Equipment could be found throughout the show, both inside and outside the halls. Simulators in many of the booths gave attendees the opportunity to try out new features and get a feel for how the equipment operates. Many of the booths provided participants with the chance to get behind the controls of a full-size machine and test their operating skills.
- Link Belt had basketballs set on pylons, and operators had to scoop the balls into the bucket and deposit them into a basket.
- Volvo used a grabber attachment to have participants place balls onto pylons.
- Link Belt used a pink excavator to toss dice, eventually selling the excavator at auction to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
- DEVELON visitors got their hands on a mini excavator and a compact track loader.
- CAT held their global operator challenge competition in their large arena-style booth.
In addition to the machines, equipment-adjacent products – safety systems, connectivity, telematics, AI enhancements, intelligent machine control, digital solutions, and more – were promoted in many of the large manufacturers’ booths. Buyers have so much more to consider than just the “yellow iron” when making equipment purchases. What were just concepts and prototypes a few years ago are now full-blown product enhancements that add functionality and utilization features, as well as cost, to the equipment. Brian Kim, product manager at DEVELON noted that “the machine is no longer just a tool – it’s an intelligent partner.”
Educating current workers and the next generation
The show offered 166 educational sessions, including workshops and short presentations on its Ground Breakers Stage. Divided into 16 session tracks, the topics covered include equipment segments, small business topics, equipment maintenance, safety, and more. Attendees had the opportunity to learn skills and information to help improve their businesses for future growth.
This was my fourth time attending the show, and I feel like I saw more kids this year than in years past. From babies to young adults, families were seen all over the showgrounds. Volvo had a special kids’ area with playground-sized excavators that kids could operate to dig up “dinosaur bones”. I saw a gentleman operating an excavator demo with a child of approximately eight years on his lap. This type of exposure, especially at young ages, will help build interest in and enthusiasm for the industry for years to come.
Industry Optimism
This year’s crowd was large and quite enthusiastic. I had one exhibitor tell me that this was the largest crowd he’s seen waiting for the show gates to open to let attendees in.
Whether you were a first-time visitor or a CONEXPO veteran, the vibe was positive, and the sentiment was highly optimistic. Many dealer salespeople I spoke with indicated that sales activity was robust and that they had many post-show quotes to provide.
Several contractors and dealers noted that project backlogs remain healthy, supported by ongoing infrastructure investment, energy development, and population growth in many regions. Technology is also playing a major role in that optimism. Automation, machine control, and telematics are helping contractors improve productivity and operate more efficiently, even as labor shortages remain a challenge.
At the same time, many fleets are approaching an equipment replacement cycle after several years of heavy utilization and supply chain delays, which could further support equipment demand in the coming years.
Committed to the Future
CONEXPO-CON/AGG remains one of the best places to experience the energy and momentum of the construction industry. The innovation on display, the strength of dealer and contractor relationships, and the enthusiasm across the showgrounds reinforced our confidence in the market. The CCG construction team returned home tired but energized, and even more committed to supporting our existing and future customers as they continue building the infrastructure and communities that drive economic growth.
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