Emerald Expositions, which owns and operates National Pavement Expo, has decided to augment that 33-year-old event with a new event aimed at the West Coast market. Called National Pavement Expo West, the new event will be "co-dated" with another Emerald Expos show, the International Fastener Expo. In a conversation with Pavement, Russ Turner, NPE show manager, outlined some of the plans and thinking behind the launch of National Pavement Expo West.
Pavement: Emerald Expositions has decided to launch National Pavement Expo West as a sister show to the successful National Pavement Expo, which Emerald acquired in 2016. First, can you give me the dates and locations of the NPE West event?
Russ Turner: Yes, we are very excited to announce this launch.The show will be Wednesday, October 31 through Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.
Pavement: It's great to see another industry event that can build on National Pavement Expo.
Turner: NPE is such an influential event for the pavement maintenance and reconstruction industry, from the education to the comradery, it truly is one of a kind. It has such a great, loyal following of contractors and manufacturers. We look forward to expanding that sphere of influence to contractors located on the western U.S.
Pavement: What encouraged Emerald to launch this NPE West event? What kind of audience research was done and can you go into industry demand a little more?
Turner: See a need, fill a need! Market demand fueled by requests of the NPE community inspired this launch. Currently, there is no show that completely services professionals in the pavement maintenance and reconstruction industry located on the West Coast. This geotargeted event will allow western regional contractors ease of access to suppliers.
Pavement: I know you haven’t started promoting it yet, having just announced it at NPE in Cleveland, but what has been the reaction so far of the people you’ve talked with?
Turner: Exhibitors and attendees alike are excited and have expressed great interest in hearing more about NPE West. We have received numerous inquiries over the last year from contractors specifically asking if we would ever come to Vegas. It is clear that there is a need to help service groups on the West Coast.
Pavement: What will the components of the event be?
Turner: We envision NPE West to be both a product showcase and a vibrant networking event. This regional event is strategically timed so folks can see, touch and consider some of the products they’ll need in the upcoming paving and pavement maintenance season. But they’ll also be able to take a well-deserved moment to catch up with colleagues and enjoy the destination.
Pavement: Can you explain the co-dating a bit. What does that mean and how does it work?
Turner: NPE West will co-date with the International Fastener Expo, which is also produced by Emerald Expositions. That event brings together manufacturers and distributors of fasteners, precision formed parts, and machinery and tooling. Though these two events will run independently of one other, attendees from each will be granted access to both exhibit halls. Where synergies exist, it could present interesting opportunities for some of the participants.
Pavement: What are Emerald’s expectations for this event, both short and long-term?
Turner: NPE West will complement NPE. To be clear, it is a supplemental event and not an alternative one. Based on response to date, we anticipate a successful event launch that generates a lot of momentum. The fundamental purpose of this regional expansion is to increase connections between contractors and manufacturers. Bottom line, it is our business to help customers grow their business.
Pavement: When can contractors expect to learn more about the NPE West details and when will registration be open?
Turner: NPE West was formally announced following NPE in Cleveland. From there we’ll begin information and promotional efforts leading up to the launch in October. Registration is scheduled to open in mid-June.
