Informa Markets’ World of Concrete, the world’s largest trade show fostering the growing concrete and masonry construction industries, concluded its 49th edition held from 17 to 19 January 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC). With 48,009 registered professionals and over 120 countries in attendance, the event further solidifies itself as the critical meeting place for industry advancement.
“The 2023 edition of World of Concrete far exceeded our expectations. The crowded show floor and packed educational sessions proves how essential meeting face to face is, that it remains important now more than ever to have a space to connect, to learn, to share across the concrete, masonry and construction industries as a vital contributor to our economy,” said Jackie James, vice president of World of Concrete. “In-person attendance is on its way back to pre-pandemic levels and the World of Concrete event leads global trends in construction.”
World of Concrete took more than 587,000 net sq ft of the convention centre, with both indoor and outdoor spaces full of product displays, demonstrations and competitions. Some highlights included unveiling of exciting new innovations, such as the first-ever mobile 3D robotic concrete printer and AI site map printer, top-of-the-line work trucks with electric batteries and aerodynamic improvements, and the widest range of original manufactured equipment from excavators to wireless concrete sensors, AI-based platforms and modern materials like the eco-driven autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC).
Returning for the 18th consecutive year, the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) programme held its silent & live auctions, generating a record-breaking fund of more than US$2.1 million. Live auction and online donations fuelled the grant for the programme designed to prepare students for the concrete workforce early in their careers.
The CIM programme provides students with a Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management, a business programme specifically developed for the concrete industry. The proceeds from the 2023 CIM Auction will benefit the CIM National Steering Committee (NSC) and support the current CIM programme at Middle Tennessee State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Texas State University, California State University – Chico, South Dakota State University, the Executive MBA programme, as well as help fund scholarships. World of Concrete has also donated US$15,000 to the CIM education programme for the second consecutive year.
The 2023 edition of the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 competition was held on Wednesday, 18 January. The winner, mason Michael Schlund, a Wisconsin native and his tender, Arron Kowalski, laid 759 bricks in one hour, and Mr Schlund was crowned ‘World’s Best Bricklayer’ leaving with a new Ford F250 4x4 Super Duty truck, an Essick Pro12 mixer, and more than US$15,000 in cash and prizes. Scott Tuttle, mason, and Brian Tuttle, tender, took second place with 716 bricks in one hour.
The event’s second most coveted award, the Spec Mix Top Craftsman, went to mason Mario Hernandez and mason tender Gerson Lux, who built ‘the most sellable wall’.
This year’s World of Concrete also offered more than 160 technical sessions, including hands-on training, safety expertise and business development. New additions to the 2023 education programme were eight concrete basics and leadership courses presented in Spanish, a revamped three-hour comprehensive concrete repair track, and new workshops focusing specifically on women in construction.
World of Concrete will return in 2024 for its 50th anniversary, slated for 23 to 25 January (education: 22 to 25 January) in Las Vegas.
