Industry Soldiers On Despite Sustained Economic Challenges

Although the mood among exhibitors and attendees seemed largely positive, the final numbers for World of Concrete 2010, Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas, saw a negative

Although the mood among exhibitors and attendees seemed largely positive, the final numbers for World of Concrete 2010, Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas, saw a negative turn compared to 2009 totals. The event delivered slightly over 55,000 registered professionals and about 1,350 exhibiting companies in more than 600,000 net sq. ft. of Las Vegas Convention Center space. This is compared to 2009 tallies of nearly 65,300 attendees, 1,700 exhibitors and 880,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.

This year, WOC’s Education Program offered more than 100 expert-led seminars, packed with advice on how to reduce costs, improve profits and save time. It featured 15 designated tracks with both 90-minute and 3-hour sessions that provided instruction on everything from concrete fundamentals, business & project management, masonry, decorative concrete, safety & risk management, and finance & money matters. During the event, Hanley Wood Exhibitions officials announced the first annual WOC Regional Education Conference, which will provide the information and continuing education hours contractors need to conduct work in many states. The conference will take place at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., May 14-15, 2010.

The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) National Steering Committee held its 5th annual unreserved live auction at WOC 2010, with all of the proceeds benefiting the five universities offering the four-year degree program. Produced by Ritchie Bros, a live and silent auction raised $386,000, anchored by a the sale of a Freightliner M2-mounted McNeilus mixer.