Top 5 Takeaways from World of Concrete

A couple of weeks ago, concrete-related construction professionals from around the world gathered in Las Vegas to see the latest technologies, learn from experts and network with colleagues. Boasting more than 1,500 vendors with 58,000 registered attendees in more than 745,000 net square feet of exhibition space, there was a lot to take in at World of Concrete 2019.

I had the privilege of being among these professionals and exhibitors, and, as in years past, I soaked it all up like a sponge. There was so much to see, hear and learn. Along with the thousands of steps my watch said I walked, I also took note of several industry trends and takeaways. Here are my top 5 from World of Concrete 2019:       

1.  The robots are coming

Outside, there was curbing machine autonomously making a slow loop, guided by satellite and total station. Inside, tucked in the far corner of one hall, was a robotic concrete 3D printer. I’ve seen this kind of technology in university laboratories, always at quite a large scale, and fixed to the one site. This is the first time I’ve seen it in a real-world, ready-to-sell package, and I could have spent hours watching it create any shape you could imagine – live – on the show floor.

2.  It really is about the people

Inside, I talked to people from ASCC and ACI , and I’m always impressed by the work these associations are accomplishing, largely through volunteer efforts by their members. Together these two associations are making great strides in systematically applying technologies like laser scanning to improve the productivity and precision of the industry. Outside, however, it was all about the trades. Build Your Future, for example, is helping show youth – and their parents – about the exciting and well-paying opportunities in the construction trades.  

3.  Technology is no longer a zone

The first time I attended World of Concrete, some years ago, technology seemed like an afterthought – like something we all knew would be important (someday) but wasn’t “real” like the big equipment. This year, however, I observed that most booths contained some element of technology, from 3D guidance systems front-and-center for paving machines, to tool-tracking systems built in to hand-held tools.  This is an apt analogue to the changes I encourage, and am starting to see, within construction firms, where technology starts to be part of the DNA of the organization, not something reserved for a few geeks in the corner.

4.  Let’s not pretend they’re not big kids’ toys

For all the buffed, polished displays, there’s also plenty of opportunity to get your hands on the equipment and experience it. And, I can see from the looks on folks’ faces, this is downright fun. In one parking lot, there was a rink where you could participate in a competition with ride-on trowels. In another area, you could experience many different types of construction equipment, or even test your driving skills with a tandem dump truck in a specified circuit.

5.  These things are big. Really big.

I’ve spent my whole career in construction, so of course I’m aware of the size of the equipment we use on our projects.  But usually a concrete truck pulling up to a large jobsite is dwarfed by the size of the frame that’s being poured. At World of Concrete, however, when inside the building, the size of these machines really stands out. It’s simply impressive to see so much equipment, with every square inch polished and shined, ready to head out to build our world.

World of Concrete is a great show to attend to learn what’s new, what’s hot and what’s on its way out in the construction industry. I’m looking forward to attending again next year when it’s held again in Las Vegas 4-7 February 2020.

Did you attend this year's WoC event? What was your favorite takeaway?

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