This ConExpo article was published in Construction Equipment Guide (CEG) on March 4, 1987. This and other ConExpo articles to follow will be part of a continuing series that take a look back at ConExpos past through the reporting of

CEG. We hope you enjoy these retros as much as we did searching for them deep in our archives.

ConExpo ’87 set new world records in Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 21-26!

The largest international construction equipment exposition in history not only boasted a huge attendance (130,000 people), but also a record 900,000 square feet of exhibit space, with 30,000 tons of equipment, valued at over a half billion dollars, shown by 280 exhibitors.

The city of Las Vegas handled the crowds with great skill and professional courtesy. Everyone was taken care of, except in the casinos, where they were on their own!

Exhibitors at the show said reaction to their displays was unprecedented. Manufacturers interviewed by Construction Equipment Guide said qualified leads were “beyond our wildest dreams.”

One trailer company executive brought a large box chock-full of qualified leads per day back to his office. The box held a treasure trove of 500 to 600 names and companies.

A person represented a manufacturer of heavy-duty quarry equipment said he was “flabbergasted,” not only at the number of inquiries, but also by the fact that his company had sold over $2 million in equipment during the first three days of the show.

Others interviewed by CEG generally expressed the same enthusiasm. One of the largest manufacturers of dozers, loaders, trucks, and all-around earthmoving equipment reported that the number of qualified leads was far beyond expectations.

The show, it was agreed, was “fantastic,” the location was terrific, and the crowds were taken care of very nicely despite the fact that ConExpo ’87 was the largest convention ever held in Las Vegas.

Check-in lines at hotels were minimal, and express check-outs proved a great convenience.

The only long lines were to get into the various hit shows of the week. These included Siegfried & Roy’s “Beyond Belief” show at the Frontier, Bill Cosby at the Las Vegas Hilton, and Tom Jones at the Bally’s Grand (wowing all the gals who showed up).

All these shows were sellouts every night and tickets were rather difficult to come by.

Action Helicopters did a thriving business taking interested daredevils over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and down into the Grand Canyon for some magnificent scenery and experiences.

Besides showcasing the colossal display, ConExpo featured numerous educational seminars on timely subjects.

Sponsored by the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA), assisted by 26 allied industry groups, ConExpo ’87 was well worth waiting six years for.

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