LAS VEGAS — Informa Markets’ World of Concrete (WOC) will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) from January 17-19, with its training day taking place on January 16 and new features at 49th edition of the show.
The 2023 edition is expected to be larger than the 2021 and 2022 editions, with more than 1,000 exhibitors and more than 575,000 net square feet of indoor and outdoor space utilized.
Sustainability is at the heart of WOC 2023, with exhibiting companies sharing past results as well as future efforts that demonstrate strong commitments to sustainability and implementation of industry best practices.
“WOC recognizes its unique position to advance underserved markets,” said Kevin Thornton, senior vice president of construction at Informa Markets. “Our priority is to provide future concrete professionals with educational opportunities through accredited industry management programs, professional associations that directly serve workforce equality and diversity, and sustainability efforts. WOC celebrates the progress being made in the industry while providing a platform for discussion and education on the critical topics of tomorrow.”
New to WOC for 2023 is the interactive Work Truck Live! program, presented by Modern WorkTruck Solutions, which allows visitors to view work trucks and attachments in a space dedicated to showcasing innovation and the evolution of the trucking market.
The Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Pavilion is also new to the show this year. The AAC Pavilion will be located in the North Hall of the LVCC and will focus on the rise of cellular materials, which has helped reduce the cost of steel and cement. The pavilion will also host international experts who will offer solutions for production facilities.
The Women’s Association of Concrete Professionals will host its second all-female panel at the show. The panel will discuss trends in the concrete and construction industries, as well as challenges and successes in the field. According to the Washington Post, in 2022, women made up 14% of the construction industry, and that number is expected to continue to grow steadily.
This year will also see the launch of the Innovative Products Awards, which allow companies to showcase their breakthrough products at the industry’s premier event in front of other industry professionals, while receiving feedback.
The WOC training program includes 164 sessions that will address industry issues and a few technical courses focused on mass concrete placement, pavement design and 3D printing in concrete construction, among other topics. New to WOC will be 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.
Over the past year, the WOC team has been working on its educational program to attract a diverse group of existing and new exhibitors and developing new pavilions, zones and events to meet the needs of emerging industry sectors. The team has also renewed its promotional efforts with Canadian audiences who were unable to travel easily over the past two years, as well as with visitors and international delegations from around the world.
“WOC is a leading source of growth for the concrete and masonry industries as the global community continues to explore future trends in production, materials and markets,” said Jackie James, WOC vice president. “This year, we welcome an intentional lineup of new initiatives highlighting advances in materials ingenuity, growth in the trucking industry and recognized areas of continued community impact.”
Contact Jackie James at Jackie.James@informa.com; Kevin Thornton at (817) 343-1549 or kevin.thornton@informa.com