The well-known World of Concrete 2012 launched a wide range of new products and events, more than 100 seminars in the Education and Certification Program; and provided valuable opportunities for exhibitors and attendees.
World of Concrete 2012, the only annual international commercial construction trade show for the concrete and masonry industries, attracted 52,088 total professional registrants and showcased just more than 1,200 indoor/outdoor exhibitors in more than 552,500 net square feet of exhibit space, an increase of 40,000 net square feet over the 2011 show.
“There was a very positive and optimistic buzz on the show floor. WOC 2012 has been a huge success, and based on the feedback we have received from both exhibitors and attendees, we have no doubt the economy is recovering and the commercial construction industry is well on its way to a great 2012!” said Show Director Jackie James.
Many exhibitors at WOC 2012 reported positive results and a desire to return to the show in 2013.
“Our first year at World of Concrete was beyond anything we imagined,” said exhibitor Stuart Johnson, president of Phoenix Curb Machines. “We left the show with sales, distributors, solid leads, multiple media interviews, and valuable connections.”
World of Concrete participated in the 2012 International Buyer Program for the 7th consecutive year. World of Concrete Management and the U.S. Commercial Service cooperated in the global promotion of the show to bring international buyers and U.S. exhibitors together to expand business both domestically and overseas. Delegations from all over the globe attended World of Concrete to connect with U.S. exhibitors interested in exporting goods and services in the International Business Center.
Concrete professionals had a choice of several events to attend. The Concrete Construction Challenge featured entertaining events that combined precision, speed and focus, including Pervious Concrete LIVE! During the Concrete Polishing & Staining Luncheon & Forum, experts in the concrete polishing industry gathered to discuss what contractors need to know to help grow business while emphasizing the importance of concrete polishing specifications.
Other events featured were The Concrete Producer’s Challenge, including the popular John Deere Operator’s Challenge and the Western Star Serious Trucks Challenge. The 10th annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National bricklaying championship was held on Jan. 25, at the World of Concrete. The 60-minute bricklaying competition featured the best bricklayers in the world traveling from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and even Australia to test their levels of skill, speed and stamina. The popular event positioned 21, two-person teams made up of a mason and mason tender who competed to lay the most brick while meeting strict quality standards. Leif Reints of Reints Masonry Works in Neosho, Mo., won first place after laying 583 bricks in one hour and took home a new Ford F-250 4x4 truck, $5,000 cash and sponsor prizes worth thousands of dollars.
SAIA’s Safety Boot Camp contestants performed a visual inspection of various types of scaffolding. These inspections simulated actual jobsite conditions that could be encountered on masonry construction jobsites.
MCAA (Masonry Contractors Association of America) held its Annual Convention at WOC. In addition to several educational sessions, MCAA featured two events; the International Masonry Skills Challenge and the Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition.
World of Concrete also provided attendees an Education Program sponsored by White Cap Construction Supply with expert-led seminars, packed with leading-edge advice on how to reduce costs, improve profits and save time.