After five jam-packed days of innovative product launches and major company announcements, enlightening education sessions and countless networking opportunities, ConExpo & IFPE 2023 have come to a close, but not before taking the construction industry to the next level.

The show crushed expected attendance numbers, drawing over 1,39,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from March 14-18, 2023 – making it the largest trade show in North America with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over 3 million square feet of exhibit space.

“The innovations in the construction industry unveiled this week will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth,” said Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar senior vice president, and ConExpo/AGG show chair. “Live events in the construction industry are very important because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed this past week across the show floor.”

This year’s show emphasised how the construction industry is evolving in many ways to adapt to sustainable technologies, products, and practices. Show attendees were treated to sustainability in action, from electric and hydrogen-powered construction equipment to more recyclable materials and waste reduction opportunities.

Across the show floor, sustainable technologies, products, and practices included:

Volvo Construction Equipment brought several electric and autonomous pieces to its stand in the Festival Lot, including its EC230 electric excavator pilot, its Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and its HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler.

Just steps away, Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48-600 volts. In addition to that, ConExpo attendees found:

• Aerial work platform specialists Skyjack had its new SJ120 E on hand, a zero-emissions mast lift with a 30 per cent improvement in duty cycle.

• Asphalt recycling equipment from Pavement Recyclers LLC and VSS Macropaver use different processes for recycling asphalt, keeping it out of landfills. Concrete contractors also got in on the green trend when they checked out Holcim’s ECOPact concrete which can eliminate carbon emissions entirely in some instances. Holcim was also the winner of the inaugural Contractors’ Choice for the Next Level Awards.

• Construction pros wanting to maximise their energy efficiency explored Kubota’s V3307 Micro-Hybrid engine for installation in their existing equipment, saving fuel with the attachments they use, like Rototilt’s Rototilt Control system.

• Contractors who work in disaster recovery will be saving up to 600 sandbags per barrier (and not worrying about disposal should it become contaminated) with Rapid Barrier Systems’ water-inflatable barriers, not to mention the fuel needed to haul it on and off-site.

• Demolition contractors will also be reducing waste and preserving still-usable material with Aquajet’s Hydrodemolition robots at the Brokk booth that can help remove damaged concrete while leaving still-good concrete and rebar reinforcement intact.

• According to Wacker Neuson, compaction is another place where low-efficiency engines can be replaced with battery-operated equipment, as they showcased a number of electric tools, including battery-powered, reversible plates.

• Small engine specialists Briggs & Stratton brought its Vanguard brand’s swappable lithium-ion batteries for attendees to test out. And Redline Detection showcased its battery coolant and leak detector.

• B3C Fuel Solutions brought products to the show to help contractors eliminate waste by restoring emulsified/damaged oil and making sure lubricant that does find its way to the environment is non-toxic and biodegradable.

• Waste2Water brought solutions to ConExpo/AGG to help equipment operators keep waste and chemical-laden water out of the environment.

• And AT&T’s Equipment and Machinery Solutions team brought a solution to help track its actual Scope 1 emission versus its targets.

One of the biggest sustainability efforts on the part of ConExpo/AGG directly is a partnership between the show and the Arbor Day Foundation. ConExpo/AGG and the Arbor Day Foundation will be planting 1,39,000+ trees, one for every show registrant in a forest of greatest need.

Additionally, ConExpo/AGG exhibitors, attendees, and fans of the show can contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation’s funds, allowing them to further their goal of involving themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees around the globe.

ConExpo/AGG & IFPE also featured a wide range of educational opportunities, including 190 expert-led sessions on topics such as construction safety, equipment technology, and sustainable building practices.  

“The success of ConExpo/AGG & IFPE 2023 is a testament to the resilience and strength of the construction and fluid power industries, which has continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years,” said Marcia Klein, Treasurer of Casappa Corp., and show chair of IFPE. “We’re proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build.”