World of Concrete (WOC) has concluded its 50th anniversary edition, which took place from 23 to 25 January 2024 in Las Vegas, the US. Covering more than 700,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space, the event drew nearly 60,000 registered professionals – a 23% increase from 2023 – and over 1,400 exhibitors. There were 450 international exhibitors and 325 first-time exhibitors.

“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 that resources the tradespeople who are building the future of America," said Jackie James, vice president of World of Concrete. “We emphasise creating real-world scenarios, hands-on situations to try and test products and share expertise, which is what makes WOC so unique and our community so special.”

WOC 2024 held 185 education sessions, featuring a wide variety of topics. Another highlight was the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) live and silent auctions, raising a collective US$1.8 million for the CIM programmes at five public universities.

The Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 Championship competition gathered bricklayers from around the country, competing for the grand prize after a series of annual regional events. Winners of this year’s competition were Wisconsin duo Michael Schlund and tender Aaron Kowalski, who laid 752 bricks in one hour to defend their title as the World’s Best Bricklayer for the second consecutive year.

In honour of the 50th anniversary, WOC also donated 50 trees to the Las Vegas Tree Initiative. This ongoing programme aims to lower the urban heat island effect that currently makes Las Vegas the fastest-warming city in the US.

And, much to everyone’s surprise, WOC also officiated a wedding ceremony this year at the main front entrance, solidifying the bond the concrete and masonry communities share.

World of Concrete will once again return to the Las Vegas Convention Centre from 21 to 23 January 2025.