As the countdown begins for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the construction industry’s largest North American trade show is honoring its 117-year legacy as a catalyst for equipment innovation and industry progress.
What started in 1909 as the "Road Show" in Columbus, Ohio — with just 40 manufacturers in a 40,000-sq-ft exhibit hall — has grown into a 2.9 million-sq-ft, 2,000-exhibitor event that draws professionals from across the globe. Held every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG showcases the latest technology, equipment and ideas shaping the future of construction.
A Look Back: 117 Years of Progress
The show has gone through several transformations over the years:
- 1909 – The inaugural Road Show debuts in Columbus, Ohio.
- 1928 – The Concrete & Aggregates Show begins in Detroit.
- 1963 – The show rebrands as the Construction Equipment Exposition & Road Show.
- 1969 – The name “ConExpo” officially appears.
- 1996 – ConExpo and Con/Agg merge into a single event in Las Vegas.
- 2005 – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) takes over show management.
- 2018 – AEM secures operational rights through 2040.
Since the 1996 merger, the show’s growth has been exponential. In 2023, CONEXPO-CON/AGG drew more than 139,000 attendees, including 24,000 international visitors from 133 countries. The number of exhibitors has jumped from 800 in 1996 to more than 2,000 in 2023.
What to Expect in 2026
The next edition of CONEXPO-CON/AGG returns to Las Vegas from March 3–7, 2026, and promises to deliver another record-setting experience:
- 2,000 exhibitor brands
- 2.9 million sq ft of indoor and outdoor exhibit space
- 150+ education sessions covering equipment technology, sustainability, business growth, and workforce development
- New Ground Breakers Stage, plus small business-focused content and EmpowerHER workshops
“CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s scale, scope, and spirit reflect over a century of industry progress,” said Dana Wuesthoff, Show Director. “This event continues to elevate the construction sector by amplifying innovation, insight, and influence.”
Owned in partnership by AEM, NRMCA, and NSSGA, and managed by AEM, CONEXPO-CON/AGG remains the must-attend event for construction professionals across the equipment, materials and technology sectors.
For more information or to plan your visit, head to conexpoconagg.com.
