LAS VEGAS — The triennial construction event CONEXPO-CON/AGG returned to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and the Las Vegas Festival Grounds March 3-7, 2026.
Even with political headwinds, it welcomed more than 140,000 professionals from around the globe, with 128 countries represented.
“Our team worked closely with international associations and partners to ensure global participation remained strong, even as economic and geopolitical dynamics evolve,” Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s Show Director, said. “The result was a truly global event where contractors, manufacturers and technology leaders could meet face-to-face to build partnerships and conduct business.”
The show featured more than 2,000 exhibitors across more than three million net square feet of exhibit space, and showcased thousands of pieces of equipment and the technologies that are transforming construction.
“Growth was fueled by strong collaboration with exhibitors and industry partners,” Wuesthoff added. “In the months leading up to the show, we hosted virtual media events, product briefings and expanded digital promotion. By the time the show opened, there was already strong anticipation across the industry.
“Because CONEXPO-CON/AGG takes place only once every three years, it has become the premier stage for companies to launch equipment, announce partnerships and meet customers from around the world.”
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Enhanced Navigation
CONEXPO-CON/AGG spans millions of square feet of exhibit space across multiple venues, and improving attendee navigation is an enduring priority for its team.
“For 2026, we implemented several strategies designed to make the experience more intuitive and efficient,” Wuesthoff added. “One focus was refining how exhibitors were organized across the show floor, grouping companies and technologies in ways that made it easier for attendees to discover relevant equipment, services and solutions. These adjustments helped create a more logical flow for visitors exploring the show’s massive footprint.”
The event also made use of the LVCC’s new upgrades.
“The upgraded meeting spaces supported hundreds of education sessions, exhibitor meetings and press conferences, while the connected walkway improvements and the LVCC Loop transportation system helped attendees move quickly between halls across the expansive campus,” Wuesthoff said.
Updated Education and Experiences
Education remained one of the defining features of CONEXPO-CON/AGG. In 2026, the show introduced several new efforts designed to engage attendees in different ways.
For Wuesthoff, one of the most exciting additions was expanded Friday and Saturday programming, designed to give attendees valuable targeted learning and networking opportunities.
This included three new initiatives:
- Small Business Conference: A dedicated program focused on helping contractors and entrepreneurs grow their businesses, covering topics such as leadership, financial planning, workforce management and technology adoption.
- EmpowerHER: A program to highlight and support women in construction through networking, leadership conversations and discussions about expanding career opportunities across the industry.
- Shop Talks & Walks: A hands-on learning experience where attendees participated in interactive discussions and demonstrations focused on equipment maintenance, shop operations and practical jobsite solutions.
“These programs created meaningful engagement before the official opening and reinforced CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s role as a place where professionals come to learn, connect and grow their businesses,” Wuesthoff explained.
At the show’s Ground Breakers Stage, industry executives, technology leaders and innovators discussed ideas shaping the future of construction.
These sessions were livestreamed and are available on demand, generating thousands of additional views and extending CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s thought leadership beyond the show floor.
Also, the event expanded programming focused on workforce development, safety, sustainability and business management, helping contractors navigate the evolving challenges facing the industry.
It expanded structured engagement opportunities for media and industry stakeholders as well, including Media Monday, which brought together exhibitors unveiling major innovations in coordinated press conference sessions.
“This format helped journalists efficiently cover multiple announcements while giving exhibitors a strong platform to share news,” Wuesthoff said. “Successfully coordinating an event of this scale requires extensive planning and collaboration, and the CONEXPO-CON/AGG team works year-round with exhibitors, venue partners and industry organizations to ensure the experience is seamless for attendees.”
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