CHICAGO — A just-published POLITICO Focus digital content hub, “Building America’s Promise,” shines a light on the modern-day construction industry, efforts to transform the sector, and its premier show — CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)’s 2023 Economic Impact Report found that 11% of manufacturing jobs are supported by the construction industry, and equipment manufacturers contribute $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy — greater than the GDP of Finland.
In addition to showcasing the faces and stories of the industry, the hub promotes the industry’s economic impact to the news organization’s politically-savvy business and consumer audience and is a call to action for pro-growth policies.
The hub also includes a call to action to policymakers on critical issues like how to reduce the regulatory burden around infrastructure projects and how to make it easier to attract more talent to the trades. “The health of the equipment manufacturing sector is directly tied to the success of larger national priorities,” Megan Tanel, President and CEO of AEM, said in a video featured on the site.
Related. 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Was the Largest Edition of the Show in History
AEM held a “Celebration of Construction” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., May 14-16 to showcase the industry’s innovations. The exhibit was toured by. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, along with dozens of members of Congress.
“The issues and priorities that will define our sector in the next five years include workforce, sustainability and developing this landscape for the future of technology and innovation,” Tanel said during the event. “The speed of technology and how fast everything is changing is opening the door to a lot of opportunity. Our job is to recognize opportunities to upskill the workforce and make sure that they can do the jobs that are available through that new technology.
She sees the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG as a chance to bring industry leaders and Congressional representatives back together again.
“What AEM needs to ensure the long-term health of this industry is conversation, the opportunity to be at the table, and to work with them on what the future holds.
“The largest event in the Western Hemisphere is run by this industry, by this association. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is an opportunity to come together — all of the associations, the equipment manufacturers, components manufacturers and service providers,” she said. There, they can discuss policy and its impact, and “take that moment to really let the world know how important this industry is.”
CONEXPO-CON/AGG will take place March 3-7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Festival Grounds.
To get more events industry news, subscribe to TSE’s free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.
