Positive industry trends from World of Asphalt/AGG1 2025

The World of Asphalt Show and Conference and AGG1 Aggregates Academy and Expo hosted its first-ever St. Louis show. From March 25 to 27, more than 11,500 industry professionals gathered at America's Center Convention Complex to explore the latest innovations, network with peers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Gateway City. 

A total of 59 percent of attendees were under the age of 45, reflecting a positive trend in the industry. Additionally, 10 percent of attendees were women, underscoring this growing segment of the industry. Visitors travelled from across the country and abroad, some coming as far as Australia, England, Argentina, and Mexico to take part in the leading asphalt and aggregates trade show and conference. A special delegation from Nigeria was also included in the trade show. 

Success by numbers

The 2025 event featured a record amount of square footage, demonstrating the growth in cutting-edge equipment and technologies from exhibitors. The exhibit floor spanned more than 230,000 square feet of the America's Center Convention Complex; a roughly 23,000-foot-increase compared to the 2024 event in Nashville, Tennessee.

A total of 430 exhibitors brought machinery, equipment, and exciting new products to the show. In total, the exhibited equipment weighed an estimated 3.4 million pounds.

Educational opportunities 

Attendees engaged in more than 120 educational sessions through the People, Plants, and Paving and AGG1 Academy. These conferences covered a wide range of topics essential to the asphalt and aggregates industries.

Some of the most popular sessions included: Lean Principles: It's About People, Process, and Change; Unleashing the Power of Intentional Leadership: Leading Yourself to Lead Others; Autonomous Quarry Trucks 101; Extreme Ownership for Business and Life; Laydown Best Practices; and Compaction 101: Doing the Right Things, the Right Way.

Networking and community highlights 

One of the highlights of the show was the newly established Community Zone, which provided a dedicated space for attendees to relax, work, and network. The Community Zone quickly became a favourite spot, fostering connections and creating a sense of camaraderie among participants. 

Speakers at the Community Zone included Marvin Joles with Blacktop Banter, who presented tips for maintaining a successful business as well as Ashley Baston who presented on the Women of Asphalt. 

In addition to the bustling exhibit floor and educational sessions, attendees enjoyed the Rock and Road Reception. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for networking on the show floor on Wednesday evening. It featured live music, mascots from the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, and treats from roaming characters.  

New in 2025, 21 exhibiting companies participated in the Media Matchup. This event was held on Tuesday night in the newsroom and provided a laid-back area for exhibitors to speak with media members and present their companys' new innovations or equipment to the industry. 

On the final day of the show, Women of Asphalt celebrated the second annual Women of Asphalt Day. Women and allies from across the country participated in special programming and networking activities.

Equipment introductions

Exhibitors debuted new products, partnerships, and advancements at a record 19 press events.

Volvo Construction Equipment showcased enhancements to its soil and asphalt compaction product lines with upgrades to multiple models and a forthcoming electric model. The company unveiled updates to the SD75 and SD45 soil compactors and the PT125 pneumatic tire roller aimed at enhancing safety, serviceability, and user interface for operators. Show attendees also got the first look at a DD15 Electric asphalt compactor. 

IntelliShift showed its advanced asset-tracking technology. The system allows companies to monitor equipment location, track utilization, and idle time, and mitigate theft and misuse. 

XBE shared news of the acquisition of PriceBee, a new provider of construction material price, quote, and order capabilities. In addition, XBE also announced the release of Giant Anchor, a market-focused project pricing platform that increases confidence about the profitable deal range and profit-optimizing price for every bid.

Metso debuted the Nordberg HPe range expansion and aftermarket kits for the new HPe range. The company also celebrated a major milestone, the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking Lokotrack mobile crushers.

Standouts at the NSSGA Annual Convention 

Running concurrently with AGG1 was the NSSGA Annual Convention, which featured the announcement of the 2025 NSSGA Leadership including board chair Ted Baker II, of Blue Water Industries and the presentation of the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award to Ward Nye of Martin Marietta. The Annual Membership Meeting keynote was a moderated discussion by football legend Archie Manning.

The next World of Asphalt Show in New Orleans 

"Boosted by a significant expansion in exhibit space, we're proud to have executed another tremendous World of Asphalt with our partner, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, as well as the highly valued and well-attended People, Plants, and Paving Conference that drives industry innovation and crew expertise," said Audrey Copeland, Ph.D., P.E., president and CEO of NAPA, the majority show owner. "After a year off for CONEXPO/CON-AGG in 2026, we're excited to bring World of Asphalt to New Orleans in 2027!"