The future of construction on display in Vegas
By Adam Freill
Construction Construction Materials Equipment Green Construction Roads SoftwareCONEXPO-CON/AGG breaks show records, attracting the biggest audience in its history as innovation takes centre stage.
(Photo by On-Site Staff)
What do you do with almost 140,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries? Send then to Las Vegas and put on a huge exhibition. This year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2023 show, which wrapped up on March 18, was the biggest trade show in North America this year.
The five jam-packed days of innovative product launches, major company announcements, enlightening education sessions and countless networking opportunities featured 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over 3 million square feet of exhibit space.
“The innovations in the construction industry unveiled this week will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth,” said Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar senior vice-president and CONEXPO-CON/AGG show chair. “Live events in the construction industry are very important, because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed this past week across the show floor.”
Hydrogen technology at the Hyundai booth. (Photo by On-Site Staff)
This year’s show emphasized how the construction industry is evolving in many ways to adapt to sustainable technologies, products and practices. Show attendees were treated to sustainability in action, from electric and hydrogen powered construction equipment, to more recyclable materials and waste reduction opportunities.
Across the show floors and exhibitor lots, sustainable technologies, products and practices were key themes, including at the Volvo Construction Equipment booth where several electric and autonomous pieces attracted attention to its stand in the Festival Lot. This included its EC230 electric excavator pilot, its Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and its HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler.
Autonomous technology from Volvo CE. (Photo by On-Site Staff)
Just steps away, Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48 to 600 volts.
On the materials side, multiple processes for recycling asphalt could be found at the show, and the concrete sector also got in on the green trend with such products as Holcim’s ECOPact concrete, which can eliminate carbon emissions in some instances. Holcim was the winner of the inaugural Contractors’ Choice for the Next Level Awards.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE also featured a wide range of educational opportunities, including 190 expert-led sessions on such topics as construction safety, equipment technology and sustainable building practices.
Autonomous moves at the MOOG Construction exhibit. (Photo and video by On-Site Staff)
“The success of CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2023 is a testament to the resilience and strength of the construction and fluid power industries, which has continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years,” said Marcia Klein, treasurer of Casappa Corp., and show chair of IFPE. “We’re proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build.”
The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE will be held from March 3 to 7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
