World of Concrete remains the industry’s global focal point of innovation.

Rick Yelton, Editor at Large, World of Concrete

On the occasion of celebrating 50 years of World of Concrete, how do you look back to the transformation of the global concrete industry over the years?

For the past half-century, World of Concrete has showcased the introduction of machine technology into finishing and pumping, advances in material technology that yield more sustainable concrete and durable concrete mixes, and business and design software that allows contractors to be more efficient. These significant improvement trends have enabled design professionals to utilize concrete as their preferred construction material.

What are the major attractions of this World of Concrete, being the landmark edition?

Our exhibitors unveil new products and services that benefit contractors and material producers every year. Supporting these introductions in 2024, we will have a host of interactive technique demonstrations. Our Decorative Concrete LIVE! area has been a crowd favourite for years, focusing on new techniques that transform grey concrete surfaces into dynamic expressions of art. Our Expressions in Concrete LIVE! will feature artists using cementitious products that artisans can use to achieve innovative surfaces to hold the many hues on different media. Artificial Rock Sculpting LIVE! will showcase artisans showing a hybrid technique where construction meets art, artificial stone carving is found on vertical, decorative, and structural features, enhancing standard commercial and residential construction elements. The Face® Companies’ 2024 Golden Trowel® Awards will be presented on January 24, 2024, honouring the contractors from around the world who produce the world’s flattest and most level floors. The Decorative Concrete Experience is an interactive area where attendees can learn how to participate and prosper in these dynamic market segments of the concrete industry. The Experience will feature live and recorded short peer-to-peer presentations from industry experts on topics crafted to help new and experienced practitioners improve their businesses.

How is the World of Concrete acting as a platform to meet the expectations of global construction industry customers?

World of Concrete remains the industry’s global focal point of innovation. Our exhibitors will unveil hundreds of product introductions and upgrades to proven technologies. There are two ways to view what is new at this year’s show.

Our New Product Zone features a wide array of products contractors can use to improve their on-site productivity.

The 2024 Innovative Product Awards program allows our global community to vote on products nominated in specific categories, judging the entry as an improvement to the current state-of-the-art of particular tasks.

How are you prepared for meeting the expectations of the exhibitors and visitors at the 50th edition of World of Concrete?

This edition of World of Concrete will be one of the most comprehensive events we have ever produced. To help our attendees be productive, we recommend that everyone download THE WORLD OF CONCRETE 2024 MOBILE APP. The World of Concrete Mobile App will allow attendees to access current event information. The app features include:

•    An interactive show floor map.

•    The catalogue of our educational activities and special programs.

•    Links to our media partner publication.

•    Up-to-date show notifications.

Attendees can also manage their agenda using the digital show planner to organize their education sign-up, witness our series of live events, and schedule booth visits with key exhibitors. We encourage everyone to retain the app following the show as a reference to their visit.

What are your expectations from the global concrete industry players at World of Concrete 2024?

The concrete industry is embracing new approaches to structural designs, materials, and construction techniques that will lower a project’s carbon footprint. This global initiative will continue positioning concrete construction as a sustainable project solution. And just as important, we hope that the innovations unveiled in January will be shown at World of Concrete international events in 2024. A visit to our International Concrete Construction booth in the Grand Concourse will showcase our international events and allow exhibitors and attendees to learn more about these international events.