Five jam-packed days of innovative product launches, enlightening education sessions, and countless networking opportunities at CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 have taken the construction industry to the next level.
The show crushed expected attendance numbers, drawing over 139,000construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from March 14 to 18, making it the largest trade show in North America with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over 3 million square feet 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.
The jam=packed show floor was more than three million square feet.
Sustainable Tech on Display
Across the show floor, sustainable technologies, products and practices included:
Volvo Construction Equipment brought several electric and autonomous pieces to its stand in the Festival Lot, including its EC230 electric excavator pilot, its Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and its HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler.
Just steps away, Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48-600 volts.
In addition to that, CONEXPO-CON/AGG attendees found:
- Aerial work platform specialists Skyjackhad its new SJ120 Eon hand, a zero-emissions mast lift with a 30 percent improvement in duty cycle.
- Asphalt recycling equipment from Pavement Recyclers LLCand VSS Macropaveruses different processes for recycling asphalt, keeping it out of landfills. Concrete contractors also got in on the green trend when they checked out Holcim’s ECOPact concrete that can eliminate carbon emissions entirely in some instances. Holcim was also the winner of the inaugural Contractors’ Choice for the Next Level Awards.
- Construction pros wanting to maximize their energy efficiency explored Kubota’sV3307Micro-Hybrid engine for installing in their existing equipment, saving fuel with the attachments they use, like Rototilt’s Rototilt Control system.
- Contractors who work in disaster recovery will be saving up to 600 sand bags per barrier (and not worrying about disposal should it become contaminated) with Rapid Barrier Systems’water-inflatable barriers, not to mention the fuel needed to haul it on and off site.
- Demolition contractors will also be reducing waste and preserve still-usable material with Aquajet’sHydrodemolition robotsat the Brokk booth that can help remove damaged concrete while leaving still-good concrete and rebar reinforcement intact.
- According to Wacker Neuson, compaction is another place where low-efficiency engines can be replaced with battery-operated equipment, as they showcased a number of electric tools, including a battery-powered, reversible plates.
- Small-engine specialists Briggs & Stratton brought its Vanguardbrand’s swappable lithium-ion batteries for attendees to test out. And Redline Detection showcased its battery coolant and leak detector.
- B3C Fuel Solutionsbrought products to the show to help contractors eliminate waste by restoring emulsified/damaged oil, and make sure lubricant that doesfind its way to the environment is non-toxic and biodegradable.
- Waste2Waterbrought solutions to CONEXPO-CON/AGG to help equipment operators keep waste and chemical-laden water out of the environment.
- And AT&T’s Equipment and Machinery Solutionsteam brought a solution to help track its actual Scope 1 emissions versus their targets.
Cranes and customers at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.
The Arbor Day Foundation Partnership
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-CON/AGG 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-CON/AGG exhibitors, attendees and fans of the show can contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation’s funds, allowing them to further their goal of involving themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees around the globe.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 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.”
The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE will be held March 3 to 7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It wouldn’t be Vegas without Elvis.