ConExpo-Con/Agg celebrates 117 years of history

Held every three years, ConExpo-Con/Agg’s next installment will take place March 3 -7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. It will once again feature the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the construction industry, as well as a top-level educational program.

ConExpo-Con/Agg gears up for 2026 with a century-plus legacy of innovation and industry growth. (Photo: ConExpo-Con/Agg; Association of Equipment Manufacturers)

As the 2026 event nears, the construction industry’s premier event is celebrating its rich 117-year lineage. From its humble beginnings in 1909 to the massive modern-day event, ConExpo-Con/Agg’s evolution embodies the exponential growth of the construction industry.

Major milestones over the years include:

• 1909 – The inaugural Road Show debuted in Columbus, Ohio, spotlighting machinery, soon dubbed “hazardous equipment,” over 40,000  ft. of exhibit space.
• 1928 – Detroit hosted the Combined Biennial Show, later known as the Concrete & Aggregates Show.
• 1963 – The Columbus Road Show rebranded to the Construction Equipment Exposition & Road Show.
• 1969 – “ConExpo” emerged as the new moniker for the event.
• 1996 – ConExpo and Con/Agg formally united under the ConExpo-Con/Agg banner in Las Vegas, transitioning to a triennial frequency.
• 2005 – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) assumed sole responsibility for managing the show. In 2018, it secured operation rights through 2040.

The event has grown dramatically over the years. Compared to 1996, the 2023 edition saw exhibitors rise from 800 to 2,056; exhibit space balloon from 1 million to 2.83 million sq. ft.; and attendees jump from 84,000 to 139,110. In total, ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023 attracted approximately 139,000 visitors, including 24,000 international attendees from 133 countries, with exhibitors representing 36 nations.

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023 attracted approximately 139,000 visitors, including 24,000 international attendees. (Photo: ConExpo-Con/Agg; Association of Equipment Manufacturers)

The 2026 edition is expected to host 2,000 exhibitor brands over 2.9 million sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor displays; 150 educational sessions spanning technology, sustainability and industry best practices; a new Ground Breakers Stage; and new workshops covering Small Business, EmpowerHER and Shop Talks and Walks.

“A century of progress is reflected in CONEXPO‑CON/AGG’s scale, scope and spirit,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director. “This event continues to elevate the equipment manufacturing industry — amplifying innovation, insight and influence.”

For more information about the event, visit https://www.conexpoconagg.com.

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