For 32 years running, the Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show has been a true pillar of the heavy equipment industry. On April 5 and 6, 2018, the latest products, services and – of course – big iron will once again take over the Moncton Coliseum.
For heavy machinery, construction, roadbuilding, forestry and landscaping professionals, the show provides a golden opportunity to get equipped for the next big project. “With major infrastructure investments happening now right across the Maritimes, there’s no better place to source machinery and equipment to complete projects on time and on budget,” said Mark Cusack, National Show Manager of Master Promotions Ltd., which produces the AHES.
Since 1986, the Atlantic Land Improvement Contractors Association (ALICA) has been the proud sponsor and owner of the event. According to ALICA President Mike Shea, “The Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show has become a gathering place for road building, construction and forestry professionals who look to this show to keep themselves apprised of the trends in their respective industries and to help them make purchasing decisions.”
What to expect at the 2018 show
With hundreds of exhibitors filling almost 300,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, the biennial show spans a busy two days. Visitors walking the show floor at the 2016 edition had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment. Much more than just bulldozers and big tractors, the event features equipment from many different industries, including forestry and logging, which are big business in Atlantic Canada.
On top of great networking opportunities, visitors get the first chance to see what’s on the horizon in their sector.
Something else visitors look forward to at the show? The popular Passport Program, which provides an opportunity to win prizes and get the most out of their show experience. Pre-registered visitors receive a passport ballot in the mail, and they can request a stamp after interacting with sales staff at the booths of each of the three participating sponsors. Depositing a fully stamped passport at the show enters them to win prizes from Nova Truck Centres, Maritime Case Ltd., Liebherr, Selco Equipment and United Rentals.
From humble beginnings: A look back to when it all began
The first show was held in the winter of 1986, with very humble beginnings, only featuring displays in a modest portion of the Moncton Coliseum, with some live demos in the form of a backhoe rodeo in the annex. Originally, the show was called the Atlantic Industrial Equipment Show. The name was changed to the Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show after 1992.
Following the 1990 show, the Board of Directors of ALICA put out a request for proposals for an event manager. It was felt that professional show managers could advance and grow the show. As a result of the RFP, Master Promotions Ltd. was selected to manage the show with a mandate to fill the whole Coliseum-Agrena complex.
Under Master Promotions’ management, the show has grown to the point where in addition to filling the Coliseum’ Agrena complex, an additional 8,000 square feet of outdoor exhibit space has been added. The AHES is now recognized as one of the premiere shows in the country, with a loyal exhibitor base and thousands of visitors over the two-day event.
The AHES 2018 will take place at the Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, N.B., on Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6 and booth space is already sold out. Registration is just $15 per person, and those that pre-register by March 22 will receive a ballot for a chance to win a Prize Showcase valued at over $5,000. Visit www.AHES.ca/ATTEND for details.
