Nearly 37,000 construction and masonry professionals convened in Las Vegas for peer-to-peer connection, deal-making, education, and competition at World of Concrete. The event taking place at Las Vegas Convention Centre gathered thousands registered professionals indicating a strong start to 2022. Our Newsroom, represented by journalist Jaclyn Krymowski had the pleasure to attend the event and chat with Jackie James, Group Director of World of Concrete.
 World of Concrete, Informa Markets’ premiere exhibition serving the thriving construction and masonry industries, concluded the event’s 47th annual event held this past week – Expo, January 18-20; Education, January 17-20 – at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Convening close to 37,000 registered professionals, the consistent foot traffic in the expo halls, high engagement with the comprehensive educational offerings, and overall vibrance exuded from participants underscores the industry’s critical need for in-person connection.
World of Concrete took over 632,000 NSF of the expansive and newly expanded LVCC, hosting over 1,100 industry-leading suppliers in the expo hall, just over 150 of which were first-time exhibitors, offering attendees a wide range of brands to explore from the most sought-after global enterprises to niche SMBs spanning a variety of applications.
“The level of engagement from companies of all sizes and corners of the industry was very encouraging, especially following the past couple challenging years, and points to the revival of the trade show industry and continued growth of the construction and masonry sectors. We are thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received from our community, buyers and suppliers alike, and look forward to seeing a wealth of new business partnerships and industry innovation resulting from this week’s event.”
remarked Jackie James, Group Director, World of Concrete.
In addition to a robust expo floor, registered participants had the rare opportunity to engage with world-class education made available at the must-attend event. World of Concrete’s coveted educational programs serves as an incubator for knowledge sharing and technical know-how, helping the industry overcome challenges and tap into new opportunities for growth. With more than 11,000 expert-led sessions, this year’s highly curated education explored a balance of technical and forward-looking topics, ranging from 3D printing in concrete construction, women in construction, waterproofing: the next generation of solutions, and much more.
James continued:
“Year after year, industry professionals flock to World of Concrete for its highly regarded education and the unique opportunity to garner technical certifications to help professionals navigate this complex industry. This year was no different; we were pleased to see meeting rooms packed with engaged attendees bouncing ideas off peers – it is admirable to witness this industry’s continued ambition to grow and share ideas.” Â
Not only does the industry gather at World of Concrete’s annual event for deal-making and education, but to see and demo the most cutting-edge products available on the market and see the latest industry developments that lay the groundwork for the coming year. Trends from the 2022 event include, but are not limited to:
- Greater job site productivity, with new battery systems that deliver more power to the hand tools used to perform demanding concrete tasks, such as drilling, cutting, and demolition;
- Introduction of equipment that is automating concrete construction activities, including 3D printing, rebar tying, and drilling overhead holes;
- Entrance of new materials that increase contractor productivity while still ensuring durable repairs;
- Streamlined management data management systems that enable contractors to tighten a project’s critical path;
- And product and equipment updates that reduce a project’s carbon footprint and increase contractor productivity.
During our interview at World of Concrete Jackie James revealed us:
“A show the size of WOC being produced twice within a six-month period and drawing the type of audience that we did at each event was a feat the team hopes only to accomplish once…we heard many positive comments about the quality of the audience and sales and orders that took place onsite. The show is unique in that we have a very broad offering of everything for the concrete or masonry professional and that is our focus…anything and everything that is used or needed in the business of concrete or masonry construction…and even what’s coming for the future. So many new products were featured at the show and one of the most popular was the 3D Printing demonstrations presented by COBOD/We Print Homes. We are excited about 2023 in that we have a year to plan and create a buzz and hopefully get back to some of our pre-covid numbers in terms of exhibiting suppliers and audience. Our education program is so strong at this event…more than 11,200 sessions taken and that just makes all those in attendance stronger in their skill set and knowledge for the future. Being back face-to-face where people can enjoy the demonstrations and ask questions and network and collaborate is the best.”
Returning for the 17th consecutive year, The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program held its Silent & Live Auctions, generating an all-time record of more than $1,740,000. Donations originated from the live auction and online contributions, marking a historic moment in the program’s rich history at World of Concrete that is designed to give students entering the concrete workforce industry experience early in their careers. World of Concrete is proud to partner with the CIM program, a business program developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management.
Published on the front page of the Las Vegas Review-Journal for its exciting and action-packed competition, the 2022 edition of the ever-exciting SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship crowned Mason Cole Stamper as the “World’s Best Bricklayer,” along with his mason tender, Jeff Becker. The two took home top honors and bragging rights, in addition to a new Ford F250 4×4 truck and more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. Scott Tuttle and mason tender Brian Tuttle locked in the second most coveted award at the event, the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN, laying 730 brick in one hour. Their remarkable effort won the Tuttles a new Kubota RTV-X1140, plus more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.
New this year and central to World of Concrete’s core values, the exhibition organizers formalized the event’s commitment to sustainability in collaboration with renewable energy partner/sponsor HILTI. The program was intentionally executed with three objectives: Inspiring Sustainable Development, Environmental Responsibility, and Social Responsibility – each pledge supporting the event’s commitment to shaping the concrete industry for a sustainable future. Thanks to HILTI’s Renewable Electricity sponsorship, World of Concrete’s electricity use is powered by sustainable and renewable energy sources, saving an estimated 204 tons of CO2e.
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