National Pavement Expo West, which has been held in Las Vegas for the last 10 years, will undergo a major overhaul for the 2011 show, according to Amy Schwandt, publisher of Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction.
In addition to a move to San Diego's Town & Country Resort, NPE West also will be extended one day and will include an opportunity for exhibitors to conduct live demonstrations of their equipment. The 2011 event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30 - Saturday, Dec. 3.
"Live demonstrations are an exciting element we've tried to include in recent years but the Las Vegas location made that difficult," Schwandt said. "Part of the reason we've moved this year's show to San Diego is we can provide exhibitors an opportunity to demonstrate their equipment, and we're looking forward to being the only industry trade show that offers the excitement of live demonstrations."
Schwandt said the live demonstrations will be conducted on two days, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, in the afternoon. She said the show hopes to be able to offer demonstrations of sealcoating, cracksealing, infrared repair, sweeping, and pavement marking. Schwandt said milling, paving, and patching demonstrations are also a possibility, and details of all demonstrations will be released as exhibitors commit to the program. "Since 2000 the NPE West show has been an annual event for contractors in the western U.S. and we think the enhancements we're planning will make it an annual event for contractors throughout the country," Schwandt said.
In addition to a change in location and the addition of live demonstrations, the show also will receive a new name, which Schwandt said will be announced on Pavement magazine's Facebook page soon.
"So anyone who wants to be the first to know the new name should 'like' Pavement on Facebook," Schwandt said. "We'll also announce demonstration participants and speakers there first as they are added to the program."
She said that in addition to adding live demonstrations, one of the advantages of adding a full day to the show is the expansion of the conference program. In recent years NPE West has offered 31 sessions but with the new format contractors will be able to choose from among 39 seminars and workshops.
"This is very exciting time for Pavement magazine as we expand and upgrade this conference and trade show," Schwandt said. "Cygnus Business Media has always been a strong supporter of the paving and pavement maintenance industry and this is another effort to give the industry what it wants. We have received great support from the industry over the years and early responses from contractors and exhibitors indicate these changes have enthusiastic industry support. There's a lot of energy out there and we think this redesigned show will tap into it."
Following is the schedule for the Nov. 30-Dec. 3 San Diego event:
Wednesday, November 30
9-Noon, Conference 1:00-4:30, Conference 4:30-5:30, FREE Roundtables
Thursday, December 1
8:00 -11:30, Conference 11:00-3:30, Exhibits 2:30 -5:00, Live Demonstrations 5:00-6:00 FREE Roundtables
Friday, December 2
8:00 -11:30, Conference 11:00-5:00, Exhibits 1:30 -4:00, Live Demonstrations 3:00-5:00 Network Nite Reception (on Exhibit Floor)
Saturday, December 3
8:00 -11:30, Conference 9:00-Noon, Exhibits
For regular updates join Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction's Facebook page or visit the NPE West website starting in July.
