LAS VEGAS— Informa Markets The world of concrete (WOC), which took place from January 17 to 19, attracted 48,009 registered professionals and more than 120 countries. Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), bringing its attendance back to pre-pandemic levels.
World of Concrete, which won the Return to Normal Award and The Greatest Trade Show of 2021 award at Trade Show Executive’s 2022 Gold 100 Awards & Summit, spanned more than 587,000 net square feet (NSF) of indoor and outdoor space and featured product displays, demonstrations and competitions at the LVCC. The show’s size is also approaching its pre-pandemic level.
This year, the show welcomed 1,128 exhibitors, up from 2022’s 1,047. The WOC team attributed the increase in attendance for the 2023 show to attracting more exhibitors than last year, and is focusing on attracting international attendees now that travel is less restricted. There has also been a focus on expanding WOC’s digital presence and content offering to appeal to a broader audience of potential show attendees.
“WOC 2023 far exceeded our expectations,” said Jackie James, WOC Vice President. “The packed show floor and packed education sessions prove how essential face-to-face meetings are, and that having a space to connect, learn and share across the concrete, masonry and construction industries as a critical contributor to our economy remains more important than ever. In-person attendance is poised to return to pre-pandemic levels, and WOC is at the forefront of global trends in the construction industry.”
Expansions, Disruptions and Excitement Ahead for Las Vegas and the Trade Show Industry
The WOC training program included more than 160 sessions on industry issues and technical courses focused on mass concrete placement, pavement design, and 3D printing in concrete construction, among other topics. This year, WOC offered eight seminars presented in Spanish, developed by professionals and associations working with and for the growing number of Hispanic contractors in the United States and abroad. Many sessions were sold out, and the diverse offerings appealed to attendees.
The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program held its silent and live auctions for the 18thth The show was held for the first consecutive year and generated a record fundraising of more than $2.1 million. The auction and online donations fund the program grant, which is designed to prepare students for the concrete workforce early in their careers and provides them with a Bachelor of Science in Concrete Industry Management. World of Concrete also donated $15,000 to the CIM Education Program.
“There are more than 300,000 concrete contractors employed in the United States and represent the backbone of the U.S. and international workforce,” said Kevin Thornton, senior vice president of construction at Informa Markets. “WOC is proud to support workers in education and connection, providing them with the opportunity to advance the industry toward greater sustainability, efficiency, safety, and continued growth.”
The 50th The World of Concrete anniversary is scheduled for January 23-25, 2024 in Las Vegas, with training beginning January 22.
Contact Jackie James at (212) 600-3525 or jackie.james@informa.com; Kevin Thornton at (817) 343-1549 or kevin.thornton@informa.com