Attendance spike leads solid World of Concrete 2015 metrics

Sources: Informa Exhibitions U.S., Irving, Texas; CP staff

Indicative of improving construction industry fortunes, this year’s World of Concrete drew nearly 56,000 registered professionals, up 15 percent over 2014 figures, and saw more than 1,450 companies exhibit across 675,000 net square feet of Las Vegas Convention Center space—100,000 square feet above the prior year. Participation in the February 2-6 gathering easily met management’s projections that this year would see the best turnout since 2008.

Increases in attendee volume, number of exhibitors and seminar registrations (+23 percent over 2014 figures), notes Informa Exhibitions U.S., Construction & Real Estate Vice President Tom Cindric, “Show not only the value that World of Concrete brings to the concrete and masonry industries but also that the industry is getting stronger and poised for much success in 2015.”

“With the industry ramping up again, education became a key asset this year. Attendees took more classes than they have in the last six years, sharpening their skills for what’s to come,” adds World of Concrete Show Director Jackie James. “In addition, international attendees made a big impact scouring the show for new equipment, tools, and technology to make their operations more efficient and profitable.”

Among a growing roster of activities timed with World of Concrete, this year’s Concrete Industry Management Auction saw a pool of donated equipment, WOCII-400materials and sports or travel packages net the CIM National Steering Committee upward of $800,000, according to preliminary figures from auctioneer Ritchie Bros. Illinois-based Ozinga Bros. Inc. took the auction centerpiece, a Mack Granite with 11-yd. McNeilus mixer, with a $163,000 bid.

World of Concrete 2016 will be February 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.