Sources: Hanley Wood Exhibitions, Dallas; CP staff
Soft, but stable, construction market conditions moving into the new year were reflected in a World of Concrete 2012 attendance level just over 52,000, a 10–15 percent increase above last year’s show figures.
Spread across the Las Vegas Convention Center North, Central and South halls, plus main outdoor lot, the January 23–27 event spanned 1,200-plus exhibitors occupying 552,500 sq. ft.—40,000 sq. ft. more than the 2011 event.
“There was a very positive and optimistic buzz on the show floor. WOC 2012 has been a huge success, and based on the feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, we have no doubt the economy is recovering,” said Show Director Jackie James, adding that event indicators bode well for commercial construction this year.
World of Concrete 2012 saw the launch of a wide array of new products and equipment, plus an education and certification program with 100-plus seminars and courses. Live events and demonstrations geared to concrete producers, contractors and artisans included Pervious Concrete LIVE!; Concrete Polishing & Staining Forum; Concrete Surfaces & Decorative Pavilion activities; John Deere Operator’s and Western Star Serious Trucks Challenges; Spec Mix Bricklayer 500; and, MCAA’s International Masonry Skills Challenge and the Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition. Adjacent to the World of Masonry pavilion was Masonry Veneer Live, which over four days featured Veneer Exhibits; Masonry Veneer Training Zone; and, Artistry in Masonry Veneers.
World of Concrete 2013 will run February 5–8 (Seminars, February 4–8) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.