The Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn., hosted this year’s National Pavement Expo (NPE) on January 23 to 26.

Considered to be the largest event specifically dedicated to paving and pavement maintenance professionals, NPE provided attendees with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn new techniques through workshops, seminars, conferences and in-depth industry networking. Industry roundtables were very popular and provided opportunities for industry professionals to network and socialize while sharing challenges, solutions, and actual experiences.

More than 110 exhibitors participated in the show. Many manufacturers also used the NPE platform to unveil their newest product offerings, as well.

For the first time in NPE history, the exhibit floor was opened on the first day of the show for a preview night from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This was an opportunity for attendees to enjoy snacks and refreshments on the exhibit floor while connecting and networking with peers and get a sneak peek at the displays and equipment and supplies of the industry’s leading manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and service providers.

Bruce Monical of Wirtgen America Inc., Antioch, Tenn., was pleased with show’s attendance.

“What we’ve noticed about this show [and I’m not saying this is different from the other shows], folks are here for a reason,” he said. “They’re here to attend the educational seminars and are people in the business that are looking for what products, services and methods are available to them to improve the way they do things to increase their earnings while giving a better product to their customer.”

Dave Dennison, product manager of Bomag, Kewanee, Ill., also was pleased with the NPE show. “It was a good show. For the first time, we brought our new Bomag BM 600/15 trimmer mill and it drew a lot of attention.”