This year’s largest construction industry trade show began Tuesday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
ConExpo-Con/Agg, held every three years, will run through March 19. This year’s show is the largest in ConExpo-Con/Agg history, with 1.85 million net square feet of exhibits and more than 100,000 people expected to attend. Manufacturers and service providers are showcasing the latest equipment and technologies, and a variety of industry experts are hosting educational programs for contractors.
Industry professionals from 120 countries have registered in advance for the show, placing it on track to beat 2002 attendance figures. That show covered nearly 1.84 million square feet of exhibit space and attracted more than 108,770 people.
Pat Monroe, spokeswoman for ConExpo-Con/Agg and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, said increased attendance could be attributed to an improved economy during the past year and pent-up demand to replace aging fleets.
U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Al Frink will be present at this year’s show. He is planning to visit with exhibiting manufacturers on the show floor and participate in a free public meeting open to show attendees.
Frink will speak at the U.S. government’s industry trade advisory committee on automotive equipment and capital goods. Updates on the administration’s “Manufacturing Initiative” will be discussed, as well as Iraqi reconstruction opportunities, trade with Brazil and China, and Commerce Department programs to assist U.S. companies with exporting.
Patrick Beeson can be contacted at [email protected].
