With the 2017 edition of the World of Concrete show now in the rear view mirror, I write this column thinking about how energized and upbeat both attendees and exhibitors were about the upward momentum of the industry. As I walked the show floor, both indoors and out, I felt a buzz in the air, that I can say, I haven’t felt in a few years.
While representatives of the World of Concrete have reported the event drew 50,770 registered attendees and featured more than 1,455 exhibiting companies, it’s easy to feel upbeat.
During my travels around the show, I was told by several exhibiting companies they were having a record selling show. Equipment and products were being sold off the show floor at levels not seen in a few years. Good news for manufacturers.
Meanwhile, contractors told me their reasons for attending the show was to learn about new products and network with their peers. While others said they came because they were ready to make “big ticket” purchases to update their current fleet of equipment. Sounds like good news for contractors too.
If this momentum keeps up through the year, I would expect the concrete industry to continue its upward push back to levels prior to the Great Recession. All good signs the concrete industry is in recovery and rebuild mode which makes a positive impact on both manufacturers and concrete contractors.
If you were unable to attend the show this year, worry not – we have a jam-packed section of products featured at the show. Turn to page 16 to explore all of what we discovered at the show. Don’t forget to also visit, www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete to see even more that didn’t make the pages of this issue. There you will find not only a variety of products and company updates, but you can also visit the Video Network, http://www.forconstructionpros.com/media-center, where our editorial team interviewed leading industry experts about their products, services and in some cases industry issues.
On another note, I’m happy to announce, the 2nd edition of the Concrete Polishing and Staining Conference will be held October 5-7, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pa. If you’re a contractor who performs polished concrete work, you’ll want to attend to take advantage of first-class educational seminars and have the opportunity to visit with industry leading exhibitors. More information will be available mid- to late February at www.CPSConference.com.
In the meantime, sit back, and peruse our first issue of the year. We hope you enjoy it!
