World of Concrete (WOC) has recently concluded its 47th edition, drawing close to 37,000 registered professionals, announced the show organiser Informa Markets.

Held from 18 to 20 January 2022 (education: 17 to 20 January) in Las Vegas, the US, WOC 2022 took over 632,000 net sq ft of the newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC). The show hosted over 1,100 participating companies in the expo hall, just over 150 of which were first-time exhibitors.

“The level of engagement from companies of all sizes and corners of the industry was very encouraging, especially following the past couple challenging years, and points to the revival of the trade show industry and continued growth of the construction and masonry sectors,” remarked Jackie James, group director of World of Concrete.

“We are thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received from our community, buyers and suppliers alike, and look forward to seeing a wealth of new business partnerships and industry innovation resulting from the event.”

Educational sessions

WOC’s educational programme serves as an incubator for knowledge sharing and technical know-how, helping the industry overcome challenges and tap into new opportunities for growth.

With more than 11,000 expert-led sessions, this year’s highly curated education explored a balance of technical and forward-looking topics, ranging from 3D printing in concrete construction, women in construction, waterproofing: the next generation of solutions, and more.

Ms James said, “Year after year, industry professionals flock to World of Concrete for its highly regarded education and the unique opportunity to garner technical certifications to help professionals navigate this complex industry. This year was no different; we were pleased to see meeting rooms packed with engaged attendees bouncing ideas off peers – it is admirable to witness this industry’s continued ambition to grow and share ideas.”

Not only does the industry gather at WOC for deal-making and education, but also to witness and demo the most cutting-edge products available on the market and experience the latest industry developments that lay the groundwork for the coming year. Trends from the 2022 edition include, among others:

• Greater jobsite productivity, with new battery systems that deliver more power to the hand tools used to perform demanding concrete tasks, such as drilling, cutting and demolition;

• Introduction of equipment that is automating concrete construction activities, including 3D printing, rebar tying and drilling overhead holes;

• Entrance of new materials that increase contractor productivity while still ensuring durable repairs;

• Streamlined data management systems that enable contractors to tighten a project’s critical path;

• And product and equipment updates that reduce a project’s carbon footprint and increase contractor productivity.

Other highlights

Returning for the 17th consecutive year, the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) programme organised its silent & live auctions, generating an “all-time record” of more than US$1,740,000, shared Informa. The CIM programme has been developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management.

Furthermore, the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 World Championship event crowned Mason Cole Stamper as the ‘World’s Best Bricklayer,’ along with his mason tender, Jeff Becker. The two took home top honours and bragging rights, in addition to a new Ford F250 4x4 truck and more than US$10,000 in cash and prizes. Scott Tuttle and mason tender Brian Tuttle locked in the second most coveted award at the event, the Spec Mix Top Craftsman, laying 730 brick in one hour. Their effort won the Tuttles a new Kubota RTV-X1140, plus more than US$10,000 in cash and prizes.

New this year and central to WOC’s core values, Informa formalised the show’s commitment to sustainability in collaboration with renewable energy partner/sponsor Hilti. The programme was intentionally executed with three objectives: inspiring sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and social responsibility – each pledge supporting the WOC’s commitment to shaping the concrete industry for a sustainable future.

Thanks to Hilti’s renewable electricity sponsorship, Informa said WOC’s electricity use is powered by sustainable and renewable energy sources, saving an estimated 204 t of CO2e.