4 Lessons Learned at ConExpo 2011

Posted by Mike McWilliams; April 4, 2011

Two days after returning from ConExpo/ConAgg 2011 in Las Vegas my mind is still reeling with all the conversations and innovations at the show and the proof that the construction industry is starting to see the light at the end of this economic downturn. If you were able to attend this event I'm sure that you are feeling similar, and if you were not able to attend I'll try to describe the show.

ConExpo, which occurs every three years, is the largest construction industry tradeshow. This year approximately 2,000 exhibitors and just under 120,000 individuals descended upon Las Vegas, NV and the Las Vegas Convention Center. As an exhibitor, we met people from across the globe, from the US to Australia to Ghana to the UK. Our fellow exhibitors ranged from the big OEMs like Caterpillar and John Deere to software vendors like Viewpoint Construction and HCSS and there was everything in between.

With so many people and companies it was impossible not to take something away from the event. Here are the top 4 things I learned & reaffirmed while at ConExpo:

1. Efficiency is the key to success- We've all known this since our days in school, however the economy has helped us realize this and now drives businesses in every area to strive for efficiencies, the technologies introduced at ConExpo, whether in equipment or software, demonstrated new and old ways to do more with less.
2. Things are looking up- Despite the down economy over the last few years things are picking up. Attendees and exhibitors alike were ready to make investments in equipment, technology, and services. Many talked about how they were glad they made it through the downturn and have begun to see things turning around.
3. Gumbo in construction terms- Thanks to our fellow exhibitor neighbor Humdinger, I now know what gumbo soil is and for those of you who are wondering here's a great definition: Gumbo Soil
4. Technology is converging with the construction industry- The stereotype is that the construction industry is slow to adopt technology. Walking around the technology section of the convention I would have to disagree, I think the industry has learned that technology, the internet, and especially the new personal devices, including iPhones and droids, in the market will increase efficiencies in the office and even more so at the job sites.

I can't wait to attend ConExpo in 2014, but in the meantime I'm looking forward to the CFMA Annual Conference in May and many more on the docket for remaining 2011.

Mike McWilliams is the VP of Business Development at 3t Systems.