ConExpo-Con/AGG and IFPE 2014 took center stage in Las Vegas March 4 to 8 with tremendous energy and serious buyers. Total registration of 129,364 soared past the last edition of the shows as they achieved the second-highest attendance in their history. The shows also set new records for exhibit space, number of exhibitors and education tickets sold.
The co-located ConExpo-Con/AGG and IFPE, at the Las Vegas (USA) Convention Center, delivered a global showcase of the newest product innovations and technologies for the construction, construction materials and fluid power/power transmission/motion control industries with more than 1,000 new products and services on display.
Attendees also took advantage of the shows’ strong industry education programs and the unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry peers, take the pulse of what’s happening and learn what the future holds.
“The enthusiasm and traffic on the show floor was just incredible. Exhibitors cited the high quality of attendees; they told us these were serious buyers and reported robust sales to existing as well as new customers that exceeded their expectations,” said Megan Tanel, ConExpo-Con/AGG show director.
Quality Attendance, International Scope
ConExpo-Con/AGG and IFPE 2014 maintained the growing international scope of the shows with international registrations totaling more than 31,000, or an increase of nine percent from the most recent events. The number of countries represented increased to 170 from 159 in 2011, and the number of international attendees matched the record 24 percent of total attendance set in 2011. International attendance drew heavily from Latin America, China, Canada and Europe.
More than 75 percent of show visitors were in managerial roles (with 36 percent of these with the top titles of president/owner and vice president/general manager/chief financial officer).
Both shows set new records for exhibit space and number of exhibitors, ConExpo-Con/AGG with more than 2.35 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space and more than 2,000 exhibitors, and IFPE with more than 161,000 net sq. ft. and 400 exhibitors.
A record 41,000 education ticket sales were sold to the shows’ education programs, underscoring their relevance to helping attendees succeed in today’s business environment.
“ConExpo-Con/AGG and IFPE 2014 reflected the feeling of momentum building in the industry. We are industry-run shows with industry needs put first; these show numbers are a testament to the value attendees, exhibitors, and other stakeholders derive from their participation,” said Melissa Magestro, IFPE show director.
Global Industry Gathering Place
Among the show visitors were Acting U.S Deputy Secretary of Commerce Patrick D. Gallagher, Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Victor Mendez and former U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, who served as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2007 to 2011.
The shows were chosen for the prestigious U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) International Buyer Program, which helps facilitate global attendance. More than 50 official international attendee delegations were organized by DOC as well as show industry partners.
More than 95 allied associations and groups were official supporting organizations, coming from the United States, Canada and 16 other countries worldwide.
Several national industry associations held their annual conventions or high-level board meetings at the shows; they joined hundreds of other industry and company meetings, from large events to smaller committees and other groups, all taking advantage of the shows to meet and share knowledge and learn from one another.
Education, Exhibits
The ConExpo-Con/AGG 2014 education program covered 120 sessions over 10 targeted tracks. The IFPE Technical Conference anchored IFPE 2014 education, joined by half-day “college-level courses” and a new Fluid Power Seminar series, from Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine.
ConExpo-Con/AGG featured a new Demolition & Recycling exhibit pavilion from the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) and the Technology & Construction Solutions pavilion from the Associated General Contractors of America.
IFPE featured exhibit pavilions from the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) and for sensors manufacturers and product suppliers.
Reinforcing the global scope of the shows were eight international exhibit pavilions: ConExpo-Con/AGG with China, Ireland, Korea, Spain and United Kingdom, and IFPE with China, Italy and Taiwan.
Show safety and education/training events at the shows included:
• NRMCA International Truck Mixer Driver Championship, from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
• Lift Safety Zone, from NCCCO National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators and IPAF International Powered Access Federation
• Crane Operator Rodeo from Maximum Capacity Media
Industry recognition and networking events and programs also amplified the show experience:
• Innovation Awards program (from Diesel Progress magazine and global powertrain specialist ZF Friedrichshafen)
• Young Leaders event (from Construction Equipment magazine)
• Quality of Life industry recognition campaign (from Dexter + Chaney)
• 5K Run/Walk benefiting the non-profit Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (from Maximum Capacity Media)
• Night at the Race Track hospitality event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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