ConExpo-Con/Agg draws record visitors

AEM has hailed a successful ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE with a record breaking 139,000 visitors to the Las Vegas show. The exhibition closed on Saturday afternoon, March 18.

Attendees from 133 countries were able to see more than 2,400 exhibitors, covering 3 million square feet of exhibit space, which was 10.5% up on 2020.

A packed Festival Lot during the 2023 ConExpo-Con/Agg show, 2023. (Photo: ConExpo-Con/Agg)

Visitor numbers were 6% higher than the pandemic-impacted 2020 event - which closed a day early - and more than 24,000 travelled from outside the USA, representing 17% of the total.

“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.”

Apart from the positive attendance numbers, the show saw an increased focus on sustainable technologies and products, from battery powered compact machines to hydrogen engines and electric powertrains. Connected technology – taking the next step beyond telematics – was also a big feature of the event.

Volvo Construction Equipment brought several electric and autonomous pieces to its stand in the Festival Lot; Caterpillar showed four battery electric machines as well as prototype batteries for off-road equipment; while Wacker Neuson, John Deere, Case, Takeuchi, New Holland were among others to show electric machines. JCB showcased its new hydrogen combustion engine.

In the construction technology sector, AT&T’s Equipment and Machinery Solutions business brought a solution to help companies track their actual Scope 1 carbon emissions against targets, while EquipmentShare highlighted its T3 platform for connected jobsites.

There were multiple innovations also from smaller businesses, such as Blue Vigil, which unveiled a tethered drone carrying LED lamps which it hopes will provide an alternative to traditional lighting towers.

The next ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE will be on March 3-7, 2026, at the same Las Vegas venue.