Bigger and Better

By Therese Dunphy

A mere 20 years ago, I began covering the aggregate industry. After about a year on the job, I was tapped to spearhead the show daily for the industry’s big show — Con/Agg. Not ConExpo-Con/Agg — just Con/Agg. The event took place in a pre-Katrina New Orleans, and producing those issues forever obliterated any connection between the city’s nickname of The Big Easy and my experience there.

We had a team of roving reporters covering the show (and I thought that show floor was big), attending press conferences, reporting on industry meetings, and taking state-of-the-art Polaroid pictures to be featured in each edition. We’d diligently head back to the press room, close the door, and produce an account of daily happenings. Between evening engagements and a few hours of sleep, I’d head to the printer to see the issues come off the press. The next morning, day-old news would be waiting for show attendees outside their show room door.

Boy, have times changed. Bigger show. Different location. Better tools to make the most of it.

As ConExpo-Con/Agg approaches, many attendees are striving to ensure their visit is worthwhile by previewing equipment that can lower their costs and attending training seminars that can increase their productivity. With 2.2 million square feet of exhibit space, a day spent meandering the show floor is unlikely to result in more than a pair of sore feet.

To assist attendees, we have two special tools with this issue of Aggregates Manager. You’ve probably already noticed the first — a printed guide to ConExpo-Con/Agg. Produced by the editors of Aggregates Manager and sister magazines Better Roads and Equipment World, this handy issue highlights equipment and technology you’ll be able to see at the show. If you’ll only be spending a day or two at the show, scan the smart tag below. We’ve compiled an aggregates-specific list of educational seminars and equipment that are must-sees.

Finally, be sure to visit www.aggman.com from March 22-26. We’ll be offering real-time updates on show events, product introductions, and a man-on-the floor perspective of the show.

This year, what happens in Vegas just might not stay in Vegas.

5 days

More than 2,000 exhibits

126 education sessions