World of Asphalt shatters records
By Adam Freill
Asphalt Construction Equipment RoadsNorth America's major asphalt and aggregates event saw an unprecedented 38 per cent surge in attendance this past March.
(Photo courtesy of World of Asphalt)
A record number of asphalt and aggregates professionals convened in Nashville for the largest-ever World of Asphalt and AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo. The event, which was held in late March, set new event records in both attendance and square footage.
More than 15,800 industry professionals took in the three-day event in the Music City. The previous attendance record of 11,400 was set in 2022. Those attending this year’s show were able to check out displays from over 440 exhibitors and take in more than 120 educational sessions.
The exhibit floor took over more than 207,000 square feet of the Music City Center; a 14,000 foot-increase compared to 2022’s event in the same space.
“The success of this year’s event is thanks to the dedication and collaboration of all our teams and partners,” said World of Asphalt show director Brittany Schmidtke. “This year’s record-breaking attendance proves the vital role this event plays in the asphalt and aggregates industries.”
“World of Asphalt and AGG1 gives Volvo CE a space to engage directly with new customers and foster meaningful connections across the industry,” said Amy Crouse, head of public relations and exhibitions for Volvo North America. “It’s an event our team always looks forward to, and the 2024 show was nothing short of outstanding in both attendance and location.”
Some of the most popular education sessions at World of Asphalt’s People, Plants and Paving Conference and the AGG1 Academy included Best Practices for Milling and Profiling, Best Practices for Residential and Commercial Paving, and Relational Leadership.
“I’ve been in the business for 35 years, but it’s the tips that I don’t know that I’m learning in these sessions and the latest technology that I’m seeing is helping all of us get to that next level,” said Bob Parker, a consultant with Rap Gap Consultants.
“The AGG1 Academy & Expo is a unique environment that facilitates the connection of exhibitors and attendees to experience the latest innovations, technology and education,” said National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association president and CEO Michael Johnson. “This year’s immense growth of exhibit space and attendance is aligned with the strength and impact of the entire aggregates industry.”
“The fact that World of Asphalt sold almost 10 per cent more exhibit space than our record-breaking 2022 show is a testament to the ongoing innovation in the asphalt paving industry,” said National Asphalt Pavement Association president and CEO Audrey Copeland. “Our exhibiting equipment manufacturers and suppliers — along with 60 expert-led educational sessions as part of the People, Plants and Paving Conference — are advancing the industry’s own goals to create efficiencies in producing and laying asphalt pavement while reducing emissions to ensure the sustainability and viability of our product. The techniques and technologies on display at World of Asphalt represent the future of roadbuilding.”
The last day of World of Asphalt featured a sold-out Women of Asphalt Day. The inaugural event brought together women from across the industry for thought provoking conversations, professional development and networking.
World of Asphalt and AGG1 will return in 2025 with the show traveling to St. Louis, Mo., from March 25 to 27.
