The greatest show on earth

Words: Jennifer MorrellGuess who: a person with ice applied to sore knees, pulled back muscles, and more than 20 miles traveled by foot in about three days. Sounds like an athlete, huh? Maybe a NBA or NHL player? Actually, that person is me — after a trip to Las Vegas to cover Conexpo.

The number of attendees at the 2014 Conexpo- Con/Agg show last month was estimated at 150,000. I believe this estimation to be true. This, the largest trade show I ever have or, most likely, ever will cover, was a booming success. Meeting appointments with our masonry industry clients every half hour sometimes required a light jog across the many concrete lots. All of my time playing Pacman and Frogger as a kid paid off as I maneuvered the aisles of the crowded halls.

This show only takes place every three years, and although the Masonry Magazine team returns feeling a little battered and bruised, we all agree it’s a highly productive trip. Even better than the sprawling array of construction equipment is the variety of attendees from nearly every culture and country you can name. It’s a gentle reminder of just how important our business is — not only in the United States — but around the globe.

If you missed the show this time around, I suggest you try to make the 2017 Conexpo- Con/Agg show. If you did attend Conexpo/Con/Agg this year, I’d love to learn about your experience and see your photos. Email me at jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com, or post to our Facebook page.
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