Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2023 have come to a close, drawing over 139,000 visitors from 133 countries and more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries, spread out over 3 mil sq ft of exhibit space.

“The innovations in the construction industry unveiled this week will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth,” said Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar senior vice president and Conexpo-Con/Agg show chair. “Live events in the construction industry are very important, because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed this past week across the show floor.”

This year’s show emphasised how the construction industry is evolving in many ways to adapt to sustainable technologies, products and practices. Visitors were treated to sustainability in action, from electric and hydrogen-powered construction equipment, to more recyclable materials and waste reduction opportunities.

Sustainable tech on display

Volvo Construction Equipment brought several electric and autonomous machines to its stand in the Festival Lot, including the EC230 electric excavator pilot, Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler.

Just steps away, Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48 to 600 V. Aerial work platform specialist Skyjack had its new SJ120 E on hand, a zero-emissions mast lift with a 30% improvement in duty cycle.

Asphalt recycling equipment from Pavement Recyclers and VSS Macropaver use different processes for recycling asphalt, keeping it out of landfills. Concrete contractors also got in on the green trend when they checked out Holcim’s EcoPact concrete that can eliminate carbon emissions entirely in some instances. Holcim was also the winner of the inaugural Contractors’ Choice for the Next Level Awards.

Construction pros wanting to maximise their energy efficiency explored Kubota V3307 micro-hybrid engine for installing in their existing equipment, saving fuel with the attachments they use, like Rototilt Control system.

Contractors who work in disaster recovery will be saving up to 600 sand bags per barrier (and not worrying about disposal should it become contaminated) with Rapid Barrier Systems’ water-inflatable barriers, not to mention the fuel needed to haul it on and off site.

Demolition contractors will also be reducing waste and preserve still-usable material with Aquajet hydrodemolition robots at the Brokk stand, which can help remove damaged concrete while leaving still-good concrete and rebar reinforcement intact.

According to Wacker Neuson, compaction is another place where low-efficiency engines can be replaced with battery-operated equipment, as the company showcased a number of electric tools, including a battery-powered, reversible plates.

Small engine specialists Briggs & Stratton brought its Vanguard brand’s swappable lithium-ion batteries for visitors to test out. And Redline Detection displayed its battery coolant and leak detector.

B3C Fuel Solutions’ products help contractors eliminate waste by restoring emulsified/damaged oil, and make sure lubricant that does find its way to the environment is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Waste2Water’s systems help equipment operators keep waste and chemical-laden water out of the environment. AT&T’s Equipment and Machinery Solutions team also showcased a solution to help track its actual Scope 1 emissions versus the targets.

Partnership with Arbor Day Foundation

One of the biggest sustainability efforts on the part of Conexpo-Con/Agg directly is a partnership between the show and the Arbor Day Foundation. Both parties will be planting 139,000+ trees, one for every show registrant in a forest of greatest need.

Additionally, Conexpo-Con/Agg exhibitors, visitors and fans of the show can contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation’s funds, allowing them to further their goal of involving themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees around the globe.

Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE also featured a wide range of educational opportunities, including 190 expert-led sessions on topics such as construction safety, equipment technology, and sustainable building practices. 

“The success of Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2023 is a testament to the resilience and strength of the construction and fluid power industries, which [have] continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years,” said Marcia Klein, treasurer of Casappa Corp and show chair of IFPE. “We’re proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build.”

Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2023 in numbers:

• 3+ mil net sq ft of exhibits (10.5% larger than 2020).

• 139,000+ registered visitors (6% increase over 2020).

• 2,400+ exhibitors from 36 countries, including 603 new-to-the-show exhibitors.

• 24,000+ international registered visitors from 133 countries.

• 91,000+ scans of badges to access the 190 education sessions.

• 600+ global media from 33 countries.

The next Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE will be held on 3-7 March 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.