World of Concrete management Informa Markets reports registration near 60,000 for this year’s Las Vegas Convention Center gathering, a 23 percent increase over 2023 participation. Geared to concrete or masonry producers and practitioners, the late-January event saw 1,400 manufacturers, suppliers and service providers occupy 700,000-plus square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including 325 first-time exhibitors. Management also cites a new World of Concrete education program watermark, with 185 sessions presented over four days. Robust attendance, exhibitor and education program metrics befit the 50th staging of an event whose 1975 Houston Astrodome debut is owed to pumping equipment interests and Concrete Construction magazine. In honor of the World of Concrete 50th anniversary, show organizers donated 50 plantings to the Las Vegas Tree Initiative. The ongoing program aims to lower an urban heat island effect that currently makes Las Vegas the fastest-warming city in the United States.
“Every year, World of Concrete serves as the cornerstone where concrete and masonry professionals exchange knowledge and hone skills that propel businesses forward. We are proud to host the global meeting point for the tradespeople who are building the future of America,” says Vice President of World of Concrete Jackie James. “We emphasize creating real-world scenarios, hands-on situations to try and test products and share expertise, which is what makes the show so unique and our community so special. We look forward to continuing to share the latest and greatest in concrete and masonry for another 50 years to come.” World of Concrete continues to serve as a hub for exploration and innovation, she adds, as leading exhibitors administer first-time reveals of new software, tools and machinery poised to increase efficiencies and safety.
NEAR-RECORD CIM AUCTION
The Concrete Industry Management National Steering Committee raised more than $1.75 million in gross revenue at its annual auction, held in conjunction with World of Concrete. In addition to chassis and body packages from Mack Trucks and Revolution Concrete Mixers and Peterbilt Motors and Con-Tech Manufacturing, 2024 auction pool donations included a pump from Alliance Concrete Pumps, Papé Kenworth, and Kenworth Truck, plus a Somero Enterprises S-485 Laser Screed. Auction proceeds will benefit CIM degree programs at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro; New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark; South Dakota State University, Brookings; Texas State University, San Marcos; and, California State University, Chico.
“We thank the concrete industry for their tremendous support for this year’s event,” says CIM Auction Committee Chairman Ben Robuck (Cemex USA). “The outcomes of the auction highlight the significance of the CIM program to the concrete industry and the critical need for talent in leadership roles. Given the value of the items donated and the participation level, this year’s auction marked a tremendous success.”
“Once again, the World of Concrete show management, Informa, and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers have provided us with outstanding support,” adds Marketing Committee Chairman Brian Gallagher. “We are grateful to the numerous companies and organizations that contributed items, aiding in the success of the CIM auction.”
