Show case

The first ConExpo was in 1909 and since then the show's growth has mirrored that of the construction industry, particularly after World War II, when industry in the US was generally experiencing strong growth.

By the 1970s ConExpo-Con/Agg had been opened up to exhibitors from outside the US and an international business centre had been introduced. In the 1980s the show moved to its present home in Las Vegas to accommodate the growing number of visitors and exhibitors.

ConExpo-Con/Agg in 1999 broke every record for US trade shows with its 1.7 million ft²(157000 m²) of exhibition area and 124000 attendees. The 2002 show confirmed the event's position as the largest trade show in the US, although, perhaps because of the difficult market conditions at that time, attendance fell to 108000. Of these 15500 were from outside the US. Contractors and other equipment users made up 60 %, while 21 % were construction material producers and 5 % were dealers, the rental industry and manufacturers.

By late December 2004 the event's organisers had 1.85 million ft² of display space confirmed, and more than 100000 visitors were expected. Where possible organisers have kept industry sector exhibitors together to make it easier (and less tiring) for visitors to find their preferred exhibits. The outdoor Gold Lot area of the showground is where the cranes, other lifting equipment and specialized transport exhibitors will be concentrated. All visitors are welcome to visit IC at the show on our stand, S571, in the Silver Lot.

Full schedule

A full set of specialist seminars will cover topics from personnel management to impending legislation on emissions from diesel engines. Full details of the programme are available at www.conexpoconagg.com where you can look under ‘events & education’ for a full schedule.

A new event at this year's show will be the International Forum, where international government officials involved in the construction industry, and large contractors, will present market updates on Brazil, China, Mexico, Russia and the US.

The aim is to present news and information to those looking to participate in international construction activities. Topics will include short-and long-term projects, contractors' needs, market trends, trade barriers and local business cultures. These free sessions will be held on the second level of North Hall in room N259, close to the International Trade Center. An International Networking Reception, providing an opportunity to meet old and new business contacts in an informal setting, will follow each update.

Visitors will be able to use an interactive map of the area that contains information on hotels, dining, entertainment, etc to pre-plan their time in Las Vegas. Also included is a list of the Las Vegas monorail stops. Use the link http://maps.mapnetwork.com/lasvegas/conexpoconagg/index.asp to access this service.

The February issue of IC will contain a full guide of what you can expect to see from the cranes, other lifting equipment and specialized transport exhibitors.