World of Concrete successfully concludes 50th edition
World of Concrete (WOC), the largest and most expansive event dedicated to the growing concrete construction and masonry industries, concluded its legendary 50th anniversary last week in Las Vegas. The 2024 edition gathered nearly 60,000 registered professionals from various industry sectors for three days of exhibition and four days of education, a 23 percent increase from 2023. Over 1,400 leading companies and an all-time high 185 education sessions highlighted the event's continuing importance to the evolving industry landscape as a platform to develop, connect, explore and learn.
The second largest tradeshow in Vegas, covering more than 700,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, convened large crowds in bustling exhibit halls, packed competitions and at-capacity training sessions. Over 450 international exhibitors from around the world, a milestone 325 first-time exhibitors, and well-known brand names like Caterpillar, Hilti, Husqvarna, John Deere, Makita and Stihl comprised the tools, resources and tricks fuelling the future of the trade. New audiences and the incoming next generation of concrete professionals continue to be a focus for increasing visibility in the sector.
"Every year, World of Concrete serves as the cornerstone where concrete and masonry professionals exchange knowledge and hone skills that propel businesses forward. We are proud to host the global meeting point that resources the tradespeople who are building the future of America," shares Jackie James, Vice President of World of Concrete. "We emphasize creating real-world scenarios, hands-on situations to try and test products and share expertise, which is what makes WOC so unique and our community so special. We look forward to continuing to share the latest and greatest in concrete and masonry for another 50 years to come."
Deemed the Super Bowl of Masonry, the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Championship competition took place on January 24, and gathered large audiences to watch enthusiastically as bricklayers from around the country competed for the grand prize after a series of annual regional events. Winners of this year's competition were Wisconsin duo Michael Schlund and tender Aaron Kowalski laying an astounding 752 bricks in one hour to defend their title as the World's Best Bricklayer for the second consecutive year, taking home a trophy, cash prizes and a brand-new Chevrolet truck.
Additional events included the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Live and Silent Auctions, raising a collective $1.8 million for the Concrete Industry Management programs at five public universities, Chico State, Middle Tennessee, New Jersey's Science & Technology, Texas State and South Dakota State, all of which offer four-year degrees in CIM. Auction items included a concrete mixer truck donated by Mack Trucks, Inc. and Revolution Concrete Mixers; a Peterbilt & ConTech mixer truck; and a concrete pumper donated by Alliance Concrete Pumps & Pape Kenworth.
In honour of the 50th anniversary, World of Concrete donated 50 trees to the Las Vegas Tree Initiative. The ongoing program aims to lower the urban heat island effect that currently makes Las Vegas the fastest-warming city in the United States.
World of Concrete continues to serve as a hub for exploration and innovation as leading exhibitors announced new products on the show floor, administering first-time reveals of new software, tools and machinery poised to increase efficiencies and safety. Mack Trucks showcased the MackGranite, Mack MD7, and Mack TerraPro concrete pumper models, Bosch demonstrated an impressive assortment of cordless power tools, Milwaukee Tool disclosed new submersible pumps and DeWalt highlighted cordless technology and concrete sensors.
Solidifying the bond, the concrete and masonry communities share, WOC also officiated a wedding ceremony this year at the main front entrance, celebrating the pride, commitment and resilience the workers of this field are inspired to carry within their daily lives.
The next edition of World of Concrete will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center during January 21-23 (Education 20-23), 2025.
