Education, automation, and job site productivity enhancements mark World of Concrete 2022
World of Concrete has concluded the 47th annual event. The event brought close to 37,000 registered professionals and 1,100 industry suppliers, just over 150 of which were first-time exhibitors.
"The level of engagement from companies of all sizes and corners of the industry was very encouraging, especially following the past couple challenging years, and points to the revival of the trade show industry and continued growth of the construction and masonry sectors," remarked Jackie James, group director, World of Concrete. "We are thrilled with the positive feedback we've received from our community, buyers and suppliers alike, and look forward to seeing a wealth of new business partnerships and industry innovation resulting from this week's event."
In addition to a busy expo floor, registered participants had the opportunity to engage with educational events made available at the event. World of Concrete's educational programs serve to help the industry overcome challenges and tap into new opportunities for growth. With more than 11,000 expert-led sessions, this year's highly curated education explored a balance of technical and forward-looking topics, ranging from 3D printing in concrete construction, women in construction, waterproofing: the next generation of solutions, and more.
"Year after year, industry professionals flock to World of Concrete for its highly regarded education and the unique opportunity to garner technical certifications to help professionals navigate this complex industry," continued Jackie James. "This year was no different; we were pleased to see meeting rooms packed with engaged attendees bouncing ideas off peers - it is admirable to witness this industry's continued ambition to grow and share ideas."
Not only does the industry gather at World of Concrete's annual event for deal-making and education, but to see and demo the most cutting-edge products available on the market and see the latest industry developments that lay the groundwork for the coming year. Trends from the 2022 event include, but are not limited to:
- Greater job site productivity, with new battery systems that deliver more power to the hand tools used to perform demanding concrete tasks, such as drilling, cutting, and demolition;
- Introduction of equipment that is automating concrete construction activities, including 3D printing, rebar tying, and drilling overhead holes;
- Entrance of new materials that increase contractor productivity while still ensuring durable repairs;
- Streamlined management data management systems that enable contractors to tighten a project's critical path;
- And product and equipment updates that reduce a project's carbon footprint and increase contractor productivity.
Returning for the 17th consecutive year, the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program held its silent and live auctions, generating more than $1,740,000 U.S. Donations originated from the live auction and online contributions. The program is designed to give students entering the concrete workforce industry experience early in their careers.
New this year and central to World of Concrete's core values, the exhibition organizers formalized the event's commitment to sustainability in collaboration with renewable energy partner/sponsor HILTI. The program was executed with three objectives: inspiring sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and social responsibility.
