The triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE conventions and exhibitions were held in Las Vegas from 7 to 11 March.
There were more than 2500 exhibitors, spanning more than 232,000m2 of area, from the reinvigorated American construction industry, and more than 150 education sessions – all increases on three years ago. While the Las Vegas Convention Centre buildings could hardly be packed with more exhibits, the outside lots had also grown, not only in size, but in density.
The Bronze Lot, as well as Silver Lots 1 and 2, were packed with new displays covering an array of equipment across numerous industries. Silver Lot 3 included the Tech Experience for the first time, described as an “immersive future-forward showcase”. This highlighted technology, one of the overarching themes of the convention.
A drone ‘aviary’, a 3D-printed excavator and numerous stands with virtual reality displays and technology innovation presentations all pointed to CONEXPO-CON/AGG moving well beyond the traditional prodigious presentation of ponderous iron.
The Gold Lot, across the road from the main entrance to the convention centre, had also grown and evolved into its own space.
In years gone by, the lot appeared to be populated with infrequent exhibitors or those late to register. Now, it has become a virtual mini-city, with major exhibitions and its own events, stretching from Paradise Road to the Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard).
There were outdoor locations for Cat, Komatsu and Bell, in addition to exhibits in the North Hall, with substantial stands or buildings from a number of industry icons, along with cranes towering towards the heavens.
The seven ‘tees’
A trip to CONEXPO consists of travels, travails, throngs, temptations, temperance and tranquillity, not to mention Trump! You could spend the five days walking the entire site (or travelling in the motorised carts) and still not see all the exhibitions you had planned.
You may struggle to satisfy a paleo diet in Las Vegas easily, particularly at the convention centre. However, there is ample opportunity to eat lots of meat, at the convention centre and in the US in general. While the gyms of the major resorts were no doubt well attended, fitting 10,000 steps in each day should not have been a problem.
While Aussies abroad have a well earned reputation for partying hard, the attractions, both night and day, are numerous.
As mentioned three years ago, the old adage applies: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”
Without alluding to anyone or any event in particular, there appears to be a new malaise evolving in the Nevada desert region – taxi flu! Reactions include vague trips around the Strip, with little or no apparent destination. Extreme cases have been known to cause regurgitation, in transit and in-situ. Lack of sleep and an inability to carry on a conversation are also known side effects.
A travel warning will surely be issued in the near future!
How big is CONEXPO-CON/AGG? As an indication, the Civil Contractors Federation held a conference in Las Vegas, separate in a local resort, at the same time to leverage off CONEXPO. Australians have said for years that we should have a “get together” separate to the other functions. Ostwald Bros also held such a function, with more than 100 attending this year.
Huge international events such as Bauma and Intermat had exhibits this year, promoting their trade fairs, in addition to a range of conventions from Asia, Africa and South America.
It was no surprise that the local NASCAR crowd rolled into town just as members of the quarrying, mining and construction industries began to roll out. In a city that never sleeps, one event finishes as another begins! •
Story and photos by Jim Hankins
conexpo 2017
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