like to attend the show moving forward for as long as it makes sense for him to do so.

McCurley said it's impossible to attend six decades worth of ConExpos without at least having some advice to share with newcomers.

"You've got to have a good pair of shoes and make sure you go to see the whole thing, because if you don't, you're missing a lot," he said.

Check out our YouTube channel to see Construction Equipment Guide's ConExpo 2023 videos.

ConExpo 2023: By the Numbers

More than 3 million net sq. ft. of exhibits (10.5 percent larger than 2020).
More than 139,000 registered attendees (6 percent increase over 2020).
More than 2,400 exhibitors, from 36 countries, including 603 new-to-the-show exhibitors.
More than 24,000 international registered attendees from 133 countries.
More than 91,000 scans of badges to access the 190 education sessions.
More than 600 global media from 33 countries.