CCE 2023 posts record attendance
By Adam Freill
Commercial Concrete Construction Demolition Equipment Green Construction Industrial Infrastructure Institutional Residential RoadsThe crowds came out to Canada’s national concrete show to see all that is new, and to get some advice from MMA legend GSP.
2023 Canadian Concrete Expo show floor. (Photo by On-Site staff)
This year’s Canadian Concrete Expo (CCE), Canada’s national trade show for the concrete construction industry, was busy as contractors filled the aisles and booths buzzed with activity. The show, held at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., on February 16 and 17, featured products from more than 300 exhibitors along with a mix of conference sessions, technology demonstrations, and even a special appearance by mixed martial arts legend Georges St. Pierre, who delivered a message of finding strength and using focus to build forward, both on and off the job.
“We hit record attendance yesterday. And it was by far the best day we’ve ever had at the Canadian concrete Expo,” stated show president, Stuart Galloway, from the show floor on Day 2. “It’s nice to see the trade show industry back on his feet. We weren’t 100 per cent certain where it was going to go after COVID. Were we going to get everybody to come back? Were the sellers going to want to exhibit? It looks like the demand is there for face-to-face.”
With attendees showing genuine interest in the products and technologies on display, exhibitors were happy with the flow on the floor, and the discussions they were able to have with current and potential customers.
“Traffic has been amazing. I am very surprised and impressed on the amount of traffic from open to close on both days. And it’s been it’s been engaging. So, there’s been both a quantity and quality engagement with attendees,” stated Carl Seleem senior manager, marketing, at Brafasco, National Concrete Accessories and Brock White. “We’ve spoken to people that are in flat work, as well as in mid-rise and high-rise commercial… everywhere from small to large commercial to multifamily to residential. It’s just nice to see a good mix and everybody ready to just hammer out a good year.”
Taylor Fenwick of Husqvarna Construction at the 2023 Canadian Concrete Expo. (Photo by On-Site staff)
“The show attracted a good number of local contractors and crew members… we always enjoy the opportunity to meet and discuss hydrodemolition with them,” stated Keith Armishaw, Aquajet’s business development manager for North America. “Many of the trade shows I attend are in the U.S., so as a Canadian resident, it was also exciting to attend a show in Canada dedicated to the concrete industry. We hope Canadian Concrete Expo continues to have a solid turnout.”
“It was nice to get face-to-face with some of our existing and bigger customers,” added Sean McElroy, head of marketing and IT at Plastruct Polyzone. “We definitely have had some more traffic compared to last year.”
And if exhibitor feedback is correct, attendees were using the show to research and plan for their upcoming construction season.
“Overall, show attendees were very optimistic about the year ahead,” said Seth Ulmer, sales manager at Curb Roller Manufacturing. “We spoke with many contractors who are either already fully booked or expect to be soon. The Canadian Concrete Expo was an excellent venue for them to prepare for the working season.”
“If Canadian Concrete Expo was an indication of what this year’s trade shows will be like, I believe we’re in for a busy and successful year at the events we attend,” said Troy Steele, Brokk’s regional sales manager for Western Canada.
Plans are already underway for the 2024 edition of the show, which will once again take place at the International Centre, with show dates being February 14 and 15.
